Got a case of the Monday blues? This sunny San Francisco engagement shoot from KimJMartin Photography is the perfect pick-me-up this morning. It’s sure to put a smile on your face!

Dave met Kristen one night at a party his roommate (who also happened to be Kristen’s cousin) was throwing. He noticed her the minute she walked in the door and immediately went to ask his roommate about her. But before he could introduce himself, Kristen met who she thought was Dave but was actually his twin brother. It was love at second sight for Kristen. For the moment she met Dave, something clicked. (Love at second sight… I love that!)

They spent the entire rest of the night together and before it was over, Dave asked Kristen to join him and some friends the very next weekend to celebrate his birthday. Although it was only their second time hanging out, Dave held her hand the entire time and treated her like she was already his girlfriend. He later told her that he wanted her to feel comfortable around him and his friends. She knew from that moment that he was something special. Although honestly, she knew he was the one the moment they met. (When you know, you know. Especially at second sight.)

Dave’s proposal to Kristen was for the most part, kind of planned. (Or so she thought.) They had talked about getting engaged and taking that next step for a while. She had her great-grandfather’s diamond ring, an heirloom gifted to her by her parents for use as her someday engagement ring. She found a setting she really liked and left the rest up to Dave.

She knew he wasn’t about to get down on one knee right away, especially since he’d told her he wanted to surprise her in some way. But after a few months had gone by and no proposal, Kristen became curious. She brought it up in conversation close to the holiday season. Dave told her that they wouldn’t have much time alone with the holidays coming up and that it would happen sometime in the new year. Satisfied, Kristen let the subject drop.

December 17th was just another normal Friday. (Or so Kristen thought.) She was working late that night so the couple she nannied for could attend a company Christmas party. Dave offered to drop by with dinner from her favorite restaurant after work before heading home himself. When he arrived with dinner, he promised they’d watch a movie and have a “special date night” when she got home.

Kristen didn’t get home until after 10PM, completely exhausted after her extra long day. As she pulled into the driveway, the garage door didn’t budge. Frustrated, she put the car in park and made her way to the front door. After several minutes of searching for and fumbling for the right key, Kristen gave up and knocked so Dave would know to let her in.

When the door opened, Kristen was speechless at the sight before her. There were candles and rose petals everywhere. All the lights were off so that the house was illuminated only by the candles and Christmas lights. (What a romantic picture that paints.)

Dave had never done anything so romantic before and Kristen was completely caught off guard. Especially when she saw champagne chilling in a brand new ice bucket and homemade chocolate dipped strawberries and crème brûlée on the table, also strewn with rose petals and candles. (Talk about your most special of special date nights. wink-wink.)

As Kristen enjoyed the champagne and crème brûlée, Dave asked what, if anything, could make the date better. She figured he was joking because she knew that he knew exactly what she would say. Duh! A proposal. That’s when she noticed Dave’s arm hidden beneath the table. In the next instant, his arm shot out of its hiding place, box in hand. He said, “Would THIS make it better?”

He got down on one knee in front of her and said, “ Kristen, you are my best friend and the love of my life…” She can’t remember what came next. She swears her mind went totally blank as if she just blacked out. Next thing she knew, the words, “This is just so sudden.” came tumbling out of her mouth. (Which, of course, it wasn’t.) She finally said yes… and the rest of their lives together began…

{Behind the Lens with the wonderfully talented KimJMartin Photography} I met these two at their adorable house, which they are renovating and making even more adorable. We started out taking pictures with their cat and dog, and I told them I hope to be back in a couple years to take similar photos with a baby. :) We headed into San Francisco to explore the city a bit and dip our feet in the freezing cold water. We got a bit turned around, but then found an awesome spot that I had never been to before. We had such a blast! And what I love about engagement pictures is that so often, couples are so busy planning the wedding that the session is a great chance for them to just spend some time together and love on each other all day. These two were instant adorable and I just love the versatility of this shoot, and how we showed their love of the city and even reenacted their second date a bit (the picnic). So fun!

Don’t these two just make you want to jump up and smile? Especially that part about love at second sight. I’m just completely in love with that! :) Big thanks to Kristen and Dave for sharing their love story with us! Congratulations on becoming a Mr. and Mrs.! They tie the knot this weekend, you know! We wish you so much love, luck, and special date nights in the years to come! And, as always, the biggest of thanks to Kim of KimJMartin Photography! I just can’t get enough of her work, can you? :)

Happy Monday!

xoxo