debbie + andrew | beloved.

crowley lake. it's a small mountain town surrounded my snow-capped peaks overlooking a lake. a lake that so many of us locals have come to love so dearly over the years. many a summer have we played in it's strangely green waters. they were no exception. they met when they were teens. he the crowley local, and she the frequent visitor who grew up in ecuador but called crowley a home-away-from-home. it wasn't until many years later that their friendship truly took shape and became one of intentionality, trust and authenticity. it soon grew into something more--a deep love and adoration for each other and a relationship built on Christ, a desire care for and love each other well and a commitment to keep life fun and light-hearted. together they picnic in the park and play cards. he paints and she crafts. together they explore. nature, museum-going and bike-riding they love. they pray, they create, and simply be. together. she is his beloved. and he is hers. they are debbie + andrew and this is their story...

we started the shoot a local college campus where we found some awesome light, textures and architecture. andrew brought his bike along and we got a fun series. and somehow they managed to walk away with no flesh wounds. last time i tried this we weren't so lucky.

then we found this awesome water feature and building...the fountain would randomly go on and off it was hilarious.

after we got the bridge shots, i paused. and had that look in my eye. i was scheming. andrew asked if i wanted them to shimmy along the ledge and stand against the windows. and of course i said "yes. just what i was thinking. do it" they were all about the challenge and everyone managed to stay dry.

the funkiest building ever but so cool for photos.

and the light reflecting off the white walls was superb.

then with vintage suitcases, wildflowers, a blanket and andrew's art kit,we went to the most beautiful park just before sunset. it was perfection.

check out that beam of light coming through in the background. wow.

okay so this lens flare was made in camera. crazy eh? i can't even deal.

i almost forwent the rose gardens, but i'm so glad we wandered over there. awesomeness.

wow, what a shoot. so much fun, i can hardly wait for their september wedding up in the sierras. for more of debbie + andrew, view their slideshow here.

[p.s. the first image was the last frame i took. the "lovebirds" were serenading us during our time in the rose garden. and debbie asked if i would take a picture of them. so i thought it fitting to include it in the post.]