The Proposal: Melissa + Allen

I love hearing proposal stories. There are all sorts of ways to ask your loved one to spend the rest of your life with. Whether it's a simple romantic dinner at your house or out and about and the ring is hidden away, I find it fascinating. I wanted to create this new series with my clients so that I can share a little bit more of their story.

This proposal story comes from a recent wedding and it's in Melissa's words how Allen proposed.

I asked, "Was the proposal a surprise?"

She replied,

"YES! My daughter was away, so he told me he was going to take me for a drive in the mountains, this is normal for us (we like to drive around and look for deer, stop along the way and drink a couple cold ones:) He played it really cool and was completely normal as we were driving. We ended up at his cabin at Lake Almanor, which happens to be one of my favorite places to be. He asked if I wanted to go fishing? I of course, said yes, we love to fish together also! With snow on the ground and a chill in the air I thought it was a little odd that he wanted to fish in these conditions, but I went with it. He had both fishing poles ready to bait, so he asked me to pick a couple spinners out of the tackle box. Without really paying much attention I looked for the most colorful one and handed it to him. He handed it back and said this one won't work and told me to pick another, so I did. Again, he handed it back to me and said look again:) He ended up pointing to the slot that had the shiny silver one and I freaked out. He took the ring out of the tackle box and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was in shock, I told him to "shut up", only because he had caught me completely off guard. 

I then of course, said yes, and jumped into his arms!!!!!"

Happy Tuesday!

Sacramento Lifestyle Photography | Family Photographer, Sacramento, CA

Sometimes aside from weddings, I get photograph beautiful families. (and sometimes their 4-legged family members) Here are a few families I'd like to share with you today!

Happy Thursday!

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

I love getting to know people. I love seeing what makes them tick and I love it even more when we can bond over something as silly as a TV show or hobby. It's been awhile since I've posted anything about...well myself...so I thought this would be a good time to share some things about myself that you may not know. I must admit, I am a little embarrassed by some of these 'facts' about me but everyone has a little weird-ness in them, right? Or is it just me...

10 Things About Me:

1. I only had One wisdom tooth that grew in and needed to be pulled...does that make me any less wise?

2. Most embarrassing thing I have on my DVR: Judge Judy. Either that or Real Housewives of Atlanta/Jersey. I would LOVE to hear what yours are!!

3. International countries I have been too: UK, Ireland, France, and Mexico. Bucket list?? Hawaii, Italy, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, and Fiji.

4. Favorite Ice Cream: Either Rocky Road or Cookies and Cream.

5. I was almost going to be named Levi or Joey...but then my family all decided on Ryan. whew! :)

6. I never moved when I was a kid and my parents still live in the house I grew up in.

7. I played piano growing up and the one piece that has always stuck with me is Fur Elise by Beethoven.

8. I write so many post-it notes... Currently I have 14 up in my office. I think I may have a problem.

9. I don't think I'll ever get tired of riding roller coasters. However, when it comes to skydiving...still not sure if I'll ever attempt that.

10.  My sister and I call each other "Best." I was 3 and we were camping and I told her she was my best friend. Ever since then we've called each other 'best.'

but enough about me...what about you? :) 

Featured: Sherry + Matt's San Francisco Engagement Photos on The Lovely Bay

I am incredibly honored to have Matt and Sherry's engagement session featured on The Lovely Bay's wedding blog today! She had some awesome things to say about Matt and Sherry and also their photos. Matt and Sherry's wedding is coming up in July and I know things are getting down to the wire!

Read it here: Matt + Sherry on The Lovely Bay: A Wedding Blog for the San Francisco Bay Area

Happy Friday!

Melissa + Allen | Ranch Wedding | Chico Wedding Photographer

Sometimes, like Rihanna would say, we find love in a hopeless place. Either that or we aren't looking for love when it turns up right before our eyes. And sometimes when we don't know it's right before our eyes, love can grow over time. Let's just say love works in very mysterious ways.

Melissa wasn't expecting to meet Allen the day she was over at her best friends house, lounging by the pool. She was there to enjoy herself and didn't have 'meeting guys' on her mind. Allen, however, thought Melissa was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on and was persistent about getting to know her. Finally, Melissa gave Allen a chance and they went on their first date. At the end of the date, after walking Melissa to her car, Allen put the song "Sweet Melissa" on and they danced in the parking lot. That was the moment she knew this guys was a good one. 

Melissa and Allen tied the knot on a beautiful private ranch that backs up to the Sacramento River in Orland near Chico, California. Melissa has a gorgeous daughter Kendal, whom they incorporated very nicely into the wedding.  Melissa and Allen have been together for 5 years exactly, marrying on the day of their 5 year anniversary. 

This is Melissa's daughter Kendal. Fun fact about her? She plays fast pitch softball. Boom.

Melissa, I can see why Allen couldn't let you get away. You are stunning!

Melissa and Allen opted to do the first look. It was a beautiful moment for the two of them to enjoy...

After we did the first look, we took some bridal party photos in the gorgeous walnut tree orchard.

Not before a quick hair and makeup check :) 

This is Melissa's daughter. It warms my heart SO much looking at the photo of Kendal and Allen. So much love :)

THESE TWO! :)

Last September I photographed Brittany and Laine's wedding. Brittany was Melissa's Maid of Honor and now she's preggo!! So incredibly happy and excited for her and Laine.

Now back to these two lovebirds...

He makes her happy.

Loved Melissa's pop of color choice :)

 Some detail shots...

Allen loves to hunt so they tied that into the details on the table.

Melissa arrived in a beautiful classic car...

After the ceremony, we HAD to get some photos with the car..

The reception was filled with laughter during the toasts and more love during their first dance, and a whole lotta fun!

The ambiance of the venue they made up was absolutely perfect. 

One final image as the sun sets...

Melissa and Allen I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to be a part of your big day. It was such a blast and I wish you two all the best. -R

Big shout out to my 2nd photographer Kim for assisting me :)

Venue: Private ranch in Orland
Cake: Friend of the Bride
Photography: Ryan Greenleaf Photography
DJ: The Wedding DJ Company
Florist: M Creations