Daci and Yoni take the prize as my favorite engagement session yet. We stumbled on a killer location (found randomly using Google Maps), and developed a sort of a “P” theme. Puppy, picnic, photo frame, parasol, puddles, peacock, and of course lots ‘o passion.
Can you believe this was one of the first frames I snapped? The two of them are incredibly natural in front of the camera. Don’t you love their cute little puppy Ike with his tongue wagging in the background behind them?
These two met at LSU – they were both officers in Hillel (a Jewish organization). Daci was secretary, and the “minutes” that he typed up and sent out to everyone were really funny – and that’s when Daci knew he was the one.
Their wedding is on June 28 in Baton Rouge, LA. When they showed up that day they revealed that they are actually trying to get their wedding announcement in the New York Times. We took the requisite “eyebrows on the same level” headshot and they sent in their application. They are two Jews getting married in the South, which according to them happens… never. They would have been the first Jewish wedding in Baton Roughe in 4 and a half years but an elderly couple were married last year and ruined that part of their story. They are getting married in a sanctuary that was destroyed in Hurricane Rita. They are the first couple married in the sanctuary in approximately 14 years. I think that’s quite the selling point don’t you?
THAT SHOT!
I am absolutely head over heels in love with this image. I lurrrvvveeee it.
Ike was scared to death of this log and it was absolutely hilarious! Daci told me he also very, very afraid of hats.
SOOC!
Before:
After:
Aren’t photos like this fun?
Ike was starting to get a little bit antsy so we took him back to the car. While they were loading him I took the opportunity to grab a ring shot in one of the stumps near the cars. Isn’t Daci’s ring stunning?
Somethin’ a little bit edgy.
Daci brought a bunch of props along, this pretty parasol being one of them. I love props and encourage ALL of my clients to bring them along to their shoot.
Stunning.
I was a little bit giddy about this spot with the tall grass. See what I mean about these two being natural models?
Another prop that Daci pulled out of her trunk was this photo frame. We tried to come up with a non-cheesy way to use it. I only got one shot I really liked out of the setup, but I love the pose they settled into so naturally.
As we were shooting one of them pointed oveer toward the road and said “Peacock!” Ummm… what?
They were right, there really was a peacock strutting around across the street. We had a delightful time chasing after him and I am absolutely delighted with what I captured. Her dress is the perfect accessorry to his pretty feathers!
The biggest reason why this is my favorite engagemet shoot thus far — these two let me do a little bit of expirementing with some ideas I’ve been dreaming up.
I bought this 1970’s Emily Post weddiquette book at the library and brought it along. Yoni brought his anatomy book out from the car and this shot — which so perfectly describes what wedding planning is like for most couples — was born. I will say tht Yoni strikes me as the type of groom that would be very hands on and involved in the planning process. More than anything this shot was born of my own imagination, not the reality of their situation!
I gave them an apple ‘cuz I’m nice like that. Apparently they are both left-handed. How often does that happen?
You all know how much I love to encourage my couples to go at it a little bit. I haven’t had anyone turn me down yet.
HOT HOT HOT.
These two drove 3 WHOLE HOURS one way, just for this shoot. Apparently they’ve caught the travel bug and love to go on road trips together, using the code names Steve and Amy Patterson to avoid having to explain their They sent me the link to their travel blog, and it’s definitely a must read. Remember that sense of humor that made Daci fall for Yoni? You’ll find it all over their travelogue blog. I just spent 5 minutes laughing hysterically at his description of their attempt to get back over the border from Canada. Go read it. Really. And you’ll learn why Yoni loves Daci – she has got quite the sense of humor herself.
I’m pretty sure Yoni was telling her jokes about seeing peoples naked rear ends. She found it all very funny. I went *click click click*.
Can I have two nominations for THAT SHOT in one blog post?
I say yes, it’s my own blog.
THAT SHOT!
Daci, you are so unbelievably elegant. Really.
If that isn’t the sweetest…
As we were finishing up Daci pulled some wellies out of her trunk and asked if I would like to use them at all. Daci, you’re just killing me here. You look so innocent and so refined all at once.
Daci and Yoni, I’m terribly depressed that I won’t be joining you on the 28th for your Jewish spectacular of a wedding. Why didn’t I get this idea to launch a photography business, much much sooner? Idiot!
I enjoyed my time with you immensely, and it would be my pleasure to do it again sometime. A Trash The Dress? First anniversary shoot? Family shoot with Ike? Your first child’s Bat/Bar Mitzvah? Whatever it is, I’m there. Or you can comehere, since I know how much you two like to travel.
Only one more month to go until you two make it official. Enjoy the ride, newlywed life is the BEST.
Best,
Jenna
by Jenna
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