CASSIDY + KARSON
Location: King Gillette Ranch, Malibu, CA
Date: 09.12.2020
Wedding & Engagement Photographer: Mike Federis Photography
King Gillette Ranch is one of the many hidden gems in Malibu, California. The ranch was famously owned by King C. Gillette, who is well known today for the “Gillette” safety razor design. The ranch consists of over 500 acres within the Santa Monica Mountains. The main attraction at the Ranch is the Spanish Colonial Gillette Mansion, which was originally built in 1928 and hosts 28 rooms.
Engagement Session
This was my first time at King Gillette Ranch so I arrived about 45 minutes early to scout the area for key locations. This gave me plenty of time to walk around the Gillette Mansion and determine which angle/perspective would look the best. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the most ideal since there was a layer of smoke in the atmosphere due to Sawmill Fire and Babcot Fire from San Gabriel Mountains. I expected that we wouldn’t have the best light for sunset but it would provide us even lighting which is always great for portraits.
Cassidy and Karson arrived on time and they looked absolutely beautiful. They were right, they can definitely pull off to be “Warmer Park Models” I loved their enthusiasm from beginning and eagerness to capture some beautiful portraits. I knew that we had to be efficient and intentional with the photos since the ranch was so large. We kicked off the session at the Visitor Center which had a beautiful fountain in the courtyard and thick vine leaves hanging off from the exterior of the patio. Next, we walked to the short nature trail that was located right next to the visitor parking lot. We took the opportunity to capture some individual headshots for Cassidy and Karson here since the overgrown bushes and flowers was the perfect backdrop. Cassidy actually brought a bright red book called the “Library Book” which was very fitting, since Cassidy is a teacher. From here, I had Cassidy and Karson change outfits before we headed to Gillette Mansion. Their outfit was perfect for the setting. Cassidy had an elegant red crimson dress with black opera long gloves reminiscent of the 1950’s. Karson wore a classic dark blue suit with a white long sleeve shirt.
At the eastern side of the mansion, there was this beautiful stairs lined with blue and white tiles. This is where we took the photos of Cassidy and Karson wearing “Gas Masks” to signify the Pandemic. Make sure you scroll down the page to see these photos!
Cassidy and Karson also wanted to take some funny photos of them with “COVID” props. I thought this was really creative to show that we took these photos in a middle of Global Pandemic.
We ended the session with some walking shots of them near the main entrance. These were probably one of my favorite photos of the session. The security officer was nice enough to allow us to take these photos before he kicked us out.
Thank you so much to Cassidy and Karson for your time and trusting me to take your engagement photos. I look forward to your wedding in 2021.
Here’s how they met and a little about their love story:
How did you guys meet?
We met online in 2017. I (Cassidy) had tried casual dating for a short while and discovered that it wasn't really my scene. I had promised Karson a coffee date before quitting dating altogether and focusing on work/school. Karson had messaged a few people, but not gone on any dates thus far. Our meeting was his first-and last- online dating experience.
Tell me about your first date?
We agreed to meet at Happy Days Cafe- a Churro /coffee shop in Sherman Oaks. Since Cassidy was tired of bad dates, she scheduled the meeting for a weeknight coffee. She also set it up with her mom to call an hour into the date, so she had an excuse to leave. An hour long date turned into four hours....and several missed calls from mom.How did you know she was the one?!
How did you know he was the one?!
There isn't an exact moment, just a series of small instances. Cassidy liked how Karson took care of her- cooking, planning dates, holding her hand, and generally protecting her. She also found his Dad puns to be almost-funny. He is the first person she thinks of when she has a new story to tell. Karson here- I find it hard to say when I knew Cassidy was the one. Early on in our dating, Cassidy quickly became my best friend. She was the one who I wanted to spend my free time with. She makes me laugh, makes me feel at ease and relaxed. There were several moments when I knew I could marry her, they were all little things she did that made my day better.
How did you guys get engaged?
Karson proposed at Bodega Bay in March 2020. They had decided on a picnic and walk along the cliffs overlooking the bay. Karson and Cassidy had discussed marriage, but Cassidy was surprised when Karson pulled out the ring- she had not expected a proposal in that moment. Either way, the answer was an ecstatic "yes". Karson here- Cassidy had once joked that she would not accept a proposal unless it came along with dessert. Just before the hike to our proposal location, I called a local bakery and ordered a dozen cookies for pick up; one can never be too sure.
What do you love about each other?
Karson is thoughtful, talented, and romantic. Cassidy is funny, expressive, and passionate.
List some of your favorite things that you both love... (examples: movies, funny memes, wine, etc)
We love: - restaurant week L.A. - travelling central coast CA - Bachelor in Paradise - Our cat, Prudence - classic movies (Bringing up Baby, the Thin Man series, anything Hitchock) - craft cocktails - DMing each other random Instagram videos
What makes you guys a unique couple?
Our greatest compliment was being told we look like Warby Parker models......because we both wear Warby Parker glasses.
What is your favorite place to go and spend time together (example: restaurant, watching sunsets, etc)
We love date nights in Downtown L.A....and we've really missed it since the shut down. Karson is a big foodie, so fine dining is a common occurrence. We make frequent weekend road trips to different cities along Central California Coast...we love exploring new towns and walking along the beach.
What makes you guys laugh?
Karson loves Dad jokes and terrible puns. I can manage a weak smile. We love the cringe-y editing on the bachelor....pretty much any viral reality TV clip has made me laugh. Favorite comedians: Ron Funches, Rhys Darby, Iliza Shlesinger, Kristen Schaal. *Karson is usually an easier laugh than me. It's one of the first things that attracted me to him.
