Thursday, April 26, 2012

Amy & Steve: Engaged! | Orlando Wedding Photographer

I have generally always had very happy and in love couples, but I think these two may be top contenders for the giddiest couple I've ever photographed. If you've had a session with me, you know I like to get a few "simple" shots in there (mostly because I may have some angry parents coming my way if I don't provide at least a few with the couple looking at the camera). I decided I was going to start with this type of photo, but as soon as I told them to hug and then look at the camera, they both started cracking up. That basically set the mood for the whole session, and there were very few moments that they weren't loving on each other and laughing. Amy and Steve are very athletic, so they brought along some fun ways to incorporate that into their session. Nothing is more personal in an engagement session than bringing things that represent you as a couple! 

The first set of photos below is symbolic of how Steve proposed to Amy. Here is the proposal in his words (and yes, it made me cry...so sweet!): 
"It wasn’t long before I knew I wanted to marry Amy, and she made sure it wasn’t any longer. It was the night of our friend’s birthday dinner at Columbia Restaurant in Kissimmee. It looked like a great area where I could find a nice little seating area overlooking the water while eating some ice cream and pop the question. So I brought the ring with me to dinner, double checking I had no holes in my pockets. By the end of the night it had nearly burned a hole in my pocket I kept fiddling with it every chance I had to make sure it was still there. After dinner we decided to just head home. I had decided that the area wasn’t as nice as I wanted it…or I was just too nervous. On the way back we had a desire for some ice cream. Off to Publix we went. We agreed to the Chocolate Cookie Quarry enough chocolate to kill a horse but oh so good. Got back to the truck and the light bulb went off! I had a great idea to propose! When we got home Amy was quick to slip in to her PJs, which got me nervous (again) that she wouldn’t want any ice cream. Luckily she did and I still had my clothes on from dinner with the ring still floating in my pocket. I scoop the ice cream into our cups, put the spoon in, and then hang the ring around the spoon so it dangles off the side of the cup. I had a HUGE smile on my face and my hands were shaking like crazy. I had to put my hand around the ring so it wouldn’t jingle on the cup. I give her the cup with the ring facing away (probably a bad idea), and she dives into the ice cream like a champ. As she picks up the spoon to take her first scoop, the ring slams into the gooey chocolate ice cream. She is stunned, speechless. (I get goose bumps just thinking about it) She looks up at me with a great beautiful smile on her face; I reach for the ring; dig it out of the chocolate quarry and ask her to marry me. She can hardly speak and nods her head ‘yes’. The first words to come out of her mouth were, “OK, now go wash it off so I can wear it!” 

 <3 <3 I absolutely cannot wait for their wedding! <3 <3 







Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Axel & Rose: Engaged! | Orlando Wedding Photographer

I met with this stunning couple towards the end of 2011, and I have to say that I was ecstatic when they booked us! They were so friendly, in love, and all-in-all a couple I knew we'd have a great connection with. 

I met with Axel and Rose at Kraft Azalea Gardens for their engagement session last week. It was perfect weather, and I think (and hope!) they had as great of a time as I did. Their session was so effortless. Every slight move I wanted them to make, they understood without a second thought. I have to add (which I know I've said many times in the past) that having an engagement session before your actual wedding is a great idea. You not only have the opportunity to take some fun photos together that don't involve a wedding dress (not that being in a wedding dress is a bad thing at all), but you get to know your photographer and both sides learn how to work with one another. It just makes the wedding day itself go that much smoother. In fact, I've had couples at weddings tell me "oh, I know exactly what you're going to want out of this pose!" because they were familiar with it from their e-session. 

Anyway, we cannot wait for their wedding later this year! Enjoy the sneak peek. :)
She KILLS it with that look! I love it!  
He randomly brought a purple flower to his beautiful Rose in the middle of the session. It was exactly what I needed for a ring shot!  
You just can't go wrong with Kraft Azalea Gardens and a wide angle!  
Sometimes a little grain adds the right touch :)
I'm a sucker for soft, romantic photos.  




Parker Is Two! | Orlando Family Photographer

This is another family that I've had the pleasure of photographing since not long after Parker was born. I included a small collage of photos below from his first session until he was 1 year. The most recent session we had last week was for his two years, and man oh man is he CUTE. I remember when I left his newborn session, I told people that he was literally one of the cutest little baby's I have ever seen. 

They started using me back when I was just starting out, and it makes me so happy to know that they still call me for his sessions. I look back at sessions from two+ years ago and see how my style has completely changed. I now aim for a clean cut look without the crazy editing (no more black and white with a splash of color..not a chance!!!). I like to think that my clients grow with me, and it warms my heart when I see that they really do. I just adore this family so much! Parker has always been an active baby (at least during my sessions with him), but he never fails to give me a few photos that just melt my heart. Thanks for that, buddy. :) 

Enjoy your sneak peek! 

Adorable moment <3 
Attempt #2 at standing on the chair was much more successful than attempt #1! 
At age 2, you pretty much have to do whatever the child wants. If it involves photos of him splashing water, you go for it! I actually love this photo of the water splashing on his face. 
Bribery only sort of works at this age. I think next year we'll be able to fully bribe him with "if you sit down and give me a big smile, you'll get a piece of candy." :) Until then, I just accept that candy will be in the photos! 
I wonder what was going through his mind when he decided to do this. <3  
I hope my children have amazing hair like this. All I wanted to do was run my fingers through it. So sweet! 



Tyler: 3 months | Orlando Family Photographer

This family had me at "hello." Craig and I met with Stacy, Jon and Brandon for the first time in Winter Park for their maternity session. We had such a great time that day, and it was just the beginning of an awesome relationship. Then came Tyler...the most precious baby boy <3 He was so great during his newborn session, and all I wanted to do was scoop him up and and hold him close. 

3 months later, we met in downtown Orlando by Lake Eola for Tyler's 3 month session. I absolutely love when my family's get the full year package. It gives me a chance to not only develop a great relationship with the family, but I can also watch the baby grow from a tiny, snuggly little thing into a giggly, chunky one! Tyler was so amazing at his 3 month session, and between getting shots of him and running after Brandon for some photos, I'll admit that I was wiped! It was so much fun though and I cannot wait for their next session! Enjoy your sneak peek <3 

I just love the facial expressions! 
Boys being boys :)
This one melts my heart!! <3 


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Dan & Dana: Married! | Orlando Wedding Photographer

Dan and Dana are in a very, very special place in my heart. As many of you know, I got my degree in Micro & Molecular Biology. Dan and Dana were always very involved in various pre-med groups, and that is how I got to know them. Since I've known them, they've always been so sweet and helpful (and ridiculously smart, might I add!). I never doubted that they would get into medical school. 

I remember when Dana told me that Dan said he loved her. My first thought was "about time!" (okay, I'm a complete mush and cornball about this stuff and they had already been together for so long!). I was so ecstatic for her and for the new step in their relationship. Once we graduated, we lost touch and the two of them went off to Grenada for medical school. When she contacted me to tell me that they were engaged and wanted me to be their photographer, well..you can just imagine how extremely happy I was! Not only would I get to photograph the wedding of a couple who I already had a great connection with, but man oh man are they pretty! Their wedding was everything I expected it to be; very sweet, full of love, creative, rustic, and all about them and their love for each other. Their ceremony was at Mead Gardens in Winter Park, and their reception was at the Winter Park Farmer's Market. 

Enjoy their sneak peek! 

The group photo below is them with Dr. Samsam...the world's BEST Anatomy professor. He was one of the professors I looked up to and constantly learned from, even when I wasn't in his classes. It was so amazing seeing him there!

Capturing Life's Most Stunning Moments!