Engagement photos: Dayna and Billy

Photos by Dave Miyamoto

While some couples question the need for an engagement photo session prior to their wedding, I always suggest it as a way for the bride and groom to become comfortable with their wedding photographer and also as an opportunity to experience a session with the hair and make-up artist hired for the wedding. It serves not only as a way to capture images of the couple during their period of being engaged, but also as a dry run with these two key vendors.

Dayna and Billy, who just tied the knot yesterday, opted for the engagement session with their photographer, Dave Miyamoto, of Dave Miyamoto and Company. To tie in with their Asian-inspired wedding theme, they chose the stunning backdrop of Byodo-In Temple for their photo shoot, and Alison Hayashi of kiss&makeup prepped Dayna by styling Dayna's hair and making her up for the pictures.

I love this photo of Dayna; Dave caught another of her unforgettable smiles perfectly!

Not only did Dayna and Billy celebrate their marriage yesterday, but they also celebrated 16 years to the day as a couple. When looking at the following photo, I can imagine these two as high school sweethearts, sweet and in love.

What impressed me most about the photos from Dayna and Billy's engagement shoot, is the diversity of scenery and backgrounds that Dave artfully captured in the photos. Of course, the temple and surrounding water photographs beautifully, but I also admire the way Dave shot the tropical foliage and "woodland" feel with the paperbark trees.

Before signing off, I must share with you one more photo. In addition to getting beautiful portraits, my favorite is when engagement photos portray the personality of a couple. Anyone who knows Billy can attest to his love for speed and his car. Here he is, down on one knee, praying for the answer to be "yes!"

Fortunately, Dayna gets the ring in the end, and they drive off happily into the future...Dayna, Billy, and his car. Congratulations, you two (er, you three)!