They’ve dated for years. Not just a couple years.  But like eight years.  Patiently, she waited for those four magic words that can lift a girl right out of her seat: will you marry me?  Patiently, she waited and dreamed of how it would all unfold.  Would he ask during a hike?  During a walk on the beach?  In front of the Christmas tree and family?

It’s called expectations versus reality.  Sometimes things happen in real time.  Sometimes things happen when you throw out the clichés and follow your gut. Sometimes things happen when you least expect them.

It was near midnight at a California airport. Angela had just returned home from a friend’s bachelorette party in Vegas. Exhausted, she greeted her boyfriend, Nick, and climbed into the front cab of his pick-up truck.  Waiting for Nick to load her suitcase into the back, she settled into the familiar passenger’s seat and buckled up.  Closing her eyes and learning her head back, she gave in to those heavy eyelids.  Suddenly, the passenger side door opened.  Startled, she looked down to see Nick with one knee on the ground, extending her grandmother’s wedding ring.  And just like that, he said it.  He couldn’t wait a minute longer.  He just had to propose. “Will you marry me?”  Stunned, right there at the curbside passenger pickup, Angela laughed and said, “Are you serious?!”  She couldn’t believe it was happening to her there and then.  Of course, she said yes, and there they hugged.  Still buckled in.  They hugged. :-)

I just love that story!  It’s so simple.  And yet so funny, thinking about Ang just buckled into her seat.  I admire Nick for just following his gut.  Sometimes it’s the best way to go.

Angela and Nick are Colorado natives, but now reside in San Diego.  He’s an outgoing, funny, surfer boy with a little edge.  She’s a reserved, graphic artist who loves anything crafty to include sewing.  We met up on a cold, extremely windy day here in Colorado Springs to meet for the first time and shoot some terrific engagement portraits. We started in Old Colorado City…

Now the thing about Ang and Nick, is that the first two images aren’t completely them. Sure they’re sweet and affectionate.  But what really jives with them are the goofy portraits.  More to come on those.

Love this one!

Ang loves yoga.  Love her.

Aren’t the gorgeous?

Love this one!  It’s so them.

Okay so these are fun. I asked Ang to do a different pose, with each click of the camera.  Laughter was first.  And of course, the robot was next.

Then it was Nick’s turn.  He was SO funny.  He had like 15 perfect poses, but my favorite two were Hungry Nick and Tourist Dad. LOL

At the risk of giving too much information, this was shot right after Ang accidentally coughed in Nick’s face.  “My mouth was open for that!” he said. We were all laughing so hard!

Angela and Nick, this day was a BLASTY BLAST!  I have a feeling your wedding is going to be crazy-fun.  I wish it was August!  Can’t wait to see you guys again soon!