These two... oh my heart. All smiles, flirty kisses, and big grins... they are truly joyful in one another's company. They share many laughs, big dreams and coy glances in between the everyday moments of life. I genuinely had a wonderful time capturing their love with my camera and I am so looking forward to their wedding this fall at The Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville.
I don't know what it is about winter sessions, but they often end up being some of my very favorite sessions. Maybe it's the rawness of emotion... no fall foliage or spring greenery to distract me from the joy and love between a couple. Maybe it's that everything seems slower this time of year, and so I take the sessions a little slower than normal. I know when I am dealing with a lack of beautiful greenery or foliage, I reach outside of my comfortable box of creativity... to new location ideas and more unique backdrops.
Confession: I am kind of (ok, a lot) uncomfortable shooting sessions in public, non-photography locations. Like coffee shops and diners. But in the end, I am always so crazy happy that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to try a new thing. As for Tyler and Chelsea's session... well, I am thrilled that we were able to shoot in so many different places and hang out with each other for so long. We started at the Blue Moon Diner right on Main Street, the location of their Official First Date (where they sat at the same table, mind you. So cute!). Then we scooted over to the UVA campus for a few classic shots on the lawn. Finally, we ended up on the grounds of The Boar's Head Inn, where we will meet again for their wedding reception. I love the way their pictures came out!
Tyler and Chelsea are super fun and very conversational. I'm a talker, so I love when others talk back!! Tyler plays baseball professionally for the Orioles (Minor League) - how amazing is that?! And Chelsea is extremely supportive of Tyler's career path and loves to cheer him on at all of his games. (She also holds down the fort back in Charlottesville and LOVES her job working for the UVA Athletics department!) It was important to them both to knock out as much of their wedding planning as possible before Tyler takes off to baseball training season next month. So we met up last week for a fun wintery session and a little getting to know one another.
Two athletes with competition in their blood... Chelsea explains: "We play basketball often which is always fun, but for the sake of our relationship we play on the same team." She loves his heart, his compassion for others, and his determination to work hard for his lifelong dream. He loves her sparkly blue eyes, contagious smile, and her faith. Together they are a light, spreading love and compassion to each person who steps into their lives. I know this sounds so romantic and a little over-the-top... but what can I say. I adore good people. Good people who love others. That's simply the biggest thing that stands out to me about Tyler and Chelsea. They are pretty awesome.
Without further ado... here are some of my favorite shots from our time together:
