We talked about dip kisses and Lauren quipped with a chuckle, “When I dip, you dip, dip we dip,” something John and I say all the time. Jokingly, Ryan said that’s his favorite song but I soon learned his actual favorite song is quite possibly The Thunder Rolls, which I had just played on repeat on the drive up! I knew in that moment, we were going to get along juuuuust fine.
You guys, this engagement session was such a thrill. It just couldn’t have gone better. And here’s why:
First, Lauren. She’s super organized, had all her [super hip] outfits arranged perfectly, with lots of accessories and layers from which to choose. But what I love most about Lauren was that she was not afraid to put her self out there. And she was up for anything that I threw her way. She had this grace and confidence and LOVE for her man that was just… so comfortable. Like John Mayer comfortable — if you know what I’m talking about.
Second, Ryan and his positivity. Maybe half of the time, I get some grooms who are really just there for their fiancée. They honestly would rather be golfing. But not Ryan, both he and Lauren, felt very strongly this session. We all shared the same goal of doing what we needed to do to 1.) capture their relationship authentically and 2.) get some epic, mountainy, golden-lit shots before the sun dipped below the peaks. PLUS Ryan even got all my jokes.
I think when a groom really wants to be there and understands the value of what we’re doing, then that just makes me feel extra relaxed.
Lastly, and it’s worth repeating, their constant, positive energy, despite the cold temps, was just so contagious and it made for a really epic, fun shoot and amazing synergy between the three of us.
April is right around the corner, and so is their wedding. Because his family is from the Midwest, and hers is from New York, they just picked a state in the middle for the location of their wedding! Just so happens Ryan found their venue, on The Knot (what a guy, right?!), and it happens to be where The Notebook was filmed in Charleston, South Carolina! I’m confident Lauren is going to give Ali a run for her money!
These two were just so much fun to chase light with. I love when they cracked open a bottle of wine for a few photos with their chic Mr. & Mrs. glasses. And, lucky me, they insisted that I help them finish the bottle, so at the end of the shoot we just sat in their truck, thawing out with the heated seats, drinking Cabernet and talked about love, life, hunting, adventure and business. Oh, and the bunches of friends that Lauren and I realized we have in common.
It’s a beautiful, small world and I feel like the luckiest girl to interact such awesome people. Lauren & Ryan, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for letting me be the one to do this!
And a special thank you one of our equally awesome couples, Christy & Josh, for sending them my way. *all the feels*
