Angelica and Jim's Love Story!

Angelica’s version of their love story:  

Normally when I tell people I met my fiancé at a beauty salon, I get some unique reactions, and truly I love it! I feel like we began in such a sweet, innocent manner… I was a receptionist of a salon, and Jim was a client who would visit my best friend’s mom (the esthetician). The chemistry was there from the very beginning and overwhelmingly obvious. My life changed entirely one day as Jim paid for his service at my front desk. For some reason that day he lingered playfully. That day he leaned in to talk to me closely as we professionally handled a business transaction; a smile never leaving his face, nor mine due to the butterflies in my tummy. That day he left the salon and 5 minutes later walked back through the door stating that he ‘forgot to grab a piece of candy'. That day he decided to call after his second attempt to leave, telling me 'I think you should save my phone number in your cell phone'. I was absolutely beside myself when the words actually registered in my stunned brain. I remember overflowing with emotion at that moment; being so ecstatic and incredibly nervous all at once because no one had ever made me feel so wanted in entire life. I mean truly, this handsome man sought me out without deviation. It was that day it all changed. That day was the beginning of our forever. I saved his phone number, and we have since talked endlessly; that was 5 1/2 years ago!!

Jim’s version of our love story:

I'd been going to this particular salon for years to see a friend of mine. For some reason, Angelica and I had crossed paths only a small amount of times when I was there. Then all of a sudden, each time I went to the salon, she seemed to be working, and I took notice. I remember her asking if she could bring me a glass of wine, and I politely declined, which of course I instantly regretted. Way to go dude, the quickest way to end a conversation is to say "no thanks." At that moment, I was intrigued and caught a bit off guard, which wasn't normal for me. I had mentioned Angelica to my friend at the salon, and my friend then also took notice and threw a few comments in here and there that I'm sure helped facilitate the inevitable. At the end of my last appointment, I remember chatting loosely with Angelica longer than I ever had before, and I noticed that she was definitely flirting with me. :-) 

I left that day with a big smile on my face, but when I got to my car, I realized I completely forgot that one particular piece of candy at the front desk that I'd been craving so bad. So I went back in to get my piece of candy, and low and behold, there she was flirting with me again. :-) Anyways, I finally left, and thought "man, did I ever blow that one." So when I got home, I called the salon and recommended to Angelica that she save my phone number, you know, in case any good appointments became available at the salon. Soon enough, I received a text from her, which "ok, fine," was truly the goal all along. I must admit, I don't even like candy, and I could have cared less for that piece of candy, but I wanted to talk to her more and see what she was all about. Somehow, that silly attempt worked, I fumbled right through it all, and it worked.

Our Engagement Story Told By Jim:

The Mayan Ruins were always something Angelica had been fascinated by. So when some of our best friends presented the opportunity to go on a week-long trip to Riviera Maya for the first time, I knew this would be the spot. I had the ring, but I bought a white "activity ring" since we were going to Mexico, and had matching Team Swanson tank tops made for the moment that I knew would come while on our trip. I'd heard about Coba, the tallest Mayan Ruin in the Yucatan Peninsula that you can still climb, and knew that Coba had to be the spot, all the way at the top like a Mayan God and Goddess, way above the canopy of the jungle. Well, Coba was terrifying. About 10% up, we both got a bit scared and nervous and decided it was best and safest to call off the ascent. The moment was gone, and I was back to the drawing board. A brief moment in Tulum, you know, the popular ruins by the sea presented itself... but something just wasn't right about that either. Next thing you know, we're two days away from leaving Mexico, and I'm feeling a bit of desperation. That day we hung out in the resort pool and bellied up to an awesome Tiki Hut on the beach when I noticed how picturesque the thatched palapa piers looked with the sun just beginning to set. "This could be it" I thought until I realized that due to Hurricane Michael, all the piers were closed and inaccessible! By now I'm wondering "man, is this a sign??!" As I looked to the right, I saw the sun shining behind the clouds on this perfect wooden planked dance floor on the beach, set away from everything and all by itself. The lighting was perfect, and the backdrop was this beautiful scene of the palapa thatched piers, the palms, and a completely serene tropical paradise, and the sun behind us was casting the perfect light! This was my sign! So I wandered off, then called her over to me, she confusingly meandered my way, while pointing out the people that had made it on the piers while they were closed! I thought "dude, if that guy proposes to his girl on that pier, I'm done, my thunder is completely stolen!" So I persistently now called her over to me and began to ask her the one question I'd been wanting to ask the whole trip..."Do you remember when you asked me if I could love you forever? Well, I figured it out, and I have a question for you..." She laughed hysterically, a nervous laugh, of course, prompting me to ask twice "so I'm thinking that's a yes??" Lol. The moment was perfect and went down exactly the way it was intended to. It happened nothing like I had planned, and I ran the full gamut of emotions during this trip waiting for that moment, but I believe it went better than I could have ever imagined. That moment happened to us, not the other way around.

Aren't they the cutest?! I can't wait to finish the rest of their engagement photos, and I DEFINITELY can't wait for their wedding. Next year on Feb 29th, 2020! Congratulations to Angelica and Jim!!

:: Chelsee Bingham

Are you looking for a Wedding Photographer here in Arizona? I would LOVE to be considered! CLICK HERE to message me!

Want to see more amazing photos? CLICK HERE to view a beautiful Flagstaff engagement session. CLICK HERE to view sneak peeks of my latest wedding!