Colorado Springs Engagement: Angela & Nick

21.05.10 engagements

They’ve dated for years. Not just a couple years.  But like eight years.  Patiently, she waited for those four magic words that can lift a girl right out of her seat: will you marry me?  Patiently, she waited and dreamed of how it would all unfold.  Would he ask during a hike?  During a walk on the beach?  In front of the Christmas tree and family?

It’s called expectations versus reality.  Sometimes things happen in real time.  Sometimes things happen when you throw out the clichés and follow your gut. Sometimes things happen when you least expect them.

It was near midnight at a California airport. Angela had just returned home from a friend’s bachelorette party in Vegas. Exhausted, she greeted her boyfriend, Nick, and climbed into the front cab of his pick-up truck.  Waiting for Nick to load her suitcase into the back, she settled into the familiar passenger’s seat and buckled up.  Closing her eyes and learning her head back, she gave in to those heavy eyelids.  Suddenly, the passenger side door opened.  Startled, she looked down to see Nick with one knee on the ground, extending her grandmother’s wedding ring.  And just like that, he said it.  He couldn’t wait a minute longer.  He just had to propose. “Will you marry me?”  Stunned, right there at the curbside passenger pickup, Angela laughed and said, “Are you serious?!”  She couldn’t believe it was happening to her there and then.  Of course, she said yes, and there they hugged.  Still buckled in.  They hugged. :-)

I just love that story!  It’s so simple.  And yet so funny, thinking about Ang just buckled into her seat.  I admire Nick for just following his gut.  Sometimes it’s the best way to go.

Angela and Nick are Colorado natives, but now reside in San Diego.  He’s an outgoing, funny, surfer boy with a little edge.  She’s a reserved, graphic artist who loves anything crafty to include sewing.  We met up on a cold, extremely windy day here in Colorado Springs to meet for the first time and shoot some terrific engagement portraits. We started in Old Colorado City…

Now the thing about Ang and Nick, is that the first two images aren’t completely them. Sure they’re sweet and affectionate.  But what really jives with them are the goofy portraits.  More to come on those.

Love this one!

Ang loves yoga.  Love her.

Aren’t the gorgeous?

Love this one!  It’s so them.

Okay so these are fun. I asked Ang to do a different pose, with each click of the camera.  Laughter was first.  And of course, the robot was next.

Then it was Nick’s turn.  He was SO funny.  He had like 15 perfect poses, but my favorite two were Hungry Nick and Tourist Dad. LOL

At the risk of giving too much information, this was shot right after Ang accidentally coughed in Nick’s face.  “My mouth was open for that!” he said. We were all laughing so hard!

Angela and Nick, this day was a BLASTY BLAST!  I have a feeling your wedding is going to be crazy-fun.  I wish it was August!  Can’t wait to see you guys again soon!

Liedkte Family

20.05.10 portraits

Okay, get ready for some EYE CANDY!  I never used to think of myself as particularly fond of child photography. But lately, I have been so blessed with the most well-behaved and most adorable children ever.  It’s awesome.

Recently, I had the chance to give back to someone who’s given a lot to me.  As many of you know, I workout with a personal trainer at this cute little boutique gym called Fitness Together.  It’s just so much more fun and motivating to workout with someone who knows what they’re doing, who is committed to my goals, and who is not only a trainer but a friend who advises and encourages.

Justin Liedkte was my guy.  A once YWAM (Youth With a Mission) missionary, Justin moved here from the great state of Texas to start his life with his wife Lena.  Justin no longer trains at Fitness Together as his own training business has just exploded.  He specializes in in-home training and also killer boot camps all over Colorado Springs.  Justin has a great team of boot camp leaders working with him too.  If you’re looking for a fun way to get outside and get in shape, Justin is the man.

Check him out at FitFast, where you exceed your norm.

Until then, can we just talk about his absolutely precious wife and kids?  You’re gonna melt.

Justin’s wife, Lena, is a doll!  She doesn’t wear an ounce of make up and is as pretty as ever.

Favorite!

Not only do they have the sweetest son on the planet, but they have the cutest girl on the planet too:

I’m jealous that I don’t have a photo like this of myself and my dad!

Um, yeah…

Okay, can’t you just see this on the cover of some parenting magazine?

Justin,  your family is perfection.

Of course, I couldn’t resist giving these two a break from the kids and doing some portraits of they love that they share.

Lena, you are a  b a b e!

Oh boy, I love this series.  What is is about a head upon his chest that is so good?!

I think we women just love the feeling of security.  Or at least I do.  Maybe that’s why I love these so much.

Work it, girl!

Okay, it’s not fair.  You gotta see it in color.  LOVE this one!

Um, Justin and Lena, these need to be blown up and hung in your home.  ALL TIME FAVES! Love these!!

*sigh*  I wanna do it all over again. ‘Nuf said.

Love you guys!  You’re the best. Thank you.
René

In Action

19.05.10 the latest & greatest, weddings

Just processing Chris and Kami’s country wedding and came across these two images that Jes took of me workin’.  I thought they were kinda cool. :-)

Hillside Gardens Engagement: Pam and Christy

18.05.10 engagements

Who says you have to get your engagement portraits done months and months before your wedding?  I met with Pam and Christy months ago about their May wedding, but hadn’t had a chance to connect with each other during the past few months.  We got together a few weeks before their May 15th, commitment ceremony, on a really bright and sunny morning here in Colorado Springs.  We started the morning off at Starbucks just connecting and talking about our lives.  It was so great to catch up with these ladies – they are so laid back, up for anything, a little silly from time to time, and just down right cool.  From Starbucks we headed to Garden of the Gods, a popular choice among all my couples, and finished at Pam and Christy’s soon to be ceremony site: the Hillside Gardens. Actually, that’s a lie. We finished at a common favorite: Chipotle!

After having just shot these ladies’ commitment ceremony this past weekend, I can confidently say that they are awesome companions.  You can see it in the way Pam leads Christy.  How she calms her down when she gets a little anxious or stressed out.  And you can see it in the way Christy just trusts her.  And let’s go when Pam’s around.  It’s evident that they bring out the best in each other.  Their ceremony was absolutely gorgeous and filled with loads of symbolism.  I can’t wait to share it with you!

Christy has the most stunning, piercing eyes and a smile that will light up a room!

I loved working with Pam because she was so good at turning on her goof and making Christy laugh.

Pam is also kind of a rock-star. I adore this hat!

Pam is so loving towards Christy…

Gaw-gous!

Love this one!

Okay, so Hillside Gardens is not only a garden center and wedding ceremony site, but also this crazy junk yard! Wait till you see the ceremony photos.

Christy and Pam – Jesie and I just adore you two.  We can’t thank you  enough for opening up to us, treating us like dear, old friends, and sharing your wonderful lives with us.  We are so grateful for the time we’ve spent together just because of the quality of the souls with which it was spent.

Love you!
René