You may remember these two from a video I posted back in February. I had talked to them before the session about wanting to try something slightly different with them and they had said they were up for anything and for me to do whatever I wanted to. A lot of couples say this to their photographer, but few actually mean it. I knew they did so it was really fun to have complete creative freedom and I’m really excited about how everything wen

Here is a little background before we get to the images.

I absolutely LOVE doing engagement sessions, they are a great way to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding, but sometimes they come with a huge level of awkwardness. For many couples they go like this….

Photographer: “Hi, it’s great to see/meet you guys again.”
Couple: “Hi.” (In a nervous tone that indicates they may have even had a fight about what to wear 30 minutes ago.)
Photographer: “OK, let’s get started. You guys kiss and act in love and I’ll take pictures of you.”

You can see how this is less than ideal. I am constantly looking for ways to make these sessions look and feel more natural and I love it when at the end the guys say, “that was kinda fun”. (I’ve had a few couples say it was their “best date ever”. Which, if you think about it is kinda sad, but anyway… :) ) One of the things I am looking to do more are “Lifestyle Sessions” This is where we document what your real life looks like, rather than me sticking you by a tree or having you walking on a train track and pretend to hang out. It’s a lot more natural for you guys and it’s a true reflection of what you guys are like as a couple. These sessions take a bit longer, but are totally worth it in my opinion. The best part is, they don’t cost any extra, so if you are due for a session and think this is for you, E-mail me and we’ll chat about it. OK, enough about that, on to the images.

As much as they talk about Stanley’s and eat there I knew this would have get included. (This is even where we had our consultation.)



Remember, “natural”, that’s the goal of these sessions. They ALWAYS eat ribs this way. ;)

It’s like a before and after photo.

Lilli has great eyes and perfect little smile and Cameron knows just what to say to make it all happen.

I totally did a double take when Lilli was putting her shoes on. Give it up for the skull socks.

When Lilli was winning after 3 frames I was pretty impressed that Cameron didn’t go into “guy mode” and abandon the photo shoot in order to focus on his game.

Thanks guys for a great morning.

From what I can tell, there are basically 2 types of people who are music majors, the first is the stereotypical “band nerd” (Yes Wes, I’m looking your way.) The second are the people who are so stinking cool you wish everyone else was like them. Erin & Chris are prime examples of type 2.

These two rocked my socks off pretty much all session long. Every time I kept thinking the session could not be going better, they would take it to another level and up the ante.  They are my first wedding of 2010 so the rest of my 2010 couples better bring the funk if they wanna keep up with these two.

Let me be very clear, I pretty much think I have cornered the market on great couples, but to earn a Same Day Edit you pretty much have to ooze with coolness. So what is it that pushed them over the top? Was it the fact that during our session they got like 3 or 4 txt messages asking when their engagement session would be online? Was it the fact that they both have iPhones? Was it the fact that Erin has eyes that are so great they might get their own session? Yes, yes, and yes.

Did I mention they are also ninjas?

It’s like they are prisoners of each others love!

Thanks so much guys for a great session!

J’Vonne & Lee are from out of state so I really did not get a chance to get to know them before the wedding day. The frustrating thing is after spending about 10 hours with them today I really wish we could have done an engagement and bridal session because these two were a blast! There are so many stinking pictures I wanna blog so I better jump straight to those.

They were married at Roseland Plantation, just outside of Tyler, TX.

Lee is a Lieutenant in the Navy. He has lots of shiny things.  

Apparently Lee is also a Don.  

I really wanted to give them a portrait that looked like something their great great grandparents might have had done.
(You know, the ones were the couple looks disappointed that they just got married.)  

J’Vonne’s Maid of Honor was in Germany and unable to make it. She had her speech read off an iPhone.  

Navy tradition.  

Crank That (Soulja Boy)  [Kinda]

Guys with swords. I could not resist.  

They are off to Hawaii.  

Venue: Roseland Plantation
Florist: Michele’s Flowers By Ela (903) 581-7492‎
DJ: Sound Source Entertainment
Catering: Traditions

Lindsey and Justin were the type of couple I love working with. They gave me total freedom to do anything and were pretty much up for whatever I suggested. Here are just a few from their Tyler engagement session.  

Justin is in a band. Lindsey is not but she still looks better than he does playing the guitar. :)  

These two are actually from Louisiana so Lindsey was sporting the hometown jersey.  

She was so proud of her fishy face I can only assume she wanted me to blog it.  

Jordan booked me last June for her wedding this December. I always love it when I get longer bookings because I know the bride is really on top of things and getting her planning taken care of.  The down side is that I feel like the weddings will never get here and I am already ready to meet and photograph my new couples.  Anyway it finally came time for their engagement session and these two did not disappoint!  

Matt’s last name is Swinney. I think he’s the mayor or something.  

Jordan’s mom teaches dance so of course she has a few moves. I’m ready to see them at the wedding.  

Thanks guys I had a blast!