The wind blew gently through the golden flowers on top of Max Patch. Alexis and Javier met us along the winding trails and we made our way to the top. We were met with the most glorious golden sunset over the mountainscape. Alexis and Javier were so easy together, with nothing but laughing smiles and soft touches and kisses.
A light fog had settled over the waters of Lake Wawasee and it was drizzling ever so slightly, but that wouldn’t deter the excitement of Sara and Luke. They had no idea that fateful day they met working at a tap room together that five plus years later they would be getting married during a pandemic. COVID may have changed their plans, but they couldn’t not be married to one another any longer, so they kept their ceremony on their original date, and boy was it beautiful.
Let’s be honest, being in front of a camera for an hour is daunting. I myself feel horrendously awkward when I get my photo taken! Your engagement session doesn’t have to be this painful experience, it can actually be a total blast!
This wedding was extra special, as Jake is my best friend’s older brother and I’ve known and loved their sweet family for years! This special intimate backyard wedding wasn’t their original plan, but thanks to COVID, they had to change plans on a dime. They waited five years for this day, and they weren’t going to let anything stop them from joining their love and lives together.
We met at Waterfront Park, for this dreamy Charleston engagement session. Despite Waterfront Park being wildly popular for tourists, it was surprisingly empty, which was perfect for our session planned. We met by the pineapple fountain, and Britney and Nick immediately sparked laughter as we started shooting.
When visiting Charleston, I knew I wanted to do this engagement session at Folly Beach, but still be able to avoid the crowds. So we settled on sunrise, and at 5am when the sky was still a deep indigo we set out for the beach. The sand was cool to the touch and the waves tumbled over each other in a dance towards the shore.
I have known Jake and Jess through one of my dearest friends most of my life, and when Jess reached out about shooting their May wedding I was thrilled! These two love birds met me at Vesey Park while visiting family in Fort Wayne, and we had such a fun time with their dog Nala and the last of the fall weather.
It was the perfect end to fall for an engagement session, when I met Hannah and Zach at Metea Park. The leaves were hanging on to the last of their deep color, and golden hour blessed us with beautiful rays of light. I originally met Hannah through her older sister Judy, who’s wedding I am also shooting next year. Over coffee Hannah told me all about Zach and their relationship with such a wide, genuine smile on her face. I knew these two would be such a wonderful time to capture. And indeed, Hannah and Zach were so full of love and laughter, despite all the weird prompts I made them do.
When Kelli and Kyle first met me for coffee and a consultation and told me their wedding was Harry Potter themed, I was hooked. As a die-hard Potterhead myself I couldn’t have been more delighted to hear all the fun little details they plan on incorporating into their day. We met up for their engagement session a few weeks later at Hyde Brothers Bookstore and Promenade Park, with wands and books in hand, and let me tell you guys, they totally crushed it. Between the little details, and the gorgeous fall foliage overlooking the river, and their shining personalities full of love and laughter, we couldn’t have asked for a better session.
Mid October in Northern Michigan might be cold, but it was well worth the trip. We began our adventure at the Sleeping Bear Dunes trailhead point, and started the slow journey up the dunes. The sun came out from her hiding and warmed our goosebump-ridden skin and made all the sand glow gold. Once we finally reached the top of the dune overlooking Lake Michigan, we had to stand for a moment to take in all the beauty and awe that came with the view. It was nothing if not breathtaking.