In-Home Engagement Session

Where do I even start for Lauren and Joey? I first met Lauren several years ago when she was helping to plan her sister Jenny's gorgeous backyard wedding. I had the best time getting to know their family. Full disclosure: I did creep a little bit trying to figure out if Lauren was going to be getting married soon because I really wanted to get to photograph her and Joey. Is that wrong? I'm gonna go ahead and say no. 

We decided to do an in-home session for their engagement photos— needless to say, I was head over heels for their tall ceilings, big windows, exposed brick, and loads of plants. It was one of those times I felt like I was hanging out with friends (and also happened to be taking photos) as they made breakfast, brewed some coffee, listened to records, and talked Twin Peaks. I am really excited to share the images with you today!

If you are looking for some more in-home goodness Alex & Collin's session was so cozy and sweet (and included the softest sweetest pupper). I've got a few more in-home sessions queued up to share with you as well— so be sure to check back on the blog in the coming weeks!

Intimate Tree House Elopement

So I'm going to go ahead and start this by saying that I LOVE ELOPEMENTS. (side note: are you eloping? Please holler at me!) Now that we have that part out of the way... It was a rainy drive down to Nashville for Jessica and Brian's tree house elopement, but it was the kind of rain that felt cozy and special (not the kind of rain that made the drive terrible). The Airbnb was gorgeous — I can't imagine a better space for their day. 

The three of us hung out and chatted as they got ready together and it wasn't too long before their officiant arrived. The rain had stopped, so we walked over to a little garden space and the ceremony was underway. It was the most intimate experience I've ever had on a wedding day — we were all relaxed and able to be fully present in the moment. They read their own vows that were equal parts meaningful, sweet, and funny. After we shared hugs and congratulations, we set out to wander the hiking trails behind the tree house until it began to drizzle again. Coffee and cake started sounding better by the minute, so we went into the city to a sweet little coffee shop, checked out some murals, and explored the area before saying goodbye. The next day, back in Louisville, their family and friends came out to celebrate with them in a giant backyard party — complete with bonfire, of course!

I can't begin to say how thankful I am that I got to be part of this day — I loved the whole experience and I felt honored they trusted me enough (and felt comfortable enough with me!) to have me join them and document their marriage. Side note: Jessica and Brian found me in the most random way— through a Buzzfeed article on brides with glasses. As they were looking at my website they realized I was also from Louisville and soon we realized we even had mutual friends. It was totally meant to be! 

Looking for some more woodsy wedding inspiration? Check out Kate & Rob's Louisville cabin wedding or Dana & Patrick's boho Santa Barbara History Museum nuptials. Also StyleBlueprint featured this wedding, so if you'd like to hear more about their day you can check out the feature here!

Venue: The Fox House Nashville //  Florist: Blooms by Essential Details // Jeweler: Clater Jewelers // Bride’s attire: Jenny Yoo, via BHLDN and Nordstrom // Hair: Blowout Co. // Groom’s suit: Topman // Groom’s shirt and tie: Banana Republic

Featured on StyleBlueprint.

Elle & Suzy // LGBTQ Engagement Session // Louisville Couple Photographer

Elle & Suzy // Cherokee Park Engagement // Louisville, KY // May 2017

Elle and Suzy weren't going to make it to Louisville until two days before their wedding, but luckily they carved out some time for us to adventure around the park together. I am always incredibly thankful to all the couples who take the time to have an engagement session with me, but when you've only got a handful of days in town and your session starts at the end of an eight-hour car ride I am especially grateful. I knew we were going to be a great fit for each other as soon as I met them, but when a Seinfeld gif was sent my way after their session I was smitten. 

If you've spent any time talking to me you know I LOVE engagement sessions— which is kind of funny since I was vehemently against having one when I was getting married. (It's always hard for me to be on the other side of the camera at first.) Honestly one of the reasons I love them so much is because I know a lot of my couples also feel awkward in front of the camera and I want to show them that they won't feel awkward with me. Engagement sessions are an amazing way to experience my style of shooting (goofy, laid-back, and dare I say fun?) and make sure couples aren't stressed at all on the actual wedding day. It also gives all of us a chance to get to know each other better (I don't think anyone wants a stranger at their wedding) and of course, couples get some really awesome images out of it too. 

Elle and Suzy were all I could hope for in a couple and more— they were down to climb, wade, and explore with me (and were really chill when we narrowly avoided some poison ivy- eek.) If you think their engagement photos are great, just wait for the wedding images. 

Looking to check out more adventurous engagement sessions? Try Angela & Jonathan or Jamie & Blake.