Everything happens for a reason — it is a lesson I continue to learn every time I sit down and contemplate the events and circumstances that have occurred in my life. I think that’s how love works too, when you least expect it, love … just happens.

Kismet was in full force when Clarissa + Chris path’s first crossed back in 2004 during a birthday celebration for Chris’ sister. It was a chance encounter that Clarissa almost missed because she was running late, but when she did arrive … fate took over, just in time. They finally met for the first time in a car full of carpooling guests en route to a piano bar. And together, they spent the rest of the evening laughing, dancing and having a great time — the beginning of many blissful moments they’d share on a path that would eventually lead them to one day be husband and wife.

Here are some of our favorite images from this lovely pair’s engagement session in San Juan Capistrano, CA.