"We love the ocean, being surrounded by the calming sound of the water, and squeezing our toes in the sand. So having our photo shoot at El Matador beach was the perfect location. Its one of those places you have to at least visit once. Our experience with Crystal was a genuine one. She had a knack for making us feel comfortable so we were able to be ourselves. It was definitely one of our more fun dates and there couldn't have been a better place to have it." -Michelle & Eric
Their love story: We met at St. Christopher's Catholic Church, where our love for God brought us together on Super Bowl Sunday in 2011. Our mutual interest for the outdoors and nature hikes casually brought us closer. Over the next couple of months we would hike, which became dates where we engaged in deep-rooted conversations about life. It was an evening after one of these dates where I nervously asked Michelle’s parents permission to date her. They said yes after expressing their concern with my lip ring and my 5” Mohawk. After a few months of being together our relationship felt like a test when Michelle went to study at UC Santa Barbara for undergrad. We were committed and after countless four-hour commutes up and down the coastline during weekends, Michelle graduated and returned to be closer with me, where we are living happily.
The proposal: We planned a family trip to Costa Rica as a graduation gift. Before the vacation, we went ring shopping so I was convinced that Eric would pop the question in Costa Rica. I even bought a dress for the occasion. The day before our trip, a special blessing for our family was arranged at our church in St. Christopher's. In front of hundreds of parishioners, our family was called up for the blessing. Once we were at the front, Eric got on one knee, completely shaken and at a loss of words but managed to pop the question with the ring we (rather I) picked out a few months before. It’s only fitting that we marry at St. Christopher's Catholic Church after meeting, growing in love, and getting engaged at our church.
Vendor: Photographer: Crystal Nicole Photography