Jan
17
We are thrilled when we get to do engagement sessions with our clients. Not only are they a great opportunity for us to get to know each other, an e-session is a wonderful chance to "practice" being in front of the camera. Sure, some of us have a love affair with the camera. But most of us are less ready to jump in front of the lens. And I have found that doing the engagement session is a perfect way for couples to find their groove with us and to get some truly fabulous photos at the same time.
So today I thought I would share one of my favorite e-sessions Dave photographed this summer. I have been saving this one and it really is great. Alyssa and Slava are absolutely wonderful people, truly sweet on each other and both with great senses of humor. For their e-session, Dave met them at the Fort Point Channel, with stunning views of the Boston skyline and the harbor. Beautiful!
Here’s a few from their late afternoon portrait session….
If you want more from Alyssa and Slava, check out their engagement slideshow or their wedding sneak peek and scoop. Enjoy!
Dec
27
Happy Holidays, Everyone! And a very extra special congrats to all those sweethearts who received the very best present of all, the "Yes!" that means a wedding is in the works. The engagement period is such fun. One of our fave parts is the e-session. These are fun, unique opportunities for us to get to know our couples. And so today I thought I would share one beautiful session from earlier this year.
We spent a Sunday morning at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate with Mollie and Matt, tromping around the grounds and enjoying some amazing views. They chose to do their engagement session on the estate, which also happens to be where they celebrated their wedding, because they loved the venue so much and were concerned they either wouldn’t have time to do all they wanted on their wedding day, or that the weather might not cooperate. We were happy to oblige as it is absolutely one of the most beautiful spots in the Boston area.
We started in the sunken Italian gardens. I adore this area of Castle Hill. The ruins complemented by the greenery are absolutely magical.
Then we worked our way up to the Grand Allée and the Casino Ballroom area.
We wandered around the Great House.
Finally, we went down to the Inn at Castle Hill, also where they started their honeymoon.
A beautiful and fun way to spend a morning!
If you want more from their engagement session, definitely check out their slideshow.
Nov
21
For a couple that likes the changing seasons and the outdoors, it seemed only fitting that Amy and Alex would get married in the spring and capture the beauty of the fall for their e-session. While November seemed past prime time for colorful leaves, Dave was able to find some still gorgeous trees at Larz Anderson park. The backdrop of orange, gold and chestnut combined with the autumn sun was perfect to highlight the warmth and playfulness of Amy and Alex. I am sure these will make you smile.
Thank you both for a great session. We are looking forward to your Boston Harbor Hotel wedding this spring!
Still want more? Check out Amy and Alex’s slideshow.
Oct
31
The couple that boxes together, stays together.
Initially when we met with Anna and talked about her and Johnny’s engagement session, we thought we might do something at a pizza joint. They met while she worked with him at a pizzeria. I imagined flour being tossed and pizza being made. They would have been great photos. When we started making plans this fall, they had come up with the idea of boxing, as they attend a boxing gym together. I absolutely ADORED this idea. Immediately I had an idea for a photo I wanted to create. As it turns out, Dave also immediately had an idea. They were both different and both exciting. I couldn’t wait.
First, Dave’s concept. Larz Anderson was perfect for it. Anna and Johnny appear to be at the top of a ridge, fighting to the finish. Love the angle and color of Dave’s vision.
My angle on Dave’s idea. Don’t mess with Anna.
My vision was to create something akin to a Sports Illustrated cover or a boxing poster. I wanted off-camera flash (something we almost never use, but every tool has its time and place) times 2. The goal was to turn the sky dark by underexposing it and flash Anna and Johnny, giving them a surreal prominence and power. I am so excited by the way these came out.
This one actually reminds of a scene from The Princess Bride (Anna I will lend it to you, don’t let me forget). The one in which the Man in Black is dueling with Inigo in the ruins.
Anna and Johnny chose Larz Anderson as the backdrop for their portraits for a couple of reasons, one of which was the Boston skyline views. Horsing around on the hills.
Another reason was because Johnny grew up in Brookline and had spent a lot of his younger years in the park. He knew it inside and out.
After we had played around enough, they changed into regular clothes for a few more traditional portraits. Together on the lawn.
One of Anna alone. So pretty and at ease.
Capturing the beginning of fall and one sweet kiss.
We made our way to this beautiful rain pavillion for a few more. Loving the interactions of these two.
And in the gorgeous scene.
Really, this session was so much fun. Anna and Johnny really got into the photos and shared their ideas. Plus how often do you get such a knock out couple knocking each other out? I would highly recommend checking out a few more images here.
Oct
05
Jess and Dan are so much fun to be around and we had a wonderful time photographing their engagement session, just before their wedding.
First and most importantly, they are completely comfortable with each other. They began their relationship as close friends, having met at work in the hot bed that all start-ups offer. After a bit, they discovered their fondness for each other had grown and changed. They realized a romance was brewing. After spending even a short time with Jess and Dan, you can tell they know each other top to bottom.
Secondly, they chose a great location for their engagement session- the locale where they first met and spent much of their time together, One Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA. So the engagement session was also a tour of their favorite haunts. And now I leave you to enjoy Dan and Jess!
At The Blue Room…
These two were so interactive. Telling us great stories and sharing ideas. Loving this ramp, a mix of old and new architecture.
Around the corner from the main square, a quiet funky little spot.
Then into the parking garage for views of the area, but enjoying the stairwell just as much. These two are too cool. Love the light, the sunglasses and the lines.
Their wedding was just last week and we had such a great time with everyone- an intimate celebration at Rialto! Check back soon for a sneak peek of the festivities.
Aug
26
Nope. Dorchester isn’t the first place that comes to mind when discussing where to do an engagement session. That’s probably why Ariel didn’t bring it up initially. But once we started talking, she mentioned how much they love their neighborhood and that there was this one area- the Lower Mills- that had beautiful old factory buildings. They reminded her of her past life in Pittsburgh. But when she and David looked around, they didn’t really know how we would be able to use the space for photos. I was intrigued, to say the least, so I popped down for a peak and instantly fell in love with the area. And so it was settled. The Baker Chocolate buildings would be the sweetest backdrop for their portraits.
The only thing sweeter than the reminder of chocolate in the air was watching Ariel and David together. They totally support each other and absolutely enjoy their time together.
Working with these two was definitely a collaboration, they were willing to try anything and pointed out architectural elements they saw that were interesting to them, such as the lines of the wood ceiling in this alleyway.
Plus they had just the right membership to gain access to this fire escape. When I found out about that, I was ecstatic. I have always wanted to shoot a couple on a fire escape- reminds me of the languid Porgy and Bess song Summertime. I so enjoy the steaminess of this image. Take your time on this one. Slow down. Look around. Dive into it. And enjoy.
After a quick outfit change, we made our way across the street to the Baker Chocolate Factory lofts. We played around a bit in the courtyard.
So while this area was perfect, I was a little concerned about all the red brick and really wanted Ariel and David to have another color in the mix. Plus Ariel had shared how much David liked to climb rocks and enjoyed green space. On my scouting mission, I came across an area with beautiful granite rocks down by the river. It only required a short walk to the water’s edge.
The rock above was the safe rock; the easy one to get to. Of course, David saw another rock- one that required some of his skills and a balancing act on mine and Ariel’s part as well. I happen to enjoy scrambling on rocks myself, so I was up for it, as long as Ariel was. Fearlessly, she took David’s hand and ventured to the rock hanging over the water. You can’t quite tell the tight rope walking adventures required to get there, but let me just say, I was impressed.
It was worth the effort. Looking back on the Mills.
A loving gaze and beautiful reflections in the water. Doesn’t look like Dorchester. And it felt like a million miles away from everything.
What a great afternoon! Thank you, Ariel and David, for your adventurous spirits. I absolutely can’t wait for your wedding at the Fruitlands Museum.
Aug
16
They had talked about getting married. They had planned on getting married. They knew they were getting married. They just hadn’t made it official yet. So Emily had no qualms about joining one of her dearest friends, who happened to be engaged, on a wedding dress expedition. She figured she would start her search as well.
When Yeung got wind of this, he knew it was time to make his move. He wanted Emily to start her own journey on the right foot. He wanted her to have a ring on her hand when she went shopping for that perfect dress. So he arranged to surprise her outside their first wedding salon. On the spot, he proposed to her. Of course, she said yes! Honestly, I can’t believe how sweet this is. Sort of reminds me of the scene in Sweet Home, Alabama where Patrick Dempsey proposes to Reese Witherspoon by bringing her to Tiffany’s to choose her ring. Que romatico!
When it was time for their e-session, I just knew their chemistry would shine through. They already have such a great story. Plus they are both pharmacists; there had to be chemistry. We were not disappointed. So here’s a few from their session near Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.
Want more? Check out their slideshow.
Aug
12
With absolutely perfect light and such a stunning couple, not to mention the picturesque scenery of Nahant, we felt unbelievably lucky to be photographing Loula and Massimo’s engagement session. They wanted to celebrate their love of the beach during their e-session and came up with the long stretches of beach, as well as the 40 Steps area in this north shore town. Wow!!!!! Neither Dave or I had been to Nahant, though he had always wanted to go, and really, truly such a stunning place. Better still, Loula and Massimo were completely at ease in what is clearly their natural habitat. So without further ado, meet Loula and Massimo…
Loula was great about getting involved and sharing ideas for their session. One of her brainstorms was to bring along a couple of magazines- Psychology Today for her and Sports Illustrated for him- to set the scene for what they mostly do at the beach- relax. I absolutely love that. And I love this scene- looks like a beach in Italy. Perfect as Massimo is Italian, no?!
I absolutely can not wait for their wedding at the State Room this fall.
Honestly, you have to check out a few more. We just couldn’t put all our favorites on the blog. So definitely take a look at their slideshow too.
Aug
09
Hanging out with Jen and Brian for their engagement session was nothing short of a blast. They are totally cute together and sweet on each other, such a great match.
And I love their story. Jen was introduced to Brian by her best friend, who is Brian’s cousin…. so when Jen and Brian get married in October, in addition to getting to spend the rest of her life with the love her life, Jen will truly be family with her best friend. Now that seems too perfect for words.
For their engagement session, we wanted to celebrate a beautiful part of the city and we wanted to go back to the scene of the crime, where Brian popped the question. So we started our session in the Boston Public Garden. Getting snuggly on a park bench…
With a guardian angel.
Hangin’ out among the trees.
On the landmark bridge, with the swan boats floating beneath.
The proposal? Well, Jen had been travelling and arrived into Logan airport one afternoon. Brian picked her up from the airport. Before long, he pulled off the highway and stopped off at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel. He took Jen for a walk along the water, and popped the question with amazing views of Boston in the background. You can’t beat this for romance. Way to go, Brian!
Of course, she said, "Yes!" And they enjoyed an evening celebrating at the hotel.
During our session, we wandered a bit and found this beautiful ivy covered wall.
Need more? Check out their don’t-miss slideshow.
Jul
25
I’ve enjoyed getting to know Emily and James over facebook, but feel like their engagement session sealed the deal. They are both such lovely people, clearly enamored with each other and their families. But seeing them interact in person was a true joy. They have been together since their college days at The University of Arizona, and their comfort with each other definitely shows. They made my job a piece of cake.
The theme for their wedding is La Vie en Rose, so Emily wanted to incorporate flowers into their engagement session. The Elizabeth Gamble Garden has a lovely rose garden, plus lots of other great options as well. One of my favorite spots in Palo Alto.
They also wanted to hit the Cantor Arts Center on Stanford’s campus. This gave them a more cosmopolitan feel. Emily changed into a special outfit for the occasion. She is wearing the dress she wore when James proposed.
So love this photo. They are dancing and I caught this mid-twirl. Sweet!
Such a fun couple! You should definitely check out their slideshow for more from Emily and James engagement session.
