Connie and Auny met in 10th grade… in 6th period Chemistry.   She called him for help, only to realize that he was just as lost.  Neither of them knew at the time, but this was really just the beginning of their Chemistry.  They grew up only a block away from each other, but when she went to UCLA and he went to UCSD, they went from a block apart to 100 miles apart.  It’s true when they say distance makes the heart grow fonder because it wasn’t until they were seperated that they realized how perfect they truely are for each other.  And 9 years later, here we are!

They’ve spent the last few years working/in school in downtown LA, so it was only appropriate to shoot there.  We started at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and then ran off to DWP, where Auny currently works.

We even had some fun with lights after dark.

One last photo taken by Jonathan with a 24TS lens.

Congrats you two on this next journey together!  Can’t wait for your big day!!

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I snapped a few pictures of him and some with Vivian and Sean.  Afterward, I complimented him and asked if he would like copies of the photos I took.  He explained that he currently doesn’t have a mailing address, but that I could find him at Pershing Square.  I thanked him for letting me photograph his beautiful cello, and he tells me that it’s actually beat up, just like his clarinet, which he proceeds to show me.  We tipped him and thanked him.  As we walked away, I turned back and asked for his name.  He responds, “Ayers.  My last name is Ayers, like Arizona.”

Later that night (after part 3 of their shoot, which will be posted soon!), Jonathan tells me that he’s pretty sure the cellist we met is Nathaniel Ayers from The Soloist.  We googled his photo and sure enough, it’s him.  I don’t know his whole story (I only know what I read from Wiki), but I want to know the rest of his story.  I want to know that he’s living comfortably, especially since a huge movie was just made based off of him.  I was concerned when he told me that he has no mailing address and can be found in Pershing Square at night.  I normally don’t watch movies, but I want to watch this one.  I really want a happy ending!

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I love how the lollipop matched her dress!

Their love is so sweet – just like the lollipop!

The light was just so amazing!

I have another cool story related to this part of their engagement session.  I’ll post that in a few days, so stay tuned for the side story + part 3!   Happy hump day!

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Fifteen years later, Cindy finds me during her wedding planning!  It was so crazy when we first met up.  We chatted as if no time was lost, but we were fifteen years older than the last time we saw each other.  It is so nice to reconnect with old friends!

It was so great to see that Cindy and Andy found each other.  They are such a perfect match.  We started our adventure at Union Station.  We walked by this cool tunnel and I just had to get a shot in there.

Then we went underground to get a photo in the subway… and that’s when we got kicked out for not having a permit.  Dang, and we just got started too!  Anyone know how much it is for a permit to shoot there?  Well, good thing I was able to snap this one before we got caught!    Totally worth it.

On our way out, Andy found a newspaper and took a little break. 

They are so so cute.  This next photo is totally candid and not posed at all.  Isn’t it adorable how they sit in unison too?  I swear they sat down and crossed their legs at the same time, totally unaware!

And I love how her feet/legs alone shows how into him she is.

Since our fun was cut short at Union Station, we headed over to nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall to continue.   I love how they look like they’re on top of the world.  I’m sure that’s how they feel when they’re together.

It’s interesting trying to find light in the middle of downtown LA.  All the tall buildings tend to block the sun.  The reflective walls at the concert hall though both block the sun, as well as reflects it.  So it was fun walking around searching for that light.

I like how they’re both in this bend.  It’s analogous to successful relationships – both sides must bend… and bend together. 

And I just love that natural sparkle in her eyes.  I am so happy to see that my childhood friend is all grown up and found true love!  Congrats and I can’t wait for your wedding in February!

Stay tuned for part 2 of their engagement session!  Part 2 is casual and fun. 

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