There was a beach involved. And a houseboat. But those details were side notes, because once they started talking, those details began to blur and they suddenly found themselves in their own world. When Kari and Charlie met for the first time, it was as if they’d always known one another. They talked, and laughed. And talked some more. Hours passed and it took no time at all to realize those gorgeous eyes and big smiles, were IT. They met their best friend and future spouse that night, and life has never been so good.
Charlie is a guy you want to be friends with after a five minute conversation. Really. He’s that down-to-earth, gently open doors, I-think-of-you-first kind of guy. He rolls with the punches and is sooooo easy to get along with. Although his sleep patterns are super abnormal, it’s for a good cause. Alarms (literally) wake him from any chance of shut-eye in the firehouse where he works as a humble firefighter who L-O-V-E-S what he does. It takes a very special person to put your life on the line for strangers, and this man does it with authenticity and suave, everyday. Mr. February? Anyone?
Enter, Kari. A gorgeous, driven jet-setter who is fast-paced and deeply passionate. She draws you in with her words, and keeps you there with her heart. This girl is legit and SO loving. Anyone would be lucky to have her on their team.
Sure, they’ve got differences, but it’s magic watching them complement and better each other. These two ignite, calm, and strengthen qualities in one another like we’ve never seen. And OH how they love each other! It’s almost palpable, tangible, visible love… and you can’t help but catch their energy by being at their side.
Kari and Charlie :: You two are sooo dear to us. Our time together in California was outrageously fun, and we’re so thankful to have you both in our lives for the long-run! Thank you for letting us drag you around for hours and letting me sing. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Special thanks to Alex of AVE Styles who did a phenomenal job -as always!!- with these two!!!
We started at The W in the gaslamp district of San Diego, where Kari and Charlie stayed for the weekend. LOVE this!!
HOT!!
I dare every reader NOT to smile through this entire post!
Charlie, bringing out his modeling skills. Obviously.
Look at those pumps!! Just LOOK at them!
Marcus eyed this spot and I’m OBSESSED!! They looked GORGEOUS in front of these killer lines!
Note Kari’s Dior engagement watch!! What, what?! SO awesome!
We ended on Coronado’s beach front, and it was utter perfection.
AH!!
How riveting is Kari’s dress?! I was tempted to rip it from her body and run… but that would have been mildly awkward on the drive back.
Seriously?! Those eyeballs!!! Marcus actually said, “wasn’t it awesome how they both smiled with their eyes?”. Bah! I love it!!
XOXOXO!!!
A FANTASTIC collaboration between all of you! The chicks get all the accolades, and Kari DOES stun the eye in these shots. Charlie however, is NOT to be overlooked! He TOO looks outstandingly handsome, and much more relaxed that he probably really was. Great backdrop, great clothing choices and BOOM–GREAT SHOTS! XXOO
Chuck & Kari – I certainly did smile through this entire post… and am still doing so at this very moment. What lovely pictures, I am SO excited to celebrate this important time in your lives. I would also like to pronounce how thankful I am for a phone conversation that Kari and I had a few weeks prior to the “labor day – houseboat excursion”, which at the beginning wavered toward a “no” go… but by the end, we said “let’s do it!” I am so happy you two met. Love you both!
-Jenny
[...] But even if a couple is gorgeous and has the right clothes on, the poses and the backdrops that the photographer chooses can make or break the photos. Gina Meola is a genius when it comes to this, and she picked such amazing photo spots to bring out the colors and personality of the couple. To see more photos from this shoot, please visit Gina’s blog. [...]
precious and lovely. yes… they both smile with their eyes. =)
DAB12!!! LOL!
Gina and Marcus! You guys are amazing! Thank you so much for a wonderful day. You are such talented people and SO MUCH FUN to be around. Gina, I borderline obsess over your work and am grateful we had the chance to work with you. You have Charlie pegged. He’s such a thoughtful, caring person – I am one VERY lucky girl
Thanks again for everything!
DAB12!!! The pictures look great! Thanks for making the day so much fun – looking forward to seeing you guys again soon.
Hey guys what a great shoot! Loved the scenery and you managed to capture the sweet emotions in their eyes. A very good-looking couple and the wedding should be spectacular! You, Gina and Marcus, have done it again. Awesome job! XOXOXO
Completely FUN. Of course I’m sorta bias to the more ‘architectural’ shots but the beach one’s are just as cool. Love that teal lifeguard station. Great job guys and adorable couple too!
WOW! I don’t even know what else to say!!!
AHHHHH! YAYY!!!! It’s perfect! Great job you guys!!!!
OMGGGGG! I think is my favorite engagement you’ve EVER done! They look so happy!!! I love it!!