Growing up, one of Ashley’s favorite movies of all-time was Top Gun; without a doubt, entire scenes could still be recited by memory and Highway to the Danger Zone evokes some serious nostalgia. So when we found out that Greg is an actual Top Gun pilot for the Navy, trust us – the giddiness was almost embarrassing (if anyone had actually been witness to the dorkyness). But meeting Greg in person, finally? Totally amazing! You see, we’ve known Jessica for a long time now; she was a bridesmaid at one of the most epic Los Angeles weddings we have ever been part of and we were so thrilled and honored to be asked to document their wedding later this summer!

But first … we got to hang out in Palm Desert for their Highway 74 engagement session while we were out in the Palm Springs area last month and we had so much fun trying to outrun the rain that was threatening to spill any second (despite the sun peeking through), and celebrating Greg’s birthday with some tasty cupcakes from our favorite Palm Springs bakery, Over the Rainbow Desserts. We didn’t take pics with the cupcakes (whoopsy!), but trust us … they’re pretty much worth a roundtrip flight to Palm Springs, all by themselves.

These two met at a wedding a few years ago, and even though Greg was stationed in Virginia and Jessica lives in Los Angeles – they made their long distance relationship work. They would do things like have FaceTime dates while cooking the same meals together (aww!), and catching flights to meet up with each other as often as they could. And then, finally, last year – Greg sealed the deal. They went on a trip to France and Greg proposed in the Champagne region. They were on a impromptu picnic and setting up to eat some great cheeses and meats with French bread and Moet champagne. Greg popped the question by standing up and asking Jess if she wanted her birthday present a little early (her birthday was in 6 days). She of course said yes. He help out both hands and said “Pick a Hand”. She (of course) picked the wrong one and he helped her out with the correct one with the ring. Jess told us that the irony was that Greg was the one standing and Jess was the one down on one knee from putting the picnic together. It was pretty much perfect. And just a few short weeks ago, Greg moved to Los Angeles! Eeek!

And now – ahh! We are WEEKS away from their wedding day, and we’re so excited to come back to Los Angeles at the end of May to celebrate their wedding!!

Randy and Ashley Durham are intimate wedding photographers based in Colorado Springs, Colorado … and we’re available for travel pretty much anywhere! Be sure to check out our upcoming travel schedule to see if we’re coming to an area near you!