When Paige and Eric first told me the story of how they met, my jaw was on the floor.  Their story is like straight out of a movie!  SO before we get to their Santa Monica Engagement session, I have to tell you about how they met!

Their Story

They first started talking back in Aug of 2013, Eric was in the military out here in California while Paige was living up in Washington.  They were introduced by their best friends.  Paige’s best friend, Linda, happened to be dating Eric’s best friend, Donny. Fast forward to the present where these two are now married!

Donny was so certain Paige and Eric would fall in love. After they had spent a month talking long distance over FB and the phone, Donny actually purchased Paige a plane ticket so she could come down to CA and meet Eric in person.  Obviously Donny was on to something, because within 6 months Paige had her car packed and was heading to live with Eric. And clearly never looked back because here we are in 2016 celebrating Santa Monica Engagement!  How amazing is that?!

Dating

From him:  “Our first date was that night I picked her up from LAX.  September 2013.  She was with Linda and I was with Donny.  We went to a local bar/club where I had to impress her with my dance moves.  (From her:  “It was really crazy, none of us were dressed to be out at a club and after a month of talking we couldn’t talk at all because it was so loud inside, so we just danced!“)  And anyone that knows me knows I’m the worst dancer.  She on the other hand has been a dancer for years and danced in high school and college on a scholarship.  She’s a world champion hip hop dancer!!  So, naturally I just went for it.  We danced and talked and had a few drinks.  It was extremely fun.”

From him:  “One of my favorite dates has to have been this one time in Palm Springs.  We were hungry and we loved riding into downtown on my Harley.  We were wearing jeans and t-shirts and looked pretty messy.”  

From her:  “We had eaten in Downtown Palm Springs a bunch of times so we didn’t want to go to the same old place.“ 

From him: “So we saw a steak joint and walked in.  Paige loves steak and the food looked fairly good.  We had gotten some weird looks from dressed up customers but sat down anyways.  Without looking at the menu we ordered 2 drinks.  When we finally picked up the menu we noticed the cheapest steak was about 50 dollars and since I don’t like steak I picked the second cheapest option: lobster for $40!!!  We had already ordered drinks and at this point were committed to the meal.”

From her: “We were not financially prepped to be at such a restaurant, but we were too embarrassed to leave, so we ordered our very expensive meal and had a great night!  We even took a picture before we left and its one of my favorites.”

When did you know your fiancé/fiancée was the one?

From him:  “At LAX when I first met her.  We had been talking every day for a month and we knew we liked each other.  I told her to kiss me at the airport because I would be too scared to kiss her.  When our lips touched we both smiled the biggest I have ever seen.  I knew I was kissing the girl I would marry.”

From her:  “It wasn’t one specific moment for me, he just proves over and over again that he is my other half.  He is always thinking about me or us and ways to take care of us forever.  Kind of like that Brad Paisley song, “I thought I loved you then”.  I learn another reason why I love him, and love him more everyday.”

Tell Us About The Proposal!

From him: “My brother and sister-in-law’s 1 year anniversary was coming up and they had been married in Cabo, which Paige couldn’t attend due to work, so I told her we were all going back to be there as a family.  Well, she didn’t know I was gonna ask.  I had my family there and we rented a large boat.  The crew waited till sunset at lover’s beach and then I got down on one knee.

From her:  Eric pulled me to a corner of the boat, read a love note he had written me along with a picture he thought described our relationship.  He told me I take his pain away and make his life a happier place and that he would like me to be with him forever.  I said “Yes”!  (and then felt embarrassed afterwards because I had no idea the entire trip was planned specifically for him to propose!))

From him: When we got back to land we went out to dinner as a family.  While we were out I had rose pedals covering the room and in the shape of a heart on the bed.  I had chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us as well.  It was my favorite time seeing her that happy and surprised.”  (From her:  “He makes me happy every day!”)

From him:  “I admire her ability to process any situation.  She is level-headed and thinks before she speaks.  I don’t tend to do that.  She’s very caring, loyal and brave.”

From her:  “I admire his drive and ambition to provide us with the best life he possibly can.  He is always looking towards the future.  I also admire his ability to persevere and make me laugh.  He’s loving, caring and goofy.”

What are you most looking forward to at the wedding?!

From him:  “Seeing her for the first look.  I also daydream what she will look like, how pretty she will be.  I am also extremely excited to watch her walk down the aisle.  I’ll probably cry like a baby, haha.”

From her:  “Laughing.  I want to laugh and smile and dance with everyone… especially Eric.  I want to celebrate how much I love him.”

Paige & Eric, I absolutely adore you two.  Thank you for honoring me with the opportunity of capturing your love story!  I can’t wait for your wedding, just 3 months to go!!  <3

Love!
Stefani Ciotti