Category — {Engagement}

I saw this PHENOMENAL e-session on Wedding Chicks the other day and couldn’t believe my eyes.  Let me explain.

There have been a LOT more risqué photo shoots on the internets these days.  But just because they’re becoming more prevalent, it doesn’t mean I’m getting used to them.  Each time I catch a glimpse of a brand spankin’ new butt, or the side-most section of a titter-tatter, I feel like a peeping Tom.  It’s like I’m seeing something I shouldn’t be seeing…

But then I scroll down – because you can’t look away… I mean, right? – and I’m usually met with a bevy of absolutely stunning, evocative images that prove to me, almost every time, how beautiful and important these sessions truly are to the subjects involved.  Of course, there’s the obvious drive in pretty much all of us to capture forever on film the smooth, supple skin of our youth… the fleeting, all over “perkiness,” if you will.  But there’s also a deeper, less superficial purpose to these sessions, and it involves the unique bond between these couples.  It screams off the page in sessions like these.  That electric love experienced by both partners charges these images, and who doesn’t want that etched in something that lasts forever… say, film?

Well… Joyce, Joey and Ellen of Hong Studio: this is what I consider a mission accomplished:

I should note here that the shoot wasn’t wholly scandalous.  I mean, even the finest couple needs a few shots to take home to Grandma.  So, Grandma’s shots:

Precious.  Touching.  Totally innocuous.  Grandma will never catch on that they were just sexing it up, naked-style half an hour earlier.

Umm… s’cute! as my baby nephew says:

Here’s a fun fact: the breathtaking bride-to-be has her own eyelash studio in Vancouver, Canada.  Uh, wow, Joyce.  I’m impressed.  It’s called Noir Lash Lounge Inc. Sadly, I couldn’t be farther from Vancouver, and I don’t have a good enough reason to take a trip out there any time soon.  (My bank account doesn’t consider eyelashes a good enough reason, and I have to agree with it.)  Oh, and by the way, she’s not just the owner… she’s also a client!  HAHAHAHHHH yeah I’ll be here all week.

Photos: Hong Photography Studio // via Wedding Chicks

This has got to be one of the most beautiful, painstakingly arranged inspiration sessions I’ve ever seen.  Just look at the attention to detail, the creative touches in the photography (the shot of the young miss applying red lipstick)… and just look at that black lace hat of hers!  Oh, how I would love to own that hat.  Is it called a hat, by the way?  Anybody?

My favorite shots of their first date…

{ More from Their First Date! }

Here’s a taste of the proposal segment (“She Said Yes”).  I especially adore this part of the shoot, because I recently went ice skating with my beau and it was way more fun than I expected.  Way. I hugely recommend it to you guys if you haven’t yet gone this season.  Hurry, before it’s too late!!!  Note: it may be too late.  ):

{ See more of She Said Yes! }

And here’s the wedding shoot…

Ahh.  Just lovely.

{ Check out the rest of The Wedding Day! }

Photo credit: Open Air Photography

People.  I just about died when I saw this e-session by Kim Le that Abby recently posted over on Style Me Pretty.  It’s major.  It’s what e-sessions are meant to look like.  For serious.

One of my simple pleasures in life is the way a group of photos can completely make my day.  I never know where they’ll be, or what they’ll depict, but when the moment hits me, it’s not unlike the feeling that comes over me when I find out Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna is on sale for 69 cents per can.  That was probably the least climactic thing you’ve read all day.  But they really were on sale last week at Food Emporium for 69 cents, and that’s unheard of around here.  And no, I don’t have kids.  I have a fiancé who loves his tunafish.

Anyway… here, check out a few more of my favorite shots from Jenna & Steven’s e-session:

Isn’t it just the most darling thing ever?  This couple is so photogenic, it’s ridiculous.  I mean, how much do you love them?

If you liked this – and I’m extremely confident that you did – then I strongly suggest taking a more comprehensive look at this enchanting little e-session by clicking right here!  Now, for one more taste…

By the way, canned tuna and candied e-sessions aren’t the only things that make my world go round.  But they definitely do their part to keep it spinning.

Credits: Style Me Pretty // Kim Le Photography

Rachel of Jolie Jolie recently blogged about what may be one of the sweetest and most creative proposals I’ve ever seen when it comes to creativity and design.  Here’s a taste:

Eeek!  Don’t you love it?  I suggest reading Rachel’s post, in which she describes Deny’s whole process, start to finish.  It’s yet another fine example of how incredible a guy can be when love’s on his mind.

… By the way, Deny happens to be a senior designer at Larsen Interactive.  So yes – very, very talented.  Still, I encourage you to try this at home! 

Thanks, Rachel, for posting this totally inspiring proposal story!

Here’s another unique, extreeeeemely thoughtful proposal, while we’re on the topic.  Ooh, and here, too.  LOVE that one.

I realize Valentine’s Day has come and gone already, and that it’s March 2.  Fully aware.  I also understand that, once a holiday has passed, most don’t dwell on it beyond its final hour.  But let me ask you this: do we deny to those of us who were born on a leap year the right to celebrate their birthdays each and every single year, even though it’s a total farce and we’re all laughing at them behind their backs?  No, we do not deny them that right.  Because we love them?  No.  Because it’s fair.

So, in the spirit of fairness, and for leap year babies everywhere, if they exist (I mean, do they?  I’ve heard stories, but they seem as rare as pandas.  Comment if you’re out there – I’d love to do lunch and learn about your people.  How does it go; kind of like dog years?)… here’s an engagement session in the key of love.

Vania and Christine of SimplyBloom Photography seem to churn out swoonworthy sessions each and every time.  It’s a gift.

That’s a headboard.

I want this girl to throw my future children their birthday parties.  I’ve never seen someone so committed to a theme.  I bet money she has a blog – this kind of creativity doesn’t just sit idle.  If you read this, let me know, ok?  You’ve displayed some pretty amazing skills, here, and if you’re not in prop & set styling, you may have missed your calling.

Umm.  Love.

Check out the shot below.  This sneak peak of an upcoming shoot is what started today’s SimplyBloom frenzy.  I cannot wait to see more shots involving those pastel threads (LOVING his plaid shirt) and soft, embroidered drapery.

By the way – and tell me if you’ve noticed this, too – one thing that has always stood out to me about really fashiontastic engagement shoots… like, the really beautiful, colorful ones that always yield the best pics… is the fact that none of those outfits would ever find their way onto the body of my fiancé.  He’d just never wear something that plaid, or with suspenders, or generally anything especially hipster.  Not that I’d necessarily ask him to do so.  But I just know it in my heart that, if he did dawn a fedora, or wear a doorknob boutonniere, it would be because he loves me.  And for no other reason.

Photo credit: SimplyBloom Photography