California coastal engagement photography session on a beach lesbian weddings gay marriage

[dropcap letter=”M”]y story begins when I was a teenager. I was not accepted because I am a lesbian. The only place I felt love and acceptance was in the city of San Francisco. I lived there for 4 years until I was ready to confront any obstacles I had to deal with when I  moved back to Los Angeles. I still had hardships because of my orientation, but all it did was make me stronger person. It has taken years  for the most important people in my life to accept my sexual orientation. I’ve not only struggled with being accepted by family, friends and society but I’ve struggled throughout the years to find the right partner. I almost gave up on love.

 

California coastal engagement photography session on a beach lesbian weddings gay marriage
This is where my fiancé, Brenda, comes in. Brenda and I met through a mutual friend and we hit it off on our first date. She gave me a kiss and basically put a love spell on me since then. Brenda is the love of my life. I would not know how to live life without her. Brenda is a beautiful person inside and out. She has the sweetest, kindest and loving heart. Everything I have been through the past and the present, Brenda understands me and I understand her. We both come from different walks of life. I’m Thai, she’s Mexican. I’m old school, she’s new school. I’m Buddhist, she’s Catholic. No matter where we come from or how we were raised, the love I have for Brenda is real and strong. After six years of living and being together, I’ve realized that she is the one. The one I want to call my wife. The one I want to be with forever. 

California coastal engagement photography session on a beach lesbian weddings gay marriage
I was undecided on where to propose to her. There were so many amazing places that I’ve read other couples had proposed. I then realized, I want to take her to a place where I found my safe haven. The place I found love and acceptance, which is what Brenda gives me. The place I proposed to her was in San Francisco on the Golden Gate Bridge. I took her to SF city and got down on on knee and said, “This place is where I found myself which made me a stronger person. Just like you have made me find love and made me a better person. This  city has a special place in my heart  and  you are the one that holds my heart. There’s no other place I would want to be with you when I ask you…Will you be my wife?” Brenda was speechless and shocked, so after I asked her the second time she finally said “yes!!” 

California coastal engagement photography session on a beach lesbian weddings gay marriageI have now dedicated my time and effort to making her dream wedding come true. I’m submitting my engagement story in order to share our love with others. No matter what the struggle is past or present, love does exist. I am in love with my best friend and wouldn’t trade her for anything. Many years have passed since I was a teen and many things have changed. The acceptance level has definitely changed. My father is an old-fashioned man and has agreed to walk me down the aisle for our wedding, which I never imagined would happen. He has genuinely accepted Brenda into our family and opened his heart to us and our love. This is a huge milestone in our family and makes our family stronger.

This is my love story.

Clover Sunpanich-Dominguez

 

Photos: Robert Yu Photography

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