Rachel + Eric - The Great Darke County Fair Engagement Session

So. That is an insane amount of images...I know. This is proof of why it is so hard for me to put together blog posts. I am the queen of taking too many shots. ;)

This engagement session was so.much.FUN.

Rachel and I grew up together. She is younger than I, but we knew each other from school / church as kids. I had the pleasure of working with her at two previous weddings where she happened to be a bridesmaid - also where I had the chance to meet her beau, Eric.

Rachel and Eric remind me A LOT of my husband and I. They are total goofballs together and are buddies who just happen to be in love. We have very similar tastes and I can't even begin to tell you how pumped I was when Rachel contacted us about shooting their wedding and engagement session.

Rachel is a creative lady and I was so excited about this idea for their engagement session. Here is a little bit of the story from Rachel's blog:

As you may have guessed, Eric and I aren't a super "schmoopy" couple... our relationship is pretty much one big laugh fest, making stupid jokes and poking fun at each other. So we didn't really think a typical engagement shoot with lots of holding and caressing and gazing into each others' eyes in the middle of a wildflower patch was really "us" (hey, there is nothing wrong with those shoots. Personally, I think they're gorgeous for the right kind of couple!). I had the idea months and months ago to have a county-fair-themed engagement shoot, and thankfully Amber from the INCREDIBLE Look Here Photography (umm.... have you seen their work??? I'm so blessed to have the chance to work with them) was 100% on board for something different.

It's even more lucky that one of the nation's largest county fairs just happens to be the Great Darke County Fair, right in my hometown of Greenville, Ohio. So Eric and I traveled back to Ohio for the photo session before the last weekend of the fair in late August. I was nervous going in, because I'm pretty much the least photogenic person on the planet... I was completely afraid we'd shoot for hours and have no decent shots thanks to my derpiness in front of the camera. But Amber worked her magic and managed to get some great shots where I wasn't making the most awkward faces known to man (Eric, on the other hand, was calm... he's a natural).

The photos that follow are the result of nearly four hours of shooting (we probably had about 15 other poses/scenes and probably 400 more shots throughout the night that aren't pictured), some fantastic direction from Amber, a ridiculous amount of food (Fiske fries, cotton candy, kettle corn, Strawberry Lemonade Shake Up.... if you're from Darke County, you know we had to gets shots with all the perennial favorites), some of the nicest folks that let us pose (riding rides and playing games for FREE... never say carnies aren't kind people), a bunny, tip-toeing around cow patties, and about two dozen onlookers watching, cooing "Awwwwwww" every time Amber prompted us to "smooch." It was such a fun night, and I'm so happy my little pipe dream of a concept was brought to life so beautifully by such a talented photographer. 

Rachel & Eric - many thanks guys. We can't wait to see what the wedding day brings...

See you in Milwaukee!
Amber & Rob

Cory & Liz - Engagement Session

We have been neighbors with Liz's family for over 7 years. So, I have known Liz for quite sometime. She has grown into such an intelligent and beautiful woman. She sure made a great decision when falling for Cory (who is probably one of the nicest guys you could meet).
We are so thrilled they have asked us to photograph their wedding day, we know it will be amazing. We decided to hold their engagement session in the always gorgeous Oregon District in Dayton. We always manage to find fun and unique spots for backdrops, love shooting there.

For example - as we were walking and talking through the alleys of the oregon district we found the wall that had "They are watching" written on it - I thought it was a cute little tid-bit to get a photo with and I said, "I wonder what it means?" Cory said that he saw the mannequin heads in the window when we were walking and talking, but didn't say anything. The arrow in the "They" pointed to these creepy dudes in the window. I love when people do weird stuff like this, it keeps things interesting. :)

These two were naturals. Can't wait for the big day guys - it is going to be awesome. August 11th will be here before we know it...Tell Steve and Joyce to have their dancing shoes on. ;)

Carly & Justin - Engagement Session

We met Carly & Justin at Katie & Andy's wedding last year. Carly was a beautiful bridesmaid for Katie and we have no doubts she will also make a stunning bride.
Carly & Justin are getting married in Cincy next month and we are so excited to work with them on their big day. We took many of their engagement shots within feet of their adorable apartment. There was so much character on their little street in Cincy. How adorable is their red door?! The live at 316. Had to capture their first home together.
Justin is much taller than Carly, even in her massive heels. :o) They are so cute together.
Carly & Justin - thank you. We will see u both very soon!
:o) A

Matt & Melissa Engagement

It was unseasonably warm the night we did these engagement shots. I think it was trying to prepare us for the wonderful heat we might encounter on a busy wedding day. :o)
We had a great time w/ Matt & Melissa during this session and we found some awesome new locations during the whole process. Afterwards, we went out to eat together and chatted about the big day (which is going to be here before we know it!).
Thank you Matt & Melissa, we are so excited about your wedding. I know it is going to be such a good time. Can't wait.
:o) A