Pamela and Mitchell’s love story began in their sophomore year at Fresno State, where they both ran for the college's cross-country team. Starting out as friends they found themselves arriving earlier and earlier to practice just to see each other. Then one afternoon after watching a bad comedy movie, Mitchell kissed Pamela and the rest they tell us is history. Bringing us to this adorable proposal session captured by, Three16 Photography, in Orange County at the stunning Cerritos Sculpture Garden. We caught up with Pamela and Mitchell to hear more about their story and here is what they had to say.
What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together. (example: pushing each other to new limits, love to travel, huge comic book fans, foodies, etc.) What makes your relationship unique?
Pamela and Mitchell’s relationship is special because of their individual backgrounds. Pamela grew up in Quito, Ecuador and Mitchell grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They both enjoy exploring each other’s cultures and have learned a lot about each other while doing so. Also, they are both great fans of video games, and although Mitchell is not very fond of Pamela’s fascination with scary video games, they still enjoy playing with each other. In addition, what makes their relationship so special is their willingness to try new things whether it is salsa dancing, visiting new dog parks, trying new exotic foods, or exploring a whole new country.
How did you know your partner was the one? When did you first know this in your relationship? (these may often be the same moment, but aren’t always)
While driving back to college on the 152 Freeway through the Pacheco Pass, Mitchell suddenly held Pamela’s hand, breathed in deeply and told her that he loved her very much, and that he wanted to marry her someday. Pamela was surprised and started to blush. They have only been dating for about a year then, but in her heart, she knew that she could not find a better match for her than Mitchell. Since then, Pamela and Mitchell have always supported each other’s dreams.
Give us all the details about the proposal. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the planning process?
On the sands of Dog Beach, Mitchell took Pamela to her favorite spot in Orange County with their two pups. Mitchell and Pamela sat on the sandy beach under the California sun and faced the ocean. Mitchell asked Pamela to closed her eye, which she did. When Pamela opened her eyes, both of her dogs were wearing new dog collars with new name tags. She held the dog tags and read, “Will you marry Mitchell.” With shock in her eyes, Mitchell revealed an engagement ring from his pocket. Pamela, without hesitation and not letting Mitchell speak, wrapped her arms around Mitchell and said, “Yes!”
We’re all about the bling… Tell us all about that ring!
For starters, Pamela is a forensic toxicologist, meaning she loves science and her ring reflects that. The diamond is a lab-grown diamond and was made with cutting-edge technology. The ring itself is made of gold, the perfect color to match Pamela’s natural cinnamon colored skin. The diamond is set in a custom order mold to resemble a double helix, like a DNA strand. On the side of the diamond, on the interweaving parts of the ring are smaller diamonds and blue sapphires.
Are you excited to start planning your wedding day? Do you have any ideas in mind yet?
Mitchell and Pamela are both very excited to start planning the wedding. Since Pamela was born and raised in Ecuador and Mitchell was raised Northern California, most of the family will be doing a fair amount of traveling. Because of this, they have decided to have a traveling themed wedding. The wedding will combine both our cultures to show the new unity.
MEET THE TEAM:
Photographer: Three16 Photography
Location: Cerritos Sculpture Garden