Summer Parklands Engagement Session

Just looking back through this gorgeous summer engagement session has me already missing the peak-season greenery...but if we're being completely honest I'd trade all that in for the cooler weather that is *supposed* to be coming sometime soon. These two were a joy to photograph— they make each other laugh so easily, their fashion choices are right up my alley, and their tattoos complement each other's perfectly. I had such a wonderful time showing them all my favorite paths in The Parklands.

Reminder about flower fields: flowers are delicate. If you want an image of someone sitting while surrounded by flowers, look for a rock or dirt area for them to sit on so that you don't crush the blooms. It'll give the same impression without causing harm. (I know you don't believe me, but look at all the images we got while sticking to dirt and rock! You can't tell at all - which is why I feel the need to bring it up.) A good question to ask is "if one hundred other people did the same thing what would happen?" One hundred people can walk on dirt or rock without an impact, but if 100 people wandered through the flowers then we would lose those flowers fast. The Parklands is pretty good at putting up signage on areas that are delicate or need to rest so you know where to avoid.

Another note for all the photographers out there— make sure to stay current on your permits when you're shooting at a park! The Parklands requires a permit to shoot in all five of their parks, but it is so worth it! They always have clean (and temperature-controlled!) bathrooms, beautiful flowers, and are constantly expanding with new projects! Our financial support is needed to make sure our impact is minimized— and to ensure the parks are well-maintained so we always have a beautiful place to explore and to photograph.

If you’re looking for more outdoorsy goodness try this adventurous hiking session or this epic Iceland engagement. Also if you want to hear more about how Kristen and Ryan got engaged these photos were featured along with their story over on How They Asked!

Adventurous Hiking Engagement Session

For Jess & Jared's engagement session we did a hike that I first discovered with my spouse. As soon as we climbed down into the ravine I was blown away by the tiny waterfalls, the moss-covered rocks, and all of the ferns and vegetation. It felt like we had been transported to our very own Fern Gully. Since then, I have been back more times than I can count to watch the light and figure out how I wanted to photograph it. It's a really tricky environment and admittedly I'm still confused and excited about how the light comes in. Since the walls of the ravine are so steep, the sun only peeks through between eleven and three...notably the "worst times" to shoot. But we all know that "worst time" just means "most challenging" time and that there is no bad light. The last time I visited to location scout I put up a hammock and watched how the sun moved across the space for a couple of hours— then I finalized the timing with these two. I absolutely love how their images turned out. I'm excited to get back out there again in the late summer or early fall - now that the leaves have come in on all the trees the light gets even more complicated because everything has a bit of a green tint and the shadows in some areas get a little muddy. I can't wait to crack that code.

Anyway, enough of me fangirling over complicated light. I just like a challenge! Jess & Jared were so much fun to adventure with. I love when couples are down to get a little messy and explore amazing (& harder to reach) places with me. It's also really fun to get the chance to talk as we hike a trail together. The whole thing has me so excited for their fall wedding!!

Check out Rebekah & Andrea’s adventurous couple session or Jenn & Tyler’s epic Iceland engagement if you’re looking for more natural wonder in your life.

Winter Coffee Shop Engagement

Sofeia and Rohail were looking for a fun, cozy, and casual vibe for their engagement photos back in December. I threw out a few options, but Louisville Cream was the thing that ultimately brought us to the Nulu neighborhood & can I just say I'm really glad it did! It's my favorite thing when couples sessions end up feeling like a date— we started at Please and Thank You with some chai lattes, then strolled through the neighborhood looking at murals (like Liz Richter's gorgeous floral one on the side of Red Tree), and wrapped things up with the most delicious ice cream at Louisville Cream. 

I loved how easily they laughed with each other and it's had me looking forward to today for the longest time! This afternoon I'll be heading to Lexington to photograph their Mehndi, tomorrow I'll be back in Louisville for their Shaadi, then at the end of the month I'll be in Greenville, SC for their Valima. I am really looking forward to having multiple days to get to know their friends and family— if they are anything like Sof & Ro then it is going to be THE BEST time. 

I could go on and on, but it's just about time for me to load up the car and head out for all their wedding festivities! If you're looking for more winter couples sessions, then Trent & Kendra's in-home session and Will & Nate's Buffalo Trace distillery session are both perfect for you.