Tara and Ryker : Portraits in San Francisco

ast week, Stephen and I drove from Scottsdale to the beautiful cold city of San Francisco. I say cold because I have THIN blood living here in Scottsdale. Basically anything cold is just not my thing... BUT when shared with good friends, I learn to embrace it and dress warm. San Fran ended up being gorgeous and sunny while we were there and I just really couldn't complain. We soaked up the sun and took the ferry to Alcatraz, walked along china town, and drank LOTS of coffee while we enjoyed a new place. There is just something so charming about San Francisco. I don't know if it's the cute little trolley cars that zoom up and down the steep hills or the charming little buildings that sit one on top of another in such a cool city. Regardless, this city has some awesome history and we felt so blessed to have the opportunity to walk along the streets and enjoy a new place with new faces. One of my absolute favorite places in San Francisco is the Cliff House that sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I don't just love the Cliff House because its a GREAT restaurant, but I love it because there is so much history that surrounds this place. Beneath the Cliff house are awesome ruins that once were public swimming pools back in the 1800's. I love soaking up history where it happened. It just feels neat. I don't know if I love this place because its just quiet and beautiful or because I have good memories here with my parents but I do know that this is the place I wanted to be with friends. I had Ryker and Tara meet us above the ruins and between the trees where the light just seemed to look magical.  
 
On our way to San Fran, my good friend Ryker called me about taking some photos for him and his girlfriend Tara while we were in town. A good excuse to hang out with my good friends and create some lasting memories. I couldn't wait.  
 
I met both Ryker and Tara while in College at Point Loma. I don't quite remember how it happened but I always enjoyed spending time with them and I LOVED that we could hang out now as "grownups" outside of college in a new big city together. Tara is one of the coolest girls around. She's quiet and sweet, but has a huge heart and positive perspective on life. I love browsing her blog, Sharp in the City, and reading about things from her thoughts on the bachelorette to great places to grab some grub. She's creative and I love it. Ryker and I got to know each other a few years back while driving to the Phoenix Open from San Diego. Dating a golfer entailed A LOT of golf tournaments and I loved it. One particular trip, a group of guys caravaned out to Phoenix and Ryker stood out from the rest with his bright pink pants and a name I had never heard before. I knew right then and there that Ryker had style. These weren't just any old weird pink pants these were stylish pants and they were awesome. I try sometimes to pursuade Stephen into wearing bright pants but it doesn't look to promising.  
 
Thanks Tara and Ryker for hanging out with us! We had a blast with you and are excited to watch what God's going to do in your lives.

It was REALLY windy through the trees and even though Tara's hair isnt perfect I love how natural this photo looks.

Ryker picks up Tara a lot because shes LITTLE. My goodness shes adorable and small. I just love this shot of her shoes...

This place is seriously awesome. On a sunny day, its simply magical.

Ryker and Tara are two fashionable people. I LOVE IT.

This is one of my favorite photos of them.