Engagement Session: Richard & Amanda | Analisa Joy Photography | San Diego, CA Photographer

You are not going to meet a sweeter pair than Richard and Amanda. Over winter break two years ago, Trent and I went on a mission trip to Belize. When I got off the plane, Amanda was the first girl from our team that I talked to. We were greeted with tropical weather and I noticed that she was wearing a wool sweater and boots. Naturally, I had to walk over and poke fun at her winter outfit (all in good spirits). Our friend Wes had an extra tank top in his suitcase and after she changed, Amanda commented on how hungry she was. We were in a tiny airport with no food, but I remembered that I packed my favorite chocolates in a zip lock bag. Unfortunately, they melted in my pocket, but I offered them anyways to cure the hunger pains. Now it was her turn to make fun of me and we could not stop laughing over my pathetic attempt of saving chocolate. Through our hilarious exchanges, we became quick friends.

Amanda and I were attached at the hip in Belize and we were so excited when we found out that we live only minutes from one another… WHAT ARE THE ODDS? We had a team of 50 people from all over the United States and we happened to live only miles apart. During our trip, I noticed that she had a heart of gold. She had an ability to stand out amongst the rest and draw people in with her compassion and kindness. She reminded me of a friend back home and I told her that if we continue to hang out, I was going to insist that they meet. I told Amanda that his name was Richard and that if she met him, they would fall in love. She laughed at how dramatic I was being, but she loved the idea of hanging out.

Fast forward to a few weeks later, I ran into my friend Richard at church… WHAT ARE THE ODDS? I haven’t seen him in over a year. Richard and I attended the same high school and there isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t love Richard. Every time you bring up his name someone will comment, “that’s the nicest guy I know!” We decide to grab lunch and catch up and I couldn’t help but gush about this new girl that I met on my mission trip. I told Richard that if he attended our Bible Study, he would meet his wife (no pressure). He decided to come and when I told Amanda about the exchange she was completely embarrassed and threatened not to show up so that she could avoid the awkward matching making encounter. However, through my persistence (go me) she came and Amanda caught Richard’s eye very quickly. I was like a junior high girl winking at her friend for talking to her crush. They talked the whole night and Richard ended the evening by walking Amanda to her car. .

Long story short, their first date took place on Valentine’s Day, their love for one another was almost instantanious, I had the honor of photographing their proposal (cutest ever… check it out), and now they are exactly ONE MONTH away from getting married!! POP THE CHAMPAGNE, THROW THE CONFETTI… WHAT ARE THE ODDS?! If I didn’t love photography so much, I would quit to become a matchmaker. I love how passionate these two are about worshiping God, serving those around them, and loving on one other. When I asked Richard what he was looking forward to most in marriage he responded, “to be able to make Amanda breakfast in bed.” SERIOUSLY?! Their relationship is goal worthy and they are the definition of true love. I’m literally counting down each day for this wedding and I can’t wait to celebrate the love of my sweet, sweet friends. I can’t wait to see how God is going to continue blessing this relationship. Congrats Richard and Amanda!

I just love these two. I’m going to frame these all over my house!