2011 Favorites: Couples and Wedding Photography

I'm quite late in posting this, but I just couldn't pass up reflecting back on some of my favorite images from last year, especially since last year was such an amazing year of growth for me, personally and professionally.  And who doesn't love photographing people in love?  Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey!

Enjoy!
XOXO

Ventura Family Photography: Ryan and Katie

When I was home recently Southern California decided to have amazing weather and I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend part of my Sunday afternoon than at the beach taking photos.  My brother in law and his family hadn't taken photos since my niece was very young so we decided we'd sneak in a quick mini-session.  It probably wasn't his first choice for a Sunday afternoon activity, but Ryan was a good sport anyway! 

To top it off, he recently proposed to Katie and we are very excited that they are now planning their wedding.  So it was a fun time to show off her new ring and celebrate their engagement with some photos of just the two of them as well.  And of course, from a totally unbiased point of view, my niece is super cute!  I love spending time with them.



Enjoy!

Seriously, how gorgeous does Katie look here?  And you can see where my niece gets her looks from!

Scott and Sarah: Engagement

This post is very special for me because my older brother is engaged to be married next June. His beautiful fiancée, besides having excellent taste in colleges (go Mustangs!) is an incredibly sweet and kind person. We are all thrilled to have her join our family.

My mom likes to remind my brother, especially when we were growing up and happened to be fighting about something, that he wanted me before I was even born. As the family story goes, he asked repeatedly for a little sister, and he was one of the first people I reached out for when I finally came. When we went home that night he fed me my first solid meal.

Like any older brother, there were times he probably lived to regret wanting a little sister. I’m sure I could be a nuisance, the way I followed him around and was always in his business. Yet he took his responsibilities as an older brother very seriously. He helped teach me to ride a bike and speak up for myself. He let me sleep in his bed when I thought there was a ghost underneath mine and helped me learn the value of money with his discipline in saving.

Oh, there were times when we would fight and swore we hated each other. We are both stubborn and some of our fights ended in tears or stomping feet or a broken front door (sorry, Mom). But through it all, he has been one of my fiercest advocates and most loyal supporters, and his judgment and opinion matter very much to me. So I was very honored when he and Sarah thought enough of my photography skills to take some engagement pictures. Here are some of my favorites...

Will and Lisa: Engagement

This beautiful couple are from opposite coasts, met at George Washington University, and now live here in the Los Angeles area. When we first met, I was struck by how well they complement each other - Will is smart and funny and has a very sharp, dry wit and Lisa, who is equally smart, has a quiet sweetness about her that softens Will a bit. They are both easygoing and really fun to hang out with.

They had both never really thought about getting engagement pictures, but with the wedding nearly upon them we decided to steal away a few hours in their old stomping grounds of Malibu and snap some images. Despite the warm weather, the tourists, and the hoards of weird little bugs (sorry, Lisa!) they were total troopers and we got some great pictures.

Yesterday, they were married in Lisa's hometown and are now officially husband and wife! Will and Lisa, thank you for allowing me to take your engagement pictures. I wish you much happiness as you begin married life and hope you have a wonderful honeymoon in Panama!

Simple Albums

When it comes to albums, sometimes simpler just is better. Not a lot of bells and whistles, just great images on quality materials for a good price. While I'm guilty of sometimes shoving all my photos in a box too, it's important that people take the time and money to invest in their photographs - they are, afterall, important in telling your story - but still, times are tough and not everyone can just drop money anywhere they want.

This simple album I ordered (featuring the fabulous Kevin and Janelle!) was based on a great premise - the Guest Sign In Album. These are small albums that take the place of a traditional guestbook at your wedding and make a great memento long after your big day has passed. They also allow you to share images from your engagement session with your wedding guests.

Although you can customize your album, the Guest Sign In Album shown here is 8x8" with a black leather cover, lay-flat pages, and lots of white space around the images for your guests to sign. If your wedding has already passed, these would make a wonderful parent album or baby brag book as well! To order yours, please contact the studio at: info {at} forthelovephoto.com

Ed & Margherita: Engagement

Ed and Margherita are two of the nicest people I've ever met. They met through a mutual friend and were smitten from first sight. After several years of dating, they are tying the knot this October.

"I'm not very romantic," Ed tells me before we begin taking pictures. I laugh when he says this, because my husband also claims he is missing the romance gene. But these guys mean they don't buy into the grand gestures that we girls sigh over while watching girly movies. The real romance, I've found, is in the little gestures and words; the small, everyday things that make a difference. In this quiet way, Ed is quite romantic. You can tell just by the way he looks at his wife-to-be or laughs with her - they are often in their own world together.

These two were kind enough to give up precious hours lying out on the beach to allow me to capture some images while we were in Punta Cana. Although they professed to be camera-shy, they quickly warmed up and let me lead them all over the resort in search of the perfect picture. We spent most of the shoot laughing and chatting about everything from the food at our resort to wedding planning.

Ed and Margherita, I can't thank you enough for taking time out from your vacation and allowing me to take your engagement photos! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!