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A few nights ago, I texted Louise and asked if she could meet me at 5:15 in the morning at Disneyland for a shoot, and then I added that she might have to wear a wedding dress. She responded with, “I’m laughing right now because I’m always surprised at the adventures we have”. It’s true, I never really know where our photography will take us or what is in store. I told my husband that I feel like I’m just along for the ride. 🙂

This was the case the other day, when I photographed Kyle and Teddy’s Disney’s California Adventure Engagement session. We had a great time, bonded over our mutual love for the Bradbury Halloween Tree in Disneyland, and were ecstatic when some Cast Members from the Haunted Mansion made our morning special. We had moved from Disneyland to Disney’s California Adventure and were taking photos in front of Carthay Circle, when a guest approached us and asked what we were taking photos for. Kyle and Teddy explained that they were engaged, and the guest was so happy for them, that she wanted to invite them in for a drink in Carthay Circle.

We were expecting to go into the Carthay lobby, but instead she took us into a side door that opened to Club 1901, the California Adventure equivalent to Club 33. All three of our jaws dropped at this point.

I’m not allowed to bring certain camera gear into the park, so I was pretty sad I didn’t have my tripod and lighting kit for this, but the coolness of being in Club 1901 kind of made up for that sadness, if you know what I mean. 😉

We spent a while at the bar talking to Adrian, a friendly and enthusiastic Cast Member that belongs at Disney, and ordered few special drinks that were nothing less than incredible. He made us a Key Lime Martini with a graham cracker rim, a Bloody Mary with a horseradish infused sun dried tomato, and another creation that he’d come up with on his own in his sleep one night~and then spent days perfecting his vision.

Adrian talked to us a lot about the club, and showed us how he turned ice cubes into circles.

But my favorite part was the Disney history that was posted everywhere. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but I’m a huge Walt Disney fan. When I was younger I read all of his autobiographies and have always been inspired by his life story and his belief that anything is possible if you work hard and believe. It was a real treat to be able to see Club 1901 and read the newspaper clippings, see the photos of Walt’s parents, and take in the history. There was another time I attended a goodbye party for a Cast Member that used to work on Walt’s Ranch. The party was in Walt Disney’s apartment above the Firehouse, and is on the top of my list of sun kissed days. Seeing the history and reading the clippings in 1901, was right there along with it.

It was one of those adventures I never expected, but those always are the best ones, aren’t they? Thanks Kyle and Teddy for being such a sweet and amazing couple, and thank you for ordering me a drink and putting up with me while I geeked out next to you during our photo session. <3

So, there you have it. I’ll always remember that time I had the honor of photographing a Disneyland engagement session at Club 1901. I’m glad I have photos to remind me that it really did happen. 😉

For more behind the scenes, check out the blog post below:

Disneyland Morning Castle Shoot, A Photographer’s Perspective