This lovely couple met through Bottled, an international messaging app. When they first started corresponding, she was in Germany and he was in Oregon. Now here they are, 3 years later, and they were planning a wedding for 5-23-2020. Then Covid19 happened. Like many others they rescheduled their wedding for a later date. Mostly due to family who would be traveling internationally. So instead of a wedding; they took a long weekend to Florence, Oregon; and decided to have some

These two met back when Craigslist allowed personals under Strictly Platonic in 2014. On Christmas Eve 2019, he proposed. His 8 year old daughter turned off the music because it was too romantic. How funny is that! The daughter joined us for the engagement session and kept us laughing. And, of course, she was part of a few of the photos because she is part of their story. #engagement

When preparing for your engagement session, try to think of ways to share your story. The couple above, for example, chose to wear the same outfits they wore on their first date. They also included the family dog. (I LOVE including dogs in photos during an engagement session and/or on the wedding day). First, if time permits, maybe consider a second outfit. Having options increases the diversity. One outfit can be dressy and the other can be more casual. Along with this, may

The easiest way to answer this question is when there is glowy light! What is glowy light? Glowy light is light which flatters. This type of light happens usually earlier in the morning ( just after sunrise) or during golden hour (hour to 2 hours before sunset). So why do I as a photographer recommend this glowy light? Remember how I said it flatters. This light which doesn't cast awkward shadows on the face or other parts of the body. Midday light tends to be more direct/har

I met this couple individually (and before they started dating) through my previous day job. He was my mentor, my teacher. And because I worked in a quieter/smaller office, there were days where we just got to chat about life, our past, our pets, faith, and more! I remember early on being impressed that he was such a sweet guy and too bad he didn't have a special someone. She was someone I saw once ever other week (maybe) when her office happened to come to Florence. At first

I love engagement shoots! They are awesome time to meet my couples and really get to see them interact. Sometimes this is my first in-person meeting with them. The engagement session does a lot to inform me as their photographer. It tells me about their interpersonal relationship, what poses they are comfortable with, what poses they aren't comfortable with, whether they are camera shy, etc. Not only do I get to know these things, but I am also asking questions between poses

These two are originally from Seattle and are now living in Bend, OR. They enjoy traveling together and crafting things together. Currently they are creating all the things they need for their wedding, including a donut stand! In their many travels; they lived in their car, Gary, for close to three months. Cannot wait to celebrate with these two in August! #engagement

I have known this guy all my life. Literally. Our moms grew up together. Josh has been the closest family (who isn't family) that I have had through some weird times. When he started dating this gal, I didn't think too much of it. When he moved in with her, it seemed things were getting serious. Now here they are engaged! My buddy is finally growing up. (Yes, I actually jokingly told him that.) Ultimately, I am very happy he has found Adrian. I believe them to be a good match

This engagement session was an adventure in a wet muddy tulip field! The soon to be married couple also brought their young twins. Between slipping and sliding, we had fun and some laughs. In retrospect, I need some rain boots for shoots like this! But at least I had extra socks and shoes in the car so I could change out of my mud-soaked tennis shoes before driving home. #engagement

This young couple met through work and still work for the same employer, just different departments. Being outdoor lovers, they frequently walk this park and spend time together. Now they are preparing for a family/friends wedding day celebration in June! We talked about their plans, whether they wanted to do a first look, the venue, family dynamics, etc. This is an important part of the engagement session as are the photos. There is so much I learn about the couple during th

These two met in middle school and for their first official date they went to see Beauty and the Beast. Last Halloween, he proposed at their special place to spend time together. There is a bench near a fountain in their neighborhood where they walk and have many conversations about the future. These two will be the first of my 2019 couples to get married #engagement

This engagement session presented new unique fun and challenges for me as a photographer. This lovely couple wanted to encorporate horses into their engagement photos. I love horses! But during this session, I learned about the added challenge of having the horses doing/being where you want them to do/be. Thankful for the horses' owner educating me during different photo ideas. Overall this session was so much fun and a wonderful learning experience for me! #engagement

These two met here while playing golf with friends almost 4 years ago. Last fall, they were on a cruise with family when Scott proposed. It is during these engagement sessions that I learn more about my couples. I ask what they love about each other. I ask what they enjoy doing together. I get to see them interact. All of this helps me prepare for their wedding day and knowing how to make it a more enjoyable experience for them. #engagement

Had a blast shooting this fun-loving outdoorsy couple's engagement photos! These two met through friends and found they enjoy fishing, hunting and much more. In fact, he proposed at the tail end of a hunting trip with his family nearby to capture the moment. Afterward it came out that he tried to propose at other times during the trip, but had been interrupted by others on the trail. It was only fitting that we did their shoot in a wildlife refuge with birds and elk nearby. #

This sweet couple's story started years ago when they met as adults attending college. After college, their lives took them in different directions (and states) for a few years. They remained friends despite the distance. Then time brought them together again. years later. Now, they are preparing for a June wedding in 2019 and are excited to share their union with their families. #engagement

We saw each other in person before we connected online. "It was his green eyes that caught my attention." Then after dating for 3 years, he popped the question after they separated for a time. They have now been married for almost a year and want to do a more formal wedding next year. This location was an interesting variety of rustic and scenic. Even better, not heavily traveled so no need to feel shy while being posed (not that these two had that problem. lol.) #engagement

These two met in high school. And while they had reconnected during earlier adult years, timing didn't seem to work out. He was in the Navy and she had her work across the nation. Now here they are planning their wedding next year! I was delighted when they said they wanted to do their engagement shoot at Yaquina Head Lighthouse. As a native Oregonian, lighthouses have always been the destination of day trips for my family. This one is more accessible than others and is strik

Meet your future mate at the gym? This couple did! And no he wasn't just showing off. He was interested. With their active lifestyle, it only made sense to do their engagement shoot outdoors. Since they are getting married at Heceta Head Bed and Breakfast in Florence OR, we did the engagement session at Sweet Creek Falls in Mapleton. And they brought their dog! Have I mentioned I love dogs? Their sweet girl, Feyla, joined them for this shoot. Check out the rest of the picture

Love it when a couple picks a place that has special meaning for them for their engagement shoot! Not only are Catherine and David outdoor enthusiasts, but they got engaged at Sunset Beach. In this session, we combined the love of Oregon's scenery with rustic chalk signs and their love of laughter. #engagement

Who would've thought that a gun range would be a great location for a photoshoot? At the Roseburg Rod & Gun Club, there is a outdoor park near the Umpqua River with lots of trees. This couple and their adorable family will be getting married here in September. Check out the pictures for the different looks this place had to offer for portraits. #engagement