Jihan Cerda Photography Blog

They were both in college and shared the same set of friends. And even though they weren’t really looking for love, there was something Jason and Ashley liked about each other. So they gave it a go! He fell in love with her and she fell in love with him….almost instantly. And it was pretty obvious to their mutual friends the day he asked her to marry him what her answer was going to be.

Ashley was a bridesmaid in a wedding I photographed last summer and she was newly engaged! She and I hit it off that day, so I met her & Jason a few days later prior to their trip back to New Jersey to chat about wedding photography. They were fun, full of smiles and genuinely excited to share their love story with me.

Ashley scheduled their engagement session during a trip home to celebrate with her close family & friends at her bridal shower. I met with the couple the next day and it was truly an amazing afternoon spent with the two. Here are some favorites from the afternoon! {Makeup by Raina Rombeiro}

It can take time to find true love when you meet someone. At least this was the story behind Rebecca & Dustin. After they met, they hit it off, were labeled boyfriend/ girlfriend and things moved pretty quickly……but the relationship was put on hold when the two decided they needed some time apart. Rebecca moved to Texas, Dustin stayed in Louisiana and the two continued on with life.

Two years later, Dustin realized Rebecca still had his heart and was in love with her…..and he knew at that moment he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He asked her to marry him and of course, she accepted. The two are getting married later this year and I can’t begin to explain how excited I am to capture their nuptials in beautiful Wine Country.

While visiting California to handle wedding plans, I had the chance to spend the afternoon with the couple and share the beautiful west coast beach for their engagement shoot. {Makeup by Raina Rombeiro and THANK YOU Antonio Venegas for your help!}

It’s really sweet to hear all the love stories my clients share….and Andrea & Joe’s is one certainly one of them. They met while living in Michigan working at a winery. He was the new guy and Andrea thought he was pretty cute….so, she asked him to hang out one night. Their connection was instant and shortly after, they began dating. Their relationship status could’ve easily changed when Joe took a job offering in California. But he knew Andrea was the girl for him….so he took a leap of faith and asked her to move to California. I don’t think anything other than the big move was on Andrea’s mind; because after two months of long distance, it solidified her feelings for Joe and she accepted.

After six years of dating, Joe popped the question and the two are getting married this summer. I was SO happy to spend a beautiful afternoon with the couple in Glen Ellen recently for their engagement session….and I must say, the camera LOVES these two!! {Hair & Makeup by Raina Rombeiro}

Andrea & Joe, the two of you amaze me!! I’m so excited for the big day and the opportunity to meet your close friends and family. Cheers to many future memories! xo Jihan

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine over lunch to discuss her wedding photography wishes. We indulged in our food & talked pretty much about everything. She was extremely sweet, super intelligent and simply beautiful!! I could see every reason why JD wanted to marry this girl. A few weeks later, I met the couple for dinner and drinks. This was my first time meeting JD, so I learned a little more about how they met & the interests they share……lets just say I knew Catherine & JD were gonna be pretty fun to work with.

Last week I met up with the two in San Francisco for their engagement shoot! I swear we couldn’t have picked a better day!!! It was GORGEOUS in the city! And what better way to begin the session at Balboa Cafe in the Marina where they met. {Makeup & hair by Raina Rombeiro}

Cath & JD! THANK YOU for spending such an incredible afternoon with me. I seriously couldn’t have asked for a better way to be a part of your journey to being married. I’m truly looking forward to capturing your wedding day. xoxo Jihan

Crossfit is a BIG part of Catherine & JD’s life….so, we spent part of their session at a place that they love! San Francisco Crossfit!

Catherine!! You’re stunning!! And you are going to be such a beautiful bride!

Happy Friday!

=) Jihan

It’s common for people to travel, explore and enjoy the single life after a breakup. But sometimes they love the idea of being in love, so maybe entering the dating world quickly isn’t such a bad idea……at least Kelly can relate to this. After breaking up with her previous boyfriend, her best friend  eagerly wanted to set her up on a blind date….with Chris, of course. Even though she wasn’t too keen of the idea, she decided to give it a shot! After instant sparks & love at first sight, I think its safe to say Chris was in love and Kelly felt the same.

The sound of the details, the wedding venue, their chemistry as a couple……they were instantly a couple I wanted to work with. And when I received the email that they had decided to move forward with me, I was crazy excited!! Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the two for their incredible engagement session and I’m happy to share a some favorites from the afternoon. {Makeup by Raina Rombeiro}

Kelly & Chris, I’m SO unbelievably excited for the two of you. Thank you for sharing the afternoon with me and I’m truly looking forward to the big day! xoxo Jihan