Engagement Photos

Kristi and I recently had the opportunity to work with the very talented duo of Michael and Maren Brajkovich on our engagement photos.

We really wanted to do something special, something that reflected our passion and history together. So it goes without saying that aviation would be a part of it.

We originally had the idea to shoot over at Chino Airport, where we’d have access to not only my Pitts S-2B, but also the many amazing warbirds at the Planes of Fame. Imagine it: Mustangs, P-38s, Spitfires, Corsairs. Ah, the possibilities!

Unfortunately, we found ourselves with a few time constraints. In addition, it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year — nearly 105 degrees at SNA, which is only a mile from the ocean. So we regrouped and ended up doing the photos at John Wayne Airport with Sunrise Aviation‘s recently acquired S-2B standing in for good o’l 1191. Aside from the three-blade MT composite propeller, the two aircraft look virtually identical from the outside. And to be honest, the metal two-blade Hartzell prop probably evokes a more vintage feel anyway.

Kristi, ever the creative soul, put together a 1930’s-era wardrobe to accompany the biplane, and off we went! Snap snap snap…. and before we knew it, two hours had gone by. Despite the searing heat, we had a blast.

After finishing with the Pitts, we switched into some casual contemporary clothes and flew to Catalina Island in a Cirrus SR-22. This also happens to have re-created our first date! If you can believe it, it was even hotter on the island.

We returned a few hours later and, after a break, met up with Michael and Maren in Old Town Orange where we took advantage of the late-afternoon light for some fun shots around one of our favorite weekend hangouts, Byblos Cafe.

We can’t say enough good things about Michael & Maren (aka “Applemoon Photography“). They were fun, energetic, creative, talented, and open to ideas other photographers might have laughed at. In addition, they came all the way down from San Luis Obispo to spend the entire day working with us.

So, have a look at the pictures. What do you think??