By far one of my favorite things of working with couples is shooting multiple sessions for them. For example, at first we may get together to photograph their engagements. During this session I will get to know them as a couple, instruct them how to pose naturally for the camera, how to ignore the shutter sound when I am really close and wanting one of those intimate portraits, how to enjoy their time together and focus less on the “photo session” and more on spending time loving on one another to just name a few. Time passes and perhaps I am their wedding photographer. Since they have already seen first hand how I work, the whole day goes by without stress as to whether or not we are a right fit, whether they should or shouldn’t be looking at the camera, and all the details that you can imagine a bride may wonder when meeting someone for the first time the day of her wedding. On extra special occasions I get to see them one more time for bridals. Bride and groom portraits post wedding date at a very relaxed pace… no pressure of having a timeline and zero worries as to whether the dress can have a bit of sand on it. Then there are anniversary sessions, family sessions once the little ones come along and can keep growing from there. Having a growing bond with my couples is just as important to me as capturing stunning images for them. I want each and every one of them to feel that they made the best choice when picking me to hang around with time and time again.
This next session is a wonderful example of what it’s been like to grow with a couple… you might remember their vintage inspired engagement shoot complete with a canoe ride and all not too long ago. It still remains one of my favorite engagement sessions to date. Shooting their bridals was nothing short of reliving that amazing experience again. On a very windy (I mean like hurricane strong) morning we met at the beach to catch a sunrise together. Keyla Martinez from Eye Creations by Keyla dolled this beauty once again for her session and I am so grateful that you girls were willing to wake up at an ungodly hour for me in order to do this. Thank you for once again having me tag along to capture sweet memories for you. Here are a few favorites from our time together.
Javier, Leoana wanted to write a little something for you to share along with these images as a surprise for you. This time I didn’t even ask, so this is all her…
“It’s been a month now since we’ve gotten married although many said we wouldn’t make it to this point. But look at us now, more in love than ever and since then I’ve learned so much about you. I thought that before I knew you well but no, I learn something new every day about you and myself as well.. You’re my better half, you get me like no other. By just talking you understand what mood I’m in because I’m not the type to just tell you how I’m feeling. We’ve had our ups and down but every time we are up it’s cloud nine and every time we are down we come out more stronger and unified than before. It’s amazing what love can do. Sure we’ve had are not so perfect and not so sweet moments but trust me without those bad times our lives would be incomplete and those bad times show me how much I need you in my life. Ever since I met you you’ve helped me face life as it is, not afraid of falling with every obstacle that stands in my way because whenever one of those come around you always have my back no matter how ugly and how bad a situation is. With you there aren’t no ifs or buts… it’s hard to find someone like that nowadays but I found my person that’s all that and more. Sometimes I just gaze at you in such awe and full of love wondering why me? How could I be so lucky to have such an extraordinary, loving, crazy handsome man chose me to marry him, to be his one and only, to be his wife? You see me like no one has. You have me so high up on a pedestal and you believe in me more than anyone else does. You say that you’re the lucky one to have found me and married me, but all the contrary. It’s me who feels that way towards you. My king, I am forever grateful for you. I love you, I cherish you and I admire you for all that you are and for what you will become.. Thank you for loving me and for accepting me flaws and all. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.” – Leoana
Special thanks to my mother and aunt for allowing me to pick flowers from their garden to quickly put together a bouquet for our shoot. I am looking forward to growing my own flowers in my now-backyard, soon-to-be-garden. My mother’s green thumb is sure to come in handy for this kind of thing. Lester also accompanied me during this session and I am so grateful for his help!
Friends, for every 10 individual comments left on each of my session preview posts, just like this one, the corresponding couple will receive an 8×10 photo print for free! (Individual comments = one per person.) Help this lovely couple win some prints and share your comment below! Thank you all for always checkin in and keeping tabs on what’s been going on!!
