Essential Sunshine Photography

When April contacted us a few weeks back and asked if we could shoot her and David’s engagement session I was super excited. Some may recognize April from Christie & Jayson’s wedding last May. Originally we were going to do their session in early November but the day turned out to be bitterly cold and wet so we postponed it for a later weekend. I was a little nervous that we would just end up with similar weather but luckily the weather gods were looking out for us and the weather was perfect.

We met April & David at their home to utilize some of the cool land & structure that surrounds them. I am so glad they suggested it. There was so many different things around that we didn’t even know where to start. What better place than a lovely mossy fence.

Ben’s view

 

My view. A bit into our session David pulled out his guitar so we could incorporate it into some of the photos. April is a photography lover and said she has been meaning to get a picture of her ring in his guitar. I was happy to oblige!

David teaching April some chords. He made up a song just for us about “taking pictures in the yard”. Love it!!

We couldn’t forget about their adorable dog, Zoey! She was such a ham. I love how she begs for her treats. She seriously would stay like this until they gave the treat to her. It was great.

This is one of my favorite photos from the day. I love how natural it is.

After we put Zoey back inside, we wandered down the lane some to their neighbor’s property which had a bunch of old cars on it. April had asked for their permission to take pictures here and they were happy to allow us to use them; though the neighbor did say “I don’t know why you would want to”. Well, this is why….

and this one….

and, of course, this one! We loooooved the old cars and could have stayed there forever taking photos. Plus, the soft light didn’t hurt.

A little serenade.

We stopped by the chicken coop before a quick wardrobe change and then it was off to Heritage Park.

Heritage Park is one of our favorite spots to shoot and on this day we got there right when the light was perfect. The left image is another one of my favorites and I almost forgot to include it in this post! ek!

Hello! You two are adorable together!

I adore the way she is looking at him.

What did I tell you about that light. Ack! Add in some haybales and we are all set. One of Ben’s favorites on the right.

I think this is my top contender for a canvas. Such a sweet, quiet moment together.

LOVE THIS! April had mentioned that she loves photos of just feet with their heads cut off and I couldn’t agree more. Plus, I am in love with her boots! Another contender for a canvas.

I’ll be honest when we set David & April in this patch of grass I was not inspired by it but I love that Ben was able to make it work. Just one of the reasons why I love working with him! <3

Ben’s favorite! A great way to end our session with the sun setting and some relaxing time.

April & David – thanks for being fantastic to work with! You came ready to bring it and it was brought.Best wishes to you both!

Hold on to your seats people – the amazingness that is Heather & Charlie is coming at you. Seriously, we love these two. They are the sweetest and cutest couple ever! Charlie is deployed in Afghanistan right now. He was home for 2 weeks so they met us for a few photos while he was in town. Can you tell that these two hadn’t seen each other since June! Their love was just so energizing.

We met them first at Mabry Mill – it is close to Primland Resort, where they are getting married – and Charlie’s family is related to the Mabry’s – too perfect! There were all kinds of neat places to shoot. It was a GORGEOUS day in late March, we couldn’t have asked for more comfortable weather to do an engagement session in!

On the property there was this cute little stone and plank cabin – we took advantage of the great light spilling all around it to get some shots.

Heather & Charlie were troopers and were up for anything. This haystack may have been slightly damp. 

Heather’s ring was simply AMAZING.  Nice job Charlie…

We then headed over to Primland Resort. This is the coolest place ever. First of all, you have to drive so high up in the montains to get there, you begin to wonder if an oxygen tank will be necessary. Second of all, there was no one there. Not a single guest to be seen! The staff (who were super friendly and helpful) explained that they get really busy on the weekends and during the summer. We had the entire place to ourselves to shoot the session. Third, the architecture is just breathtaking – imagine a giant 42 room hunting lodge on top of a mountain which mixes a traditional stone and timber construction with all kinds of modern design flair. Ben and I spent the first 5 minutes walking around the lobby and staring…mouths open.

Admit it, you get this happy when you drink coffee too (especially if it is with your sweetheart, right?)

Love.

Oh my! Heather, you are beautiful. This is both Ben and my favorite.

H&C, I expect you both to print these photos out and keep the other’s photo in your wallet.

They had these wood carvings made from an Etsy shop. We were determined to make sure we incorporated them. Love it when people bring props.

Part of the resort is this little Observatory on the top floor - its a round room with a near 360 degree view of the surrounding mountain tops.  It also has a really comfy leather couch. I tested it out.

Another wood carvings from Etsy. I love the quote. Wouldn’t you say your love story is a fairytale too?

Heather and Charlie, it was a blast to spend an afternoon with you!  We are beyond excited for your wedding in October! Much love! – S&B

We met Jenn & Mark at her grandfather’s old house. He built it himself! The house was beautiful and had so much potential to it. It is currently for sale and we hope it goes to a buyer who can restore it to it’s glory. We fell in love with Jenn & Mark the minute we met them during our consult last fall. They are both so happy in life that it is just infectious. We started out with some family shots with Mark’s son, Sam in the converted attic of the house. What a great space for a kid’s bedroom or playroom. Lots of light!

Sam is such a ham! He was all over the place during our shoot. I love it. When we can get kids just being kids that is just a good day to me.

Ack! How stinkin’ cute are Jenn & Mark together?! So sweet.

Seriously Jenn?! You are killing me here. Beautiful.

At the edge of the property are these gorgeous stone columns that Jenn’s grandfather put in.  Although they can’t take the columns with them when the house sells they at least have a family picture with them that they can cherish forever. I love Ben’s angle in the photo on the right. Perfect.

And you know I had to get a ring shot on them.

Mark just got a new car so we had to get this sexy shot of them leaning against it. HOT!!

After leaving the house we wandered around downtown Roanoke.

Hold yourself back ladies – he is a soon to be married man! LOVE everything about this photo – the light, the guy, the blazer and the bridge. Totally awesome.

Oh there is that gorgeous light again. I am pretty sure I high fived Ben after I took this shot. Yeah, that happened.

Meanwhile, Ben was taking the shot on the left. HELLO! And how could we leave downtown Roanoke without getting some shots of the historic signs.

Congratulations on your engagement! We can’t wait for your wedding in a few weeks.