Engaged: Nick and Abby

Fact: when most people think "engagement pictures," they do NOT think the basement of a parking garage, wedged between a black SUV with heavily tinted windows and a very thick concrete wall, including obligatory graffiti. And, for honesty's sake, Nick and Abby probably didn't envision that either. Or maybe they did. But the point is: I did. And, since I am bossy, I lived up to my name and we did it.

(Okay, okay. So I suggested it...and they liked it...so we did it. I. Am. Not. Bossy. Seriously, people! What gave you that idea? *smirk*)

But what do you expect? Last summer, Nick introduced me to Burn Notice (and I still haven't forgiven him) with a daily countdown to the season premiere. Abby has seriously mean acting skills, obvious in college film projects. And, together, they strike me as very efficient espionage types. Throw a little love in the mix, and here comes the drama.














Oh, oh. And did I mention that when Nick and Abby saw these, they gave me some of the best compliments ever?? (I like compliments. Keep 'em coming, folks.)
"Exponentially better than I hoped/imaginedAnd I was already prepared to be blown away.The pictures are amazing

You are amazing

We art amazed"

Love in the Spotlight

In the the interest of full-disclosure, I must say that Nick is a self-described fan of my work. A big big big fan, in fact. I receive angst-filled GTalk messages if more than a couple days pass between blog posts. And harsh scoldings if I procrastinated or failed to deliver known shoots to the online world promptly. And loud complaints if I don't post enough photos for him to enjoy.

So, when Nick messaged a month ago asking if I knew of any good places for engagement photos, I knew two things: a) he was backhandedly informing me that he'd finally asked Abby to marry him, and b) the pressure was ON.

And now I'm starting my timer: how long will it take for Nick to notice that his picture is on the blog?

Engaged: Jenna and Matt

I'm not sure I will ever get tired of hanging out with people who are in love. I mean...seriously! How fun is it to watch two people laugh together when you know they're preparing to spend the rest of their lives laughing together? Yup. You guessed it. TONS of fun.

Jenna and Matt did laugh a lot together. And, um, they made me laugh, too. Especially when they started mocking Olan Mills and doing the cheesiest poses they could possibly think of. Yup, you guessed it... the hand under the chin and goofy smiles. Man, I'm glad I don't have to rely on forced smiles!

Plus, the cutest stuff from my afternoon with Jenna and Matt is yet to come. You'll like. Promise.

Engaged: Heather and Aaron

It was the sweetest of things. Aaron grabbed Heather and pulled her close -- knowing full well, of course, that the camera was watching him. I think he was trying to show off. He had claimed her. Wooed her. Sent yellow roses. Put a ring on her finger. Made her happier than seemed possible. And now, he wanted to show it off. Watch out, world! Check out what I can do.

"Oh, honey! You missed!" Heather giggled. (But, let the record show: she glowed.)

"What?!" Aaron wasn't teasing here. He had laid claim and she was just giggling. I think he was a little confused.

"That was my nose, not my lips!"

(Personally, I hope he figures out the difference before their June wedding. Just saying.)



When I showed up at Heather's house before we started shooting, she had one box of shoes, one box of accessories, a pile of shirts, and three dresses...all waiting for my "expert" opinion and "executive" decision. I made something up and hoped it would be beautiful. When she pulled out three makeup bags of lipstick and asked me to choose a color, though, I almost dealt with an emotional meltdown. Lets just say that suddenly I felt like something less than an expert; the options were way overwhelming, even for the usually decisive me.























P.S. Instead of calling me bossy -- like Troy and Jeremy both did -- Aaron complied admirably; his wife-to-be, however, called me "adorably weird." I choose to take this as a compliment.

Engaged: Amanda and Jeremy

In a perfect world, I'm able to scout out locations for a shoot, evaluate lighting, choose any props, visualize poses before showing up to meet my friends for a shoot. However, I don't always live in a perfect world. (No duh!) But, in a beautiful world, the bride knows exactly what she wants and picks out locations, outfits, and props that reflect her, her groom, and their life together.

When I met up with Amanda and Jeremy for their engagement pictures, it was the first time I'd seen them as a couple. (Not ideal, I know, but that's what I get for living a couple hundred miles away from them.) My perfect little world was rudely interrupted by unknown terrain, a never-before-visited town, and a tight schedule on a busy weekend.

But.

[drumroll please]

Amanda. is. amazing.

She not only picked out the most beautiful, photogenic - and meaningful - locations that I can possibly imagine, but she also chose outfits that reflect them perfectly, brought the dogs along for pictures, and kept poor Jeremy quite cooperative (its not always the easy life, living in front of the camera; even I know that).
























Oh, and their wedding is going to be amazing. It involves and outdoor ceremony, family heritage, farm life, and one amazing bride (and her groom, of course).

Engaged: Michael and Hannah

Cold, windy, and -- I'll admit it -- rather miserable don't make for an easy day for a photo session. Its even worse when your photo's subjects ought to be looking comfortable, lovey dovey, and warm and fuzzy...and instead are glaring at you for making them standing the cold wind.

I, the photographer, can bundle up to stay warm and it doesn't matter if I'm waddling around under three pairs of long johns and a couple coats. But that doesn't work for being in front of the camera.

Don't get me wrong. It wasn't that cold (it is April, after all!). But let me be dramatic. Because I want to be. So there. Harrumph.



But who needs a fleece jacket and mittens when you've got a hand to hold and an arm around your shoulder, right Hannah? And, Michael, when you have warm fuzzies, why would you need to wear a coat?



Hannah and Michael are -- in case you couldn't tell -- fully in love. The way she lights up when she looks at him. Their way of sharing a smile. And, yes, their ability to communicate without saying a word. Its all proof.

Its so real, so raw, so beautiful.

And their wedding next month is going to be a sweet, sweet celebration. Of that I have no doubt.

Engaged: Troy and Stephanie

When I hung out with Troy and Stephanie, I found out that I'm bossy. Me? Bossy? Sheesh. What a wonderful, spectacular revelation. Gotta love it.

And the worst part? Troy was only sharing what our mutual friend Ray (and the groom in one of last summer's wedding) had warned him about me.

What a greeeat reputation you've built for me, Ray. Just greeeat. Thanks. Seriously.



Naw, I'll forgive Ray eventually.

And as to Troy and Stephanie...they were way too much fun. Despite the fact that Troy would never smile (ha!) and kept trying to hide his eyes with his sunglasses (hm), they obliged all my requests and crazy notions with amazing patience.

(By the way: its only because of a certain someone's lack of cooperation that I have to be "bossy" -- if that's what we have to call it. Just saying.)



Their wedding in October is going to be a blast. I was already excited, but especially so when I heard some of the design ideas Stephanie has for her big day. Lets just say the colors are grand...and the guy's outfits are going to have a spectacular twist that will be waaay too much fun. (Do we reeeally have to wait another six months?!)











And that, my friends, is what I did one afternoon at Tanglewood Park with Troy and Stephanie. =)