Maya & Ben's San Francisco Engagement Photos!

It's not everyday you meet a couple like Maya and Ben. I traveled to the Bay Area in California to shoot their San Francisco engagement photos (and to meet them for the first time and stay in their home)!Read about my wonderful adventure with Ben and Maya here. Day One adventures: The three of us jumped in the car and drove to downtown San Francisco - one of my favourite cities - to take in the sights, sounds, and sunshine that blessed us that magical day. We climbed the staggeringly steep San Francisco hills, visited the Palace of Fine Arts, and even drove to Baker Beach to see the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset (then we celebrated over dinner at one of the most delicious sushi places).

The best part of the day, though, was getting to know Maya and Ben. These two people are full of laughter - joyous to be together - and a pleasure to hang out with. Besides a lot of joking and mandatory delicious snack breaks, Maya and Ben's photo session consisted of the most wonderful connecting of hearts. They were happy to reminisce about their memories together and imagine the new adventures they are embarking on. Because I had come from Toronto, they were also excited to show me the city, and discover new parts of it themselves. Their excitement for life and each other was so genuine, it was inspirational. I went home rejuvenated.

Thank you to Maya and Ben for being genuine and letting your light shine. I can't wait to share your engagement photos from Day Two... and I can't wait for your wedding in Toronto this weekend!

For a sneak peek of Maya and Ben's fairytale wedding, at the Westin Prince Hotel, view the 2014 slideshow here.

All Photography, Couples, Lifestyle, TravelKate O'ConnorJune 24, 2014Baker Beach, Bay Area, Couples Photography, Engagement, Engagement Photos, Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, San FranciscoComment

Travel Adventure to San Francisco: A Love Letter to Maya & Ben

Arrived home this morning from San Francisco, one of my favourite cities in the world. I feel so much – so many things - but don’t know how to say them all at once, or properly. I “met” Maya and Ben on Skype, after we had been e-introduced by their awesome wedding planner Jodi Gagné. Living in California, Skype meetings are routine for these two. We had instant chemistry. There was a lot of laughter, which I now realize is a huge part of this couple’s life (being that they’re both hilarious and Maya is a constant joker). Somehow we group-fantasized that I’d go to the Bay Area and shoot their engagement session,,, and then somehow we made it happen.

I’ve just arrived home.

Talk about adventure: Ben and Maya invited me – effectively a stranger from another country – into their home, and I accepted. We spent the weekend hanging out, eating delicious food, exploring San Francisco and Palo Alto, shooting pictures, telling stories, and laughing our heads off… it was beyond great.

What’s more, I found myself personally inspired by Maya and Ben. Not only as individuals, professionals, and inherently artistic beings, but also as a couple. Now, hold on before you go getting all judgey about how cheesy I am – hear me out.

Ben and Maya see, hear, and encourage one another with remarkable enthusiasm, care and interest. One’s happiness excites the other as if they’ve just met (and they haven’t). And the best part, is that the world is theirs; they have no self-consciousness about feeling this way and expressing it openly. I’m not talking about PDAs (though I have no problem with public displays of affection) – I mean that this love is just 100% out there, no apologies.

We all develop barriers in life, to protect our hearts and our egos from getting hurt. Maya and Ben are brave and confident and passionate in many aspects of their lives, and it is this that I find so incredible.

Thank you Maya and Ben for opening your home and your life to me. I can't wait to share your engagement photos in San Francisco, and I’m so excited to see you in Toronto for the wedding!

Congratulations, and Cheers, and Cheers again! Love, Kate