Engagement: Sandra + Andrew

Sandra and Andrew made my day (week even!) when they contacted me about the possibility of a double engagement session, which meant twice the amount of time spent with an awesome couple, and to make it even more exciting, they wanted to end their session at the Texas State Fair, a venue I was really hoping to shoot at this year. Thanks to Sandra and Andrew I got my wish!

We started out at The Shops at Legacy in Plano and I think Andrew was feeling a bit camera shy.

After a little bit of encouragement from me (and a new angle so I could see his face better) we were on our way to getting beautiful portraits of not just lovely Sandra, but Andrew as well!

There was some kind of festival happening just behind them in this shot, which helped keep the mood light and fun.

THAT SHOT!

This was the kind of spot where I just couldn’t stop taking the photos. The light was wonderful and these two really settled into some great poses. The best interaction between subjects is always client led.

We were worried about spending too much time at the Shops and missing all of the light at the Fair so we hopped in the car and drove down to downtown Dallas. We were all pretty hungry by the time we got there so we indulged in a “Corny Dog”. I haven’t indulged in a corn dog in a very long time and so I was practically drooling in between takes. Sandra and Andrew were nice enough to give me a break and let me munch on one of own for a few minutes as well.

The swan, the swan! I love that swan behind them almost as much as I love the look on Sandra’s face and that pretty backlight.

Super cheesy but I couldn’t resist.

These two have known of each other since elementary school, but they didn’t spend much time together until they both worked on the high school newspaper together. She was the editor in chief and he was the slacker who only signed up for the class to spend more time with this then-girlfriend. Last Halloween they ran into each other at a party and the connection was made. When I asked them what really describes them as a couple one of the phrases they used was “friends-till-the-end”. These two know they can count on each other for anything.

I saw these pumpkins and just couldn’t resist. What is it with photographers and directing clients to hold items up in front of their faces?

I tried to use a few different processing techniques with the next three photos to try to give the shots a different “look” for the location. Sometimes I do processing that’s a little bit different than my usual style but clients always get the Basic Edit as well, just in case they don’t prefer what I came up with!

Although this isn’t my favorite from the entire session, it is my favorite from the time spent at the Fair. By the way, shooting people on a moving carousel when you are out on the pavement is really hard! Those rides move so fast, I haven’t had that much fun trying to get a shot in a long time.

As the light flitted away the rides lit up. I didn’t have a flash with me so I placed these two in the most well-lit spot I could find, held my breath, and hoped I could hold my camera steady enough for some clear shots.  I think the resulting colors and lights in the background are beautiful!

I’m so sad to say I won’t be shooting their wedding, occurring in Piedras Negras, Coahuila Mexico, Sandra’s birthplace. Why not? Because they are getting married on my baby’s due date! We’re both going to have more than enough to celebrate that week and I wish them the best in the rest of their planning and married life.

Sandra and Andrew,

I LOVED brainstorming this shoot with you, and watching everything come to life the day of. Many thanks for your creativity and especially your willingness to spend a little money to get some fun shots at the Fair (I still can’t believe how much everything costs at that thing!). I was so sad to see the sun go down that evening. I had a great time with you and I wish you all the love and happiness you deserve together.

Best,

Jenna