I few weeks ago I met Erica and Patrick in Old Folsom for their engagement session. In the middle of the session they began to tell me the story about how they met and the 3 second kiss. I enjoyed their story so much that I asked if they would allow me to add it to the blog and they agreed.

“Patrick and I met through eHarmony in 2009. Emails, phone calls, and text messaging continued on for weeks before we finally met on a Monday in June at El Dorado Hills. I thought “WOW! He’s cuter in person!” the weeks that followed we met at Old Folsom for date nights. Gold panning, ice cream at Snook’s, farmers markets, and live music events. A lot of fond memories happened there. Even our first kiss? I drove Patrick to his Jeep and I parked my car and we stared at each other and talked. Then he leaned in and gave me a “drive by Kiss” the kiss lasted maybe 3 seconds. I said, “Hey!!!! Can we try that again? That was too fast!!” My mom and girlfriends explained, “Patrick, is a slow smoldering fire. Those fires will provide warmth longer then the fast blazes.”

In January 2011, I started an intense extensive Respiratory Therapy program for 18 months. Talk about a relationship challenger. Patrick was there every step. Even to pick me up after 12 hour night rotations at 6 A.M. I graduated August 2012.  November 9, 2012, I went to Patrick’s home and walked into candles, flowers, and the sound of Louis Armstrong’s “What a wonderful world” playing in the living room. My hands were full with books to study for my new job in respiratory therapy at a subacute. ”Oh, we are celebrating and having a date night!” He threw the books to the ground and got down on one knee and propose. I was in shock!! He got off one knee and kissed me. And no it was not a drive by Kiss. I said, “yes!!” After 3 years of meeting we were engaged. Now the work was ahead of us.

My mom found Carlos Valentino. You know what they say, “mom knows best!” I am so grateful that she found Carlos!! Our engagement photo session was made easy with the help of Carlos! Patrick and I can both tell you we do not take great photos someone is always blinking or not smiling. Patrick was relaxed and I was having fun who knew taking photos would be so much fun and so memorable. Everyone should have a Carlos Valentino in their lives. Some of my friends said, “there’s a lot of kissing Erica!” ”I’m just making up for lost time.” Carlos Valentino has a great eye for color and attention to detail. In some shots we forgot Carlos was there. He was able to capture moments in time that were filled with love.

The next day after our engagement photo session I got a text from Patrick ”it was one of the best days of my life. I love ya.” We chose to take our engagement photo session at old Folsom because in 2009 on our 3rd date we were holding hands when a little boy came up to us and asked, “are you getting MARRIED today!!”  On September 14, 2013 we can say “YES”. Thank you Carlos! You have given us so much. My family loves the recreation photo of my great grandparents photo of their wedding day. The next day he was shipped out to fight in WW2. I think my GG and papa are smiling down on us. Such a great way to keep their memory alive.”

With a Happy heart,
Patrick McCuiston and Erica Hinds