The last time I visited Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, Ca was when I was another photographer’s intern… I mostly carried her equipment bags, fluffed the bride’s wedding dress and delivered much needed water to very thirsty hard working people. I remember registering in my mind all the magic that was there… the luscious gardens, the majestic structures, the feeling like we were in another world… I always hoped to go back to photograph someone’s love story there. Needless to say, what I felt after reading Crystal & Kiet’s email naming this spot as their engagement location is – indescribable.

What’s more, is that these two are not only sweet and kind – they are a powerhouse couple. I love their positive and radiant personalities, I am beyond fortunate to have met them!! (Can I reference the Law of Attraction?? …because it feels like positive energy brought these two into my life!) We started at Greystone Mansion and ended at the Beverly Hills City Hall. Check out their love story below!

A few words from the bride…

How did you meet?

We were colleagues!

What is your proposal story?

April 6, 2018
Crystal’s journal entry

On a trip to Tokyo, Japan.

A year ago, there was a hangry man who walked around a park for 3 hours. I didn’t say a word because I’ve never seen anyone this excited about trees or maybe he was just happy to be at a park. Meanwhile, I thought about the fatty toro sushi we’re going to have that noon. Sure enough, we lost track of time.

This man gave a tour of the entire park, pointing out how none of the trees were pretty enough. I rolled my eyes. He took many photos. I have 200 solo photos under what looked like the same cherry blossom tree. No tree was good enough for this man. We continued walking. He started to get frustrated. I suggested we head to the fish market soon because he looked hangry. We walked around some more until I couldn’t hold my small bladder.

When I came out of the restroom, the hangry man was nowhere in sight. I circled around to the other side of the restroom. And then there he was, looking as proud as a lobster. We were both standing on a little hill with a beautiful bridge, I was facing the restroom and he was looking over a gorgeous forest of cherry blossom trees. The silly man turned me around and got down on one knee.

Why did you choose your engagement location and what do you love about it?

It’s a dream to photoshoot at the Greystone Mansion. From humble beginnings, having a photography session at this venue was always a fairytale we thought would only exist on Instagram posts. It was a place we didn’t even thought we could fathom about. Connecting with Vanessa is the reason why we put the Greystone Mansion on our vision board and engagement shoot goals. She shared the venue with us and reminded us what could be possible if the both of us strive toward a common dream. Being able to do our engagement shoot at Greystone Mansion was beyond our imagination, but meeting an incredible photography like Vanessa, the one who made our vision come true was what made our experience all the more memorable. We’re so grateful to have connected with Vanessa because she’s the reason our engagement shoot dream came to life at the Greystone Mansion.

What is your favorite thing about being engaged?

It feels similar to getting promoted to be CEO at a Fortune 500 company. We guess the feeling is fitting since we were once colleagues!

What is your most valuable piece of advice you can share with future couples planning their engagement session?

When in doubt, do the husky kiss.

I am incredibly honored to be your photographer Crystal & Kiet!! Thank you for having me!! Can’t wait for your wedding!! 

XO,

V

Vendors //

Crystal’s dress: Etsy, Hair & Make up: Priscilla Woo, Flowers: InStyle Blooms