Jillian & Patrick // Malibu Engagement Session

Jillian & Patrick met in college at UC Davis, where both of them played volleyball. They had a lot of mutual friends, and sophomore year they ended up living across the hall from each other, so they started to hang out all the time in a big group with their roommates. Although they were always hanging out just as buddies, Jillian had her eye on Patrick. Jillian is a beautiful, tan, tall mermaid, and since Patrick also tipped the charts at over 6 feet (and also happened to be handsome as heck), she soon developed a crush on him.

As time went on, Jillian made her crush clear, and eventually she decided she just had to know if Patrick was willing to give her a chance, or if she should accept being just friends and move along her merry way. When she offered up the question and it came down to it, Patrick realized he had feelings for Jillian too, and the two started dating!

Well, six years, two college degrees, and a whole lot of adventures later, Patrick took Jillian to the beautiful El Matador beach in Malibu to ask the big question with their families hidden in tents along the beach. When the time was right, he got down on one knee and asked Jillian to be his wife. Stunned, she said yes, and was soon surprised by family to celebrate!

This past summer, I got to spend time with this tall, dark, & handsome couple when Jillian was a bridesmaid at her friend & my client Taylor’s wedding. Throughout the day as I saw them together, I couldn’t get over how sweet and affectionate Jillian & Patrick were. Every time I looked over to see what was going on at their table, they were wrapped in a different embrace configuration, watching speeches and first dances. When it was their turn on the dance floor, they seemed to have the time of their lives, and I could see clearly how much fun they have together. When Jillian later asked me to photograph their wedding & engagement session, I was freakin’ thrilled.

After 398* reschedules due to travel, weather, and the general mayhem of life, this week we all FINALLY met up back at the scene of the proposal (which also happens to be my absolute favorite spot to shoot engagements). As the sun set, we captured sweet photos of the lovebirds on the golden-light-soaked Malibu shore. The beach was empty (which never happens) and the tide was low & ideal (which makes a big difference at this spot) and we had a total blast. Jillian & Patrick are so playful and natural together, and the three of us chatted and romped to our heart’s content at the picturesque El Matador beach. It just doesn’t get better than this!!!

I am SO excited for J & P’s wedding next fall, and until then, I’ll be staring at this gallery.. with my jaw on the floor.. trying to comprehend Jillian’s beauty.

*It may not have been exactly 398 ;)