Jamie and Fernando’s journey is a testament to love’s ability to grow stronger through challenges and triumphs. Their relationship, built on ambition, adventure, and unwavering support, has evolved over eight years into a partnership that embraces both the fun and the difficult. From meeting at an oil refinery to navigating heartbreak with the loss of their son Mateo in 2023, they’ve leaned on each other to emerge stronger and closer. Now, as they look forward to welcoming their baby boy in May 2025 and celebrating their upcoming wedding, they reflect on a love story that’s anything but conventional.

From Fernando’s playful and unexpected proposal to their thoughtfully chosen engagement session at Mare Island, their journey is full of moments that reflect who they are: a couple unafraid to be themselves and find joy in the unique. Below, they share the intimate details of their relationship, engagement, and hopes for the future in their own words.

Tell us a little about you two, your story, and what these engagement photos mean to you.

We met while working at an oil refinery. Our drive and ambition in life are what truly brought us together. We love adventure and traveling. We have been together a little over 8yrs. After losing our son Mateo in July of 2023 we truly put down our guard of this “we are independent and don’t need anyone” life motto and leaned on each other to make it through probably one of the hardest chapters of our lives. We are currently expecting and our Son is due to arrive in May 2025.

How did he pop the big question?

In OUR true fashion we are anything but traditional we love doing things our way. Our proposal was no different. We love pushing each others buttons and Fernando did just that. One evening I got so frustrated with him (over something ridiculous) and that’s when he did it. That was his plan all along. When he asked my parents for permission for us to get married my parents asked how do you think you will do it… he replied back “ I’m going to irritate her so bad and she won’t have any idea it’s coming” lol He did just that. :) he ended up proposing exacting 1 year from our wedding date!

Tell us about picking Mare Island as a location for engagement photos. What drew you to having engagement photos at Mare Island?

I love the idea of Mare island. Since we met In an industrial setting that background was perfect. Also loved that just across the street was a beautiful little park. So in one short session you had so many different backgrounds it felt like you traveled throughout a journey and took pictures

What was the scariest part of engagement photos?

Ohhh Fernando HATES pictures and isn’t always the most talkative especially around newer company. I had no idea how him and James would interact. I had so much anxiety the day of.

What advice would you give to couples about to have their engagement photos done?

Just enjoy it! Wear whatever makes you feel your best! I knew getting my makeup done would help me feel a little extra special so I had a MUA come to my house the morning of. Wear something that you are comfortable and you feel yourself in. Also I knew it would be helpful for Fernando too. He wore an outfit that I knew he would feel himself in. We didn’t try and be anyone we weren’t.

What are you most excited about for your upcoming wedding?

Officially becoming a Family. Finally feeling chosen. Fernando is my best friend and I have never had someone push me, challenge me and make me want to just keep becoming better. He truly loves me on my worst days and really rallies me on my best days. He is an incredible person and I am truly the luckiest being able to spend the rest of my life with him.