Post Engagement Shoot & One Pound Meatballs

Engagement Photoshoot? Check!

Daniel and I got off work early yesterday to head down to our venue (where we intend on tying the knot) and were able to take our photos yesterday. Weary about the 90+ degree weather out in the hillsides of Pala, we stalled as much as we could before picking up our wonderful photographer in San Clemente and headed out to our ranch photoshoot. 

The road that leads to....
wedding bells? :)

Pedro, the groundskeeper invited us in and allowed us to begin our photoshoot promptly at 4:30 PM. Our photographer, Anna, was amazing! With three big cameras wrapped around her neck, we took advantage of the 20 acre facility that was granted to us for a good three hours or so. It was funny doing our first photoshoot together. Daniel is a lot more natural at it than I thought he would be---and I found myself acting/feeling awkward for a considerable amount of the time we were having our photos taken! As always, he was able to make me laugh for a good portion of the time---he always does. After what felt like 5,000 shots and with the sun setting over the hills, we were all ready to pack up and head out.

Driving back down the mountains, I just  had to grab a shot of the sunset. It was a truly magical sight, and with all of us tired from posing in the heat all afternoon, it was a calming view to absorb in.  We decided to treat our photographer to dinner since we were all hungry and thirsty by this point and the nearest city would be miles and miles away. So, we headed down the street to the closest Italian restaurant where Daniel and I were considering to hold our rehearsal dinner. 

After being kindly greeted by the chef and owner himself, we're now quite certain this Italian restaurant is where we WILL be having our rehearsal dinner, after all! Friends---that photo above is my spaghetti and ONE POUND MEATBALL in all its savory glory! (My hunger spoke for me last when I decided to order this masterpiece. Oh well. At least I have lunch for today!) 

Sitting here today, writing this post...I'm more excited than ever. Thinking about how much fun it was for Daniel and I yesterday, I get giddy thinking about our life together and what it holds. Our photographer made a comment on the drive back to Orange County that's stuck in my head into this morning. She said it seems like we're actually enjoying our time planning the wedding together. (Whereas for many, it's typically a stressful time.) And to this...I realize, it's ever so true. I love, love, love planning this wedding, and I think it's quite simple as to why...because at the end of March next year, I get to marry this kiddo:

Photo compliments of Mrs. Janna Morgan!

Aint' life grand? I'd say so.