Derek+Tori (engaged)

One thing I am really bad at is saying no. Sure, I can shoot one more session, squeeze one more in.  I LOVE SHOOTING, don’t get me wrong, but if I’ve learned anything this fall is that shooting is easier than editing, posting, and giving people a timely, custom photography experience. The behind the scenes, after the shoot process is what is time consuming. I’m not complaining, in fact  I love the processing almost as much, and this post is about saying yes.  This is one of those occasions where I knew I had a full weekend, but when these guys contacted me about an engagement session I just had to fit it in.  Engagement sessions, or just couples in love are one of my most favorite things to shoot, and I’ll do anything I can to fit them in.  I’m so happy I said yes to this shoot, or more importantly, that Tori said “yes” to Derek at the bighouse on the big screen. YEP, Derek proposed at a Michigan game…. LOVE IT!

These two are so cute! And as you’ll see Tori came up with some awesome ideas for their shoot. They are planning a longer engagement, but I can only hope that I’ll be photographing their barn wedding in a couple of years!

Here’s Derek+Tori:

LOVE THIS x’s a million ♥♥♥Gorgeous couple:The bokeh and softness of this photo makes it one of my all-time favorites.Tori you are stunning ♥Another fave for me:So when they were telling me about their style and wedding, I thought we should head over to the botanical gardens for the 2nd half of our session. I knew there was a little more color on the trees, and a cabin that would fit their style. When we arrived, there were two deer (which I’ve never seen at TBG) really close to the parking lot, and Tori’s mom suggested getting them in a shot. I kind of giggled, because I thought for sure we couldn’t get very close to them, and they would run off, sure enough they stuck around, and we captured the moment. Marlo, great idea!
Seriously could these guys be any cuter together? Love this whole series:I may be the only photographer that thinks this tree looks like it has a little seat built into it, but I sure do adore this picture. I call it the Rapunzel pose, my niece would be so proudJust having a little fun: And last but not least,  we had to incorporate U of M, since they are both fanatics and it played such a big part in their engagement. Tori + Derek: Thank you so much for going along with my crazy ideas. It was so much fun photographing you as a couple, and I loved the thoughtful personalization you brought to your pictures. Congrats on your engagement!