Catalina Island is one of my favorite places. Ever since I knew this magical place existed, I wanted to photograph a Catalina Island wedding… and all the engagement and anniversary shoots imaginable. Abigail and Justin were taking a trip from one of my old hometowns in Wisconsin and traveling throughout California for their ten year wedding anniversary. Somewhere along the time they were planning their trip, Justin and my husband were talking about getting together as they were going to be passing through Pismo Beach. What was originally talk about doing dinner one night turned into us all meeting on Catalina and photographing them for their anniversary – and all of it be a surprise for Abigail.

Now I need to take a minute and tell you how cool both of these individuals are. Abigail opened and runs a salon in Appleton, Wisconsin called Bold. If you are in the area, you need (need need need) to check it out. All that Bold stands for are the things I admire and love – also the space is so unique and amazing. Justin created a business that is designing and building homes out of shipping containers. Check it out: Factotum Inc. As a husband wife duo… they are kind of killing it.

Brian and I came across to the Island hours before they arrived, with a suitcase filled with clothes I picked out just for her (Thank you H&M and Urban Outfitters). We rented a golf cart so we could travel to a few locations throughout the evening easily. As they reached the Island, Justin explained to Abigail what we had in store for them. As completely unprepared they were, a quick stop at a surf shop and browsing through all the clothes I brought for her, the two of them looked pretty darn perfect, as if they had been planning this for weeks.

We began at the cliffs out by Mount Ada as the sun was beginning to set and the whole earth shone so stunningly. At about ten minutes in, Justin laughed a little and said to Abigail, “do you realize this is the first time we are having our photos taken professionally, just the two of us?” They had family members photograph their engagement and wedding, and had a couple shoots as a family – but this was the first time with just them. This instantly made my heart explode and melt all at the same time. It’s always an honor to photograph someone’s wedding. There is something different though photographing a marriage of ten years. There is so much that happens within ten years – trials and triumphs, struggles and fulfilled dreams, new business and raising children. Looking back you were babies when you got married… and now who you are and what you stand for is so much due to the person you are standing next to and doing this journey of life with. It is so beautiful. My eyes now are welling up just thinking about it.

Marriage is by far one of the most beautiful things ever.

Here are a few frames from our time together. Justin and Abigail, I am so amazed by the two of you. Thanks for diggin’ the idea of a photoshoot Justin, and thank you so much Abigail for wanting to too. You two are beautiful humans, inside and out. Excited for the next time we cross paths again; always know California would be lucky to have you. Cheers + Love.