Before college even began, Scott spotted Loan across the quad during their UC Berkeley orientation. He saw her again in their architecture class on the first day of school and was convinced she was out of his league. Luckily, she disagreed, and a few weeks before their graduation, Loan asked him out to the movies. Six and a half years later, many years of which were long distance, Scott proposed.

When Loan found me through my Instagram (@cassiexiephotography), we planned to do their engagement session on the campus where Scott first saw Loan and knew, even then, that she was something special. Even beyond the memories they made there, the UC Berkeley campus was the perfect location for their photos. Their wedding theme is “love grows,” and the campus was bathed in the kind of lush greenery they plan to work into their wedding day.

Best of all, Loan and Scott were such naturals in front of the camera, and even came up with fun, unique ideas along the way. Because Scott is so much taller than Loan, when he spotted a curb, he asked if they could take pictures walking along the curb, since that would make them the same height! It was such an adorable idea and the photos turned out beautifully. I always love when my couples are so excited and engaged in the photo planning and posing.

Getting to walk the campus where Scott and Loan first met as they reflected on where life has taken them – from strangers to almost husband and wife – was a special experience. I can’t wait to photograph the next big walk in their lives: when Loan walks down the aisle at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Sacramento.

Check out some of my favorites from Loan and Scott’s UC Berkeley engagement session below!