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!!!

Tucked away under towering trees, open starlit skies, and calm fresh air, sits a beautiful haven to restore the mind and spirit. Dean’s second home in Payson, Arizona is the ideal escape from the busyness of life or hot Phoenix summers. Their sprawling wine and cheese collection could probably sustain them for a few years, and with so much surrounding beauty, they just might take advantage of it.

Dean’s caring smile, generous heart, and excitement for adventure captured Mia’s fiery spirit, who now deems him her “King David”. It was on a trip through the towns and vineyards of northern Italy that Dean proposed, but knowing Mia so well, he wanted the timing to be perfect. So, he waited, and waited, and patiently waited until their trip was nearing a close. The stars aligned and the excitement of plans and their future has been at the forefront ever since.

We spent the day at the The Rim Golf Club where Mia and Dean will tie the knot in just a couple months with the help of Amy Mancuso! The beautiful Tuscan feel fits the couple perfectly. Jenny and Michael, Dean’s wonderful kids, joined us for some laughs at the beginning.

Mia and Dean – Thank you for introducing us to the treasures of Payson! Your hospitality was out of this world, and we are so, SO grateful to be part of your wedding and marriage. Can’t wait for June!!

Love these guys!

ALL of their outfits were amazing thanks to AVE Styles!

They’re so much fun together.

Dean looked impeccable!

As you can imagine, Mia was a DREAM to photograph. She’s just stunning.

I die.

XOXO!!!