Archives : Engagement Session

{Karen + Damian} Engagement Photography; Malibu, California

Meeting Karen and Damian was one of those moments that begs perfection.  Little did we know when we went to the Olympics in Vancouver earlier in the year that we would happen to be standing right behind Karen and Damian, waiting in line to see the Olympic flame  – just moments before he popped the question.

As it went, we all walked up to the flame, Damian casually asked Byron to take a photo with his point-n-shoot and before Byron could even raise the camera to his eye…Damian was down on one knee.  I was daydreaming at the flame when I turned to see Byron’s jaw drop.  What a beautiful sight for a wedding photographer to fall into!

Damian is in the Navy, a submariner, a quiet, calm intellectual.  Karen is in pharmaceuticals, sweet and shy.  Both of them not into the mushy stuff (so they say).  They met several years ago when Damian literally landed on Karen’s door   The live in the OC outside of Los Angeles and we went down to the WPPI Road Trip Conference and did their engagement session on the beach at Paradise Cove.  I have to say, they have the most FANTASTIC clam chowder and coconut shrimp (thanks for the recommendation Karen!) and I have a hunch I saw James Marsden (27 Dresses, X-Men actor) when we first got there!

So what does it take for a quiet couple to have fun with Byron and I?  Not much!  It only took a few to get warmed up, shoes off and the smiles to come…

Speaking of shoes….sadly the sea took them for a spin when the tide came in so quick.  We were only down one flip flop however and Karen mentioned it was just another excuse to go shoe shopping (that’s my kinda gal!).

Karen, Damian – we’re so stoked to travel to Mexico and capture your wedding.  Thank you for making this romantic story come full circle.

B + W

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In Paradise Cove, they have these spectacular rocks on the shoreline….just another sweet moment.

What do you get when you have two quiet people kiss for one of the first frames?….a keeper.

We had to wrestle with the tide….my job was to watch the waves and yell if they were coming close for a soaker!

In a surprise attack, I said grab a hunk of shirt…Karen went for the pec!  YEAH!

Here’s where it all started clicking and the rock, laughter and sunset made for a nice mix!

Love this…ah, yeah…trying not to get wet!

That’s a full Navy stance, Damian! 

Love the reflection here.  A pond and bridge….30 feet from the shoreline.

To Gabe, From Mia: Central Oregon Engagement Photography

Gabriel~

Everything I can think to write does not seem to be enough, words seem too trite to describe how blessed I am. Our relationship is such a gift because of the amazing person you are. Each time I am left in awe of your kindness to others, genuine compassion, and commitment to a life of happiness and love. You love me unconditionally and accept me for the person I really am. You support me and encourage me. Simply, you are the person I know I want to spend the rest of my life with, because I know our life will be filled with love and goodness!

I look forward to our future together. I can’t wait to start our family together. I know that both of us are deeply committed to helping others. Light, love, and life are the things I most want to put forth as intentions for our marriage. I hope that our wedding, our relationship, and the rest of our life together bring radiance and joy to those around us. I know that we will continue our commitment to humanity, to healing, and to helping restore light where there was darkness.

“Our souls were split in two in heaven
in order that we should find our our beshert (soul mate)
in this world and become whole”  -Jewish proverb

…and this is what I have found, and what I hope that each person should find their fire, their passion, their blessings, and their other half.

Always,

~Mia

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Mia + Gabe,

From day one we knew that you chose us to create something unique, above and beyond, for you both.  The e-session had the backdrop of the sunset lit by smoke from an unfortunate nearby wildfire but it made for all the more spectacular light.  Thanks for being brave (walking on a cattle grate with heels!) and playing with us for few hours under sun and stars.  We wish you both the very best and can’t wait to participate in your traditional Jewish wedding next year!  Your letter, your love are truly special.

Best,

B + W

Yes, that’s Mia on a cattle guard with 3″ heels and a smile – WOW.

A little artsy flair from the ground – just a touch of something different.

Two of some of the best smile’s around no doubt!

Mia, you’re gorgeous!  So much so that Gabe’s nibbling on your neck

Another texture rich, gritty image we love with that perfect combo of sexy and sweet.

One of our total favs!  The gelled light here offers rich color to compliment the landscape.

The sunset was just magical.

Mia’s model smile – so cute.

Again, just a normal shot that’s just a little bit artsy and different.

To Phillip, From Heather; Central Oregon Pre-Wedding Engagement Photography

Hey Babe!

People always told me two things: One, you meet the right person when you’re not looking for them.  Two, when you meet the person you are going to marry, you just know.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered all those people were right the day I met you.

It’s hard for me to explain what it is about our relationship that I like most… because it’s about a feeling more than words, it’s an overall sense of content and ease that I have felt from the beginning.  While this might not be the most romantic sentiment in the world, it is the foundation which we have built our love, friendship, and the beginning of our future together.

As we get closer to the big day and everything is falling into place, I am excited to have a celebration that is so ‘us’.  I look forward to becoming a McGuire as we continue our lives together.

“What is important is not how a couple looks at each other, but how they look towards their future together” – Anonymous

Engagement Session Basics: Part 2

An engagement session is the first step towards documenting your wedding experience.  It’s a great way to get some natural, fun-loving shots of the two of you, connect with us and feel comfortable with the camera prior to your big day.  We’ve spoken on why an engagement session is important, so today we’re going to talk about how to prepare and what to expect.

Common Questions:

What do we wear?
We’ve had brides bring a portion of their entire wardrobe to the shoot, saying, “What should I wear?”  We giggle because we love fashion.  Don’t fear! Bringing your wardrobe is not necessary after you read this post!  Most commonly, our couples bring two outfits each: one casual, comfortable, everyday outfit that they feel really good in and represents them as a couple, and one dressed up look – something stylin’ that you would wear out for a special occasion date or a friend’s wedding.  Bold colors always pop on camera and add to the mood of the day.  The most important thing is that you’re confident in your look and feel it’s a good representation of your personality.

Do we shoot at more than one location?
Yes!  A typical engagement session includes two location spots fairly close by.  A lot of our couples are outdoor-lovers, so they may choose to do one natural spot and one more urban location.  We’ll communicate with you ahead of time to best understand special locations of your relationship, locations we want to shoot and recommend, or locations that connect with you both.  When traveling outside of Bend (which we love), we may reach out to you a bit more for special locations in your area.  From there, it’s all about the light, texture and background.

How long is the engagement session?
A typical engagement session is 1-2 hours.  If we’re traveling to your location and meeting face-to-face for the first time, we like to grab a cup of coffee or connect a bit prior to shooting, so plan on 2.5 to 3 hours.

When can I see the engagement pics?
After the shoot is completed, the next question is…when can we see them?  We like to post our favorites (top 10-20 images) on the blog typically within a week of the shoot; the full gallery is available 1-2 weeks after that.  Recently, for our brave brides, we’ve been including with the engagement session post a love letter from bride to groom (or vice versa) as a part of our letter series.  If you’re interested in participating, it adds such a special touch and often surprise to your fiancé.

More questions?  Please post in comments below!

…and because posts are always better with a pic, here’s a teaser of the recent engagement session of Heather + Phillip.  More to come, stay tuned!

To Mike, From Tana: Engagement Photography Seattle, WA

Dear Mike,

I think we have lived the last 5 years in dog years…

When me met we had no intentions of settling down. A more than rowdy 21 yr old guy and a bitter girl who gagged at the thought of having another kid or being married! As our wedding day approaches I can’t help remembering how different things were. Look at us now with our kids, dogs, bills and more LOVE than either of us imagined was possible!

Mike, We have seen through some dark days. I was so worried that things could never be good again. Since you made the decision to stop drinking 2 yrs ago you have made all my dreams (even the ones I didn’t know I had) come true. You are the roots of our family tree and you nourish and protect us all. I admire your dedication to provide for your family in every way . You accept me for all my “quirks” and I know it’s not easy. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being home for our kids, it means more to me than I ever expected! Well babe, I can’t wait to be your ol ball-n-chain! Here’s to you Poppa… World’s best dad, friend, husband, lover and the perfect man to be my anchor so I can keep my head in the clouds.

All my luv forever,  T

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Tana + Mike,

You’re passionate, fearless and fun – a dynamic combination that shined through in these images and why we enjoy getting to know you both!  Thank you so much for taking the afternoon to ‘play’ with us in downtown Seattle at Pike’s Place Market, thank you for being open to trying all our ideas and thank you, thank you for wearing your red fishnets!  Yeah, baby!

Can’t wait to see what you’ll brew up for your ’80′s themed’ wedding!

B + W

Wow, okay – this has everything: it’s iconic, relaxed, sexy, fun…love it!

A special, silent moment among the mayhem of Pike’s Place.  Funny, we even got the pigeon

Gorgeous Tana!

One of our favs – adorable

Only you two can pull this off – sweet and sexy.

Get a room you two… he he.

Definitely…ummm, see above.

Tana + Mike, thank you for being fearless.

This was a pre-wedding dance dip.  A warm-up really

Love the light on your hair here Tana!  This is the famous ‘gum wall’ under Pike’s Place.  We’re talking 60 years of gum here people…

King Kong coming ‘acha

Look at that glam smile – Mike, you’re a lucky man.

Here’s one of the first frames, kickin’ back having some fun!

To Brian, From Katie: Engagement Photography Bend, Oregon

Dear Brian,

I want to express to you how much I love you and am over the top excited to marry you! We have been together for a long time, but I still feel the great anticipation of this big step. It means a lot to me that we are ready to make these personal commitments and vows to one another, and to enter into this partnership for the rest of our lives. Our time together over these past five years have been the most fun, passionate, and life changing for me and it is all because you.

Since meeting you in class all those years ago, you have been an amazing teacher and friend. You are such a wonderful person, kind, patient, and understanding. I am such a lucky woman to have your love and respect. Meeting you has started one of the best adventures of my life and I can’t wait to grow with you and learn from you for the rest of my life.

There are so many reasons why I love you and want to be your wife, I couldn’t possibly list them all. I am so honored that you want me to be your partner in life; to be that person you choose to hike with, to camp with, to snowboard with, to play cribbage with, and someday to raise children with. August 28th will mark the beginning of our new adventure together, and I can’t wait!

Love, Katie

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Katie + Brian,

May you revel in each other for all the days to come and remember this moment of joy and playfulness.  I know ‘adventure’ is your middle name, so here’s to the grand adventure that lay ahead!  We’re so thrilled to share in your upcoming wedding!

P.S.  We finally got the tree sap out of Byron’s shirt from this tree-climbing session – he he.

All the best,

B + W

That’s what we call magic clouds

Love this one and the candid, super sweet moment.

Don’t tell anyone the secret location of the rope swing, okay!

This is a favorite

We couldn’t help but post this fun pic Katie.  Byron was shooting from a tree limb here

This was a ‘give me some attitude’ look – Vogue style!

Love the texture of the metal here and we’re always fans of sweet kisses