Taiko and Mark are just the friends you want to have. They’re kind, selfless, intentional, beautiful, and fun to be around! So it would only make sense that two such wonderful people would find each other, fall in love, and get engaged.

They met at exactly the wrong time...or so it seemed. Taiko had just graduated from college and was starting a job at UC Davis. Mark had just graduated from UC Davis and was preparing to depart for a two year contract in South Africa. But it was in that short period where their lives intersected and they began to talk as "just friends." Soon enough, Mark had to say goodbye to their in person chats and say hello to Skype, FaceTime, e-mails, Facebook and practically all the forms of long distance communication they could think of.

After two years, Mark came home. Mark and Taiko had become best friends and were thrilled to be reunited. Though, at that time, their relationship status was simply “friends.” After a couple of months, Mark was hit with the sudden realization that he didn’t want to be “just friends” any longer and asked Taiko to be his girlfriend. Naturally, it didn’t take much time for both of them to realize that what they had was something special.

Finally, on December 4, 2015, Mark took Taiko out on a surprise date. After showering her with romantic gestures like flowers, a fancy dinner, time at their favorite coffee shop, several romantic letters, and Christmas light hunting, Mark got down on one knee and presented the perfect ring. Taiko didn’t hesitate to say yes to her best friend and, now, soon to be husband! Their engagement session took place in the Back Bay of Newport Beach, CA with shots in the Newport Dunes Marina and Castaways Park. They are excited to tie the knot in Visalia, California on July 30, 2016!