Tagged: engagement

Danielle & Matt – In the Valley Sun

The only way I can tell Danielle and Matt’s story is to say they rock! Ever since we met, Danielle and I have kept in close contact nearly weekly. It’s really been nice to get to know Danielle, and her wedding plans, through the various questions she sends my way. It’s almost as if I could picture her wedding day as well as Danielle herself. When it came time to plan their engagement session, Danielle and Matt almost made it too easy. They just wanted to have a great afternoon together and enjoy some of their favorite places. They also wanted a new experience.

When the day arrived, I simply met them at their house. We gathered up the dog and headed out for a local park. The sun was beaming through the trees, creating the perfect place for an afternoon outside. After Zoey had her time in the spotlight, we moved to some of my favorite places. One is a little secret of mine, but you will definitely see it below. The other is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Given the season, it’s hard to resist spending some time in the valley sun. The park makes for such a nice afternoon. You just have to watch out for the crazy bikers (their everywhere and their fast!).

Danielle and Matt’s wedding is coming up soon. Given what I know about the event, I really am excited for them. Their wedding will be truly amazing! And so close to my house, which is just a little bonus! Below are just a few of my favorite moments from their engagement session. It was hard to pick just a few key photos. Danielle and Matt are so close to each other, and it makes every photo really stand out. Kinda like spending time with them – they are just stand-out people (Zoey too)!

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Zoey really is unforgettable. She patiently held still for the camera like nothing I have seen before.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

The golden light cast off from Danielle’s scarf is amazing. And I was happy to catch a nice private moment as well.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

 

 

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Almost on queue, Danielle and Matt were great at ignoring me and doing their own thing. I was just changing a lens and caught the moment above just in time.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

She’s simply beautiful. I’m sure she will look radiant for Matt in her wedding dress.

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

Danielle and Matt - Cleveland engagement in the valley sun

I still can’t get over how amazing Danielle and Matt looked as a couple. On their engagement session, they just seemed perfectly fit for each other and the season. Soon the wedding will come rolling along and I’ll have more then. However, in the meantime, check back soon as I have a whole list of new stuff coming. Also, check us out on Facebook where you can keep up with our current work.

Katie & Jonah – a family engagement in Kirtland

When I first met Katie, her mother was kind enough to come along to the meeting. It was so nice getting to know them together. Their excitement for Katie’s upcoming wedding was infectious. Later, Katie and I put together a great plan for her engagement session with Jonah. As a pleasant surprise, the entire family joined in.

Meeting families ahead of the wedding is always so nice. Getting to know each person is important to me, so the surprise presence of the entire family was very welcome. Even better for their session, a late autumn sun was beaming across Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio.

By far the best part – better than all the above – was simply Katie and Jonah together. They are a truly magical couple. Their love for each other, in ever aspect, is evident all the time. On that particular day, they were relaxed and wonderful to be with. Even better, they brought their dog along, which always makes me smile.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie always seemed so happy when Jonah held her hand, gave her a deep hug, or simply kissed her forehead. She would become completely radiant.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

After the session, I came home and immediately started working on their photos. When I saw the photo at above-right, I nearly melted. I couldn’t resist posting an early preview.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

I love the autumn colors and bright light through all of their photos, especially above.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

When a couple selects a photo for printing, it’s always a good sign. Katie ordered the above in the largest size possible!

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

The peaceful expressions in the above-left is one of my favorites. I think the magic is in Katie’s smile.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

On another note – our weird weather this year really brought out things I haven’t seen in ages. I cannot remember the last time a saw a woolly-bear. This year it seemed like I saw them all the time. Snakes too, but that’s another story.

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

Katie & Jonah's pastoral engagement in Kirtland

At the end of the day, Katie and Jonah sat down on a nearby bench. I melted into the background and caught the photo above. The beaming sun reflected off of Katie’s shirt bathed Jonah’s face in golden light. I just love it!

That’s all for today. Definitely check us out on Facebook for our latest work, and stop back soon. We have lot’s more coming since I am in catch-up mode today.

Makiko & Dylan – Engagement South of Cleveland

We first met through a failed Skype video call. After numerous attempts to get connected, we gave up and just stayed on the phone. Makiko and Dylan were in two different locations, as they are today. We talked about their planned wedding at Holden arboretum, how they met and how they got engaged. Like many of us, Makiko and Dylan met at college. What started at Standford is now headed towards a happy wedding.

And their relationship started at just the right time. After a couple years together, Dylan graduated and started the job hunt. With our crappy economy, he had to cast his net wide. He found a job, but on the other side of the country and took it, but not before he asked Makiko to marry him. Now they are planning the wedding from different coasts for a city in which neither Makiko nor Dylan live. To help out, we quickly started to plan their engagement session. Both Makiko and Dylan pointed to some examples from my past work. It was clear they wanted a style to match their wedding. We decided upon a favorite place of mine just south of Cleveland. For the fall, it was amazingly bright, yielding gorgeous portraits.

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Above – I love the light breaking through in Makiko’s cheek. Below – one of my favorite views of the valley.

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Above – I adore Makiko’s look back. Below – a fun laugh together.

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

Makiko & Dylan - engagement photos south of Cleveland

To end the engagement session we headed into downtown Cleveland for a quick visit to the shore, as seen above. The sky was filled with seagulls, which had me a little concerned. Gulls are not known for their manners. In the end, we got a great shot of downtown Cleveland. That’s all for today. We will have much more coming soon.

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