"We actually had two engagement shoots. Our first one was done in Griffith Observatory and LACMA. This was an engagement shoot where Gayle and I were a little dressed up and nervous. Griffith Observatory was our first location; we met up around 5 PM, right before sunset. We underestimated the amount of people that was going to be there but Dennis managed to pull off great shots. We shot for an hour or two and then headed out to LACMA. We were hoping it would be quiet with less people, but again we were wrong. This location had more people so shooting was difficult.
The next engagement shoot was more laid back and turned out even better. We met in Walt Disney Concert Hall where we stayed for about an hour. No props were used but Dennis and Brandon (videographer) made it work. Gayle and I felt more comfortable at this time so we were able to act like ourselves. Dennis made it feel that it was just like any other day. All pictures came out very natural and perfect!" -JR & Gayle
The next engagement shoot was more laid back and turned out even better. We met in Walt Disney Concert Hall where we stayed for about an hour. No props were used but Dennis and Brandon (videographer) made it work. Gayle and I felt more comfortable at this time so we were able to act like ourselves. Dennis made it feel that it was just like any other day. All pictures came out very natural and perfect!" -JR & Gayle
Their love story: It was in Cal State Fullerton where we first we met. I was sitting down, eating lunch with my friends when Gayle walked passed me. I immediately stopped eating my lunch and told my friends that I just saw the most beautiful girl on campus (no exaggeration :) ). I wanted to say "hi" but she was on her phone and already walked away. I definitely lost my chance and most likely won't see her again.
A couple of days later, I was walking to an event on campus when I spotted a girl with a nice pair of blue Nike AirMaxes on her feet. To my surprise, it was the same girl that walked passed me while I was eating lunch. I knew that this was a sign and that I was given another chance to do something about it. So I gathered up whatever courage I had and went up to her. I had no plans on what to say, so I just said whatever my mind came up with at that very second. "Hey, I like your shoes aaaand I think you're really pretty."
Luckily she fell for my trap with my sweet talk and the rest was history. :)
The proposal: We met up with his brother and his girlfriend, Jonathan and Micaela, in 3rd Street Santa Monica to go "shopping." It was around lunch time where we spent about an hour walking around. Jonathan then asked if we can go to the Pier since he's never been before. As we got to the pier, Micaela asked me to accompany her to the restroom since she didn't want to go alone. After we got out, JR told us that Jonathan met up with his friends by the beach next to the Pier and asked to meet him there as well. As we were walking, I can tell something was up in the air. Out of nowhere, JR stopped and had me face him with my back facing the Pier. I didn't know what was going on, until I hear music behind me. Jonathan, Jomar (brother), and Josh (friend) were behind me with guitars and cajon in hand playing the song "Let's Stay Together." JR sang me the song, got down on one knee, and proposed.
Vendors: Photographer: Dennis Roy Coronel | Locations: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Griffith Observatory, LACMA
Dennis Roy Coronel is a Southern California Bride Preferred Member.