Sunrise Engagement Session

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Last year I had the AMAZING opportunity to photograph a proposal. It was an absolutely beautiful day and my brother-in-law surprised his love with a slideshow outlining their love, then he got down on one knee and popped the question. It was beautiful. Fast forward eleven months and they asked me if I would photograph their engagement photos. Of course I said yes! They're two of my favorite people and I was so honored that they asked me to be part of that special moment with them.

Neither individual is local to the Des Moines area any longer, so they put their full trust in me in choosing locations and times of day. I know this couple really well and I knew they'd be down for almost anything, so when I proposed a sunrise photoshoot in a prairie, they were 100% on board. I think the photos speak volumes, because they killed it.

I love how the sun is peeking out from the horizon and they are hidden away behind the tall prairie grasses, completely enamored with each other.

I chose this specific part of the prairie because of this gorgeous weeping willow tree. The way the branches and the leaves hung down just screamed elegant romance to me. Although the tree and the sunset were breathtaking, there was a lot of overgrowth and even some poison ivy around the tree. Just another hazard of being an onsite photographer.

The bride was able to borrow these cute wooden crates to use as stools for part of the shoot. I was able to find something similar on Amazon that I've used in other sessions (as well as using for my puppy's toy box when it's not a prop). The bride brought along a three-set but I've successfully used one in sessions with success as well.

One of my favorite shots in the prairie was using my 35 mm 1.4 lens. I had the couple lie down on a crocheted tablecloth and I photographed them from above. I loved how it turned out. I added some blur in post processing so the eye went directly to the couple. Just look at the way the groom looks at his bride! It gives me all the heart eyes!

We had to get a ring shot in but wanted a something with a little more oopmph. I am obsessed with this picture. It just goes to show that well placed and intentional blur can draw the focus right where you want it to go. And in this situation we wanted the ring at the front of the stage. Even the lens flare help frame the photo and make that bling really pop.

As we were getting ready to leave the prairie and head to our urban location for the second spot for the engagement session, I noticed the discs in the back of the vehicle and asked if they wanted to do a few quick photos with the discs. Again, this couple is always up for an adventure! After culling the photos and editing them, I envisioned editing out the writing on the disc and replacing it with their wedding date information so they could use it for their Save the Dates to mail to friends and family.

The groom then suggested they throw their discs at me. Now, if you know me in real life, you know I'm not sporty. And I'm basically a well hydrated ball of anxiety, but their coolness was wearing off on me. So I allowed it. Can you hear their laughter? I'd like to think they weren't laughing at me though.

One more photo because these two are the cutest!