Irvine Engagement Photos At Jeffrey Open Space Trail

Irvine is easily my favorite city in Orange County. Okay, that last sentence was totally fake news because anyone who has ever been to Orange County knows Irvine is meh. In fact, some people might say Irvine sucks balls. However, the old saying, “It is not where you are, but who you are there with” certainly made Irvine sparkle for me. Why? Because when I went up to Jeffrey Open Space Trail (Irvine’s great outdoors) I was meeting Nicole and Derek for their engagement session.

How I Met Nicole and Derek

Full disclosure: when Nicole reached out to me about her wedding at Lake Oak Meadows, she mentioned that she had already booked a Temecula wedding photographer. Yeah, lame, right? Unfortunately, she thought the photos sucked. Since having good wedding photos is, well, essential, Nicole decided to search for a new photographer. This is where I enter the story.

So, I’m swimming with great white sharks in the Pacific Ocean when I pull my iPhone out of my wetsuit to see an email from Nicole about her upcoming Lake Oak Meadows wedding. Next, I wipe the moisture off my tan six-pack abs before replying. However, I do realize there could be a 50% chance Nicole is a Bridezilla given she gave the last photographer the axe, so I asked if I could see a couple of the engagement photos captured by the previous photographer.

From my perspective, if those photos were awesome then I would know right away I was dealing with a psycho. Yes, the photos sucked. Nicole was right. No, she wasn’t crazy, and therefore Derek wasn’t crazy either, because crazy attracts crazy. In the end, it all worked out, and below are some of their engagement photos at Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail Photography

Moral Of The Story: trust your bridal instincts. If you’re a bride and aren’t totally happy with a vendor, maybe consider making a change. You only get one wedding, so surround yourself with an awesome team of people who will help you create your vision. And if you’re a wedding photographer, remember that there are plenty of brides out there. Some will love your style and some won’t. That’s not a big deal, and there’s nothing personal about it. If you’re not connecting with a bride, or just don’t feel you two are a good fit, there’s nothing wrong with going in different directions. You are hiring the bride just as much as she is hiring you. Make sure you are a good match for each other.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail Permit

Orange County photography is synonymous with permits, which is just total bullshit. Personally, I try to avoid shooting in Orange County engagement photo locations that require a permit because 1) I think the idea of paying a fee to take pictures anywhere is absurd, and 2) couples planning a wedding are already cash-strapped. Jeffrey Open Space Trail did not require a permit when I shot Derek and Nicole’s engagement photos, but it would not surprise me if that changed. If you want to be a good law-abiding citizen, I would encourage you to contact the City of Irvine in regard to permits for engagement photography, or visit them online by clicking here.

Nicole and Derek, you guys rock! You were totally natural in front of the camera, and I already know the wedding at Lake Oak Meadows will be awesome.

Those interested in checking out more of my photography can view Brent and Brooke’s engagement photos at Balboa Park, or Sean and Alex’s Temecula wedding at Blue Moon Ranch. Good news: we are now offering OC wedding videographer packages if you are interested in dope wedding films.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail Engagement Photos: Frequently Asked Questions