When it comes to finding your soul mate, they often say "when you know, you know." I'm not exactly sure who "they" are, but the truth of the statement is undeniable. Especially when it comes to these two.
She met him on a blind date. It was the first and last one she would ever go on. They hit it off right away. That first date turned into many more and after just a few months they were pretty much inseparable. They both knew where it was headed, there was no denying what was evident to both of them. They went ring shopping just about nine months after that first date.
He wanted to really catch her by surprise, so he waited several weeks to actually pop the question. He loves keeping her on her toes. He drove her down to the prettiest place he could think of - a scenic area down by where he grew up in Connecticut. As soon as they arrived at the location, she had a feeling it was going to happen. Probably similar to the feeling she got on the night of that first date. Sometimes you can just tell there is a big moment coming, a moment that will change your life.
CARRIE & LIAM
We met Carrie & Liam at The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in the Jamaica Plains section of Boston. It's over 250 acres of public park and tree sanctuary, one amazing place to take a walk, and a great place to learn a bit about trees. Each tree within the arboretum has an identification tag with facts about the tree, even including their ages.
Carrie & Liam are private people and not too keen on crowds, so this was an ideal location for their session. The further we traveled into the arboretum the more private it was, and in some parts it almost felt like Alice in Wonderland or maybe Wizard of Oz (okay, any movie with cool trees.) We loved spending the afternoon with Carrie & Liam and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit. It was a fantastic way to complete our Boston whirlwind.
We did quite not what to expect when we got to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Of course we knew it would probably be beautiful but other than that we had no pre-conceived expectations. It certainly was a gorgeous place though. We spent the afternoon just walking around with Carrie and Liam. We found this tree that we just absolutely loved. This one is by far one of my personal favorites from the session.
This is Kathleen's view from just a moment later. I really liked Kathleen's composition and how nicely the black and white worked on this image.
Carrie and Liam fit together so perfectly.
We found this small moss covered pond where the light was so insane. It was one of our favorite places to photograph.
We love the look on Carrie's face in this one, she is so happy!
Seriously this pond was so much fun to photograph around. I love the emotion between the two of them in the bottom right one that Kathleen captured.
The way that Liam looks at Carrie is so sweet...
...and we really love the storytelling power of hands.
I know we already said this a couple times but the light was so beautiful!
Their smiles and happiness was so contageious, we were having such a fun time with them.
This is one of my our favorite black and whites from Carrie & Liam's session.
A little sun flare love in this one. The textures of the trees highlighted by the sunlight was so beautiful.
There were these small pathways and stairs throughout the arboretum that we enjoyed walking through and exploring and of course we enjoyed capturing Carrie and Liam in this beautiful place.
Liam jumped right up in the tree for this one. I'm not sure if it was but it looked pretty comfortable.
Carrie & Liam decided to enjoy the day by laying on the ground with each other and who can blame them. We could have stayed there all day, it was so peaceful. This one is my view...
...and this one is Kathleen's view of the same moment.
A couple nice relaxed portraits against this huge tree.
We finished up Carrie & Liam's engagement session on this bench...
...where we took a couple more relaxed portraits.
The one on the left is Kathleen's view and the one on the right is my view of the same moment.
Carrie & Liam, thank you so much for bringing us to the Arboretum, it was such a beautiful place. Can't wait to see you again on your wedding day. It will be here before you know it!
He is so crazy about her that he doesn't even flinch about stepping outside his comfort zone for her. You can almost picture him the week before he popped the question - at the store sorting though all the smelly soaps to find her perfect one, looking through racks of pajamas to find just the right pair, even flipping through the women's magazines to pick out the one he knew she'd like to read on the plane. It was all part of his plan. They were leaving for their Las Vegas vacation and he was putting together a "travel kit" with all things a girl would need for a trip.
He carefully put it all together, imagining how she would have done it herself to make sure it was just right. When she got home she saw the travel kit in the living room and looked at him, just a bit confused. He encouraged her to open it. She couldn't believe her eyes - he had gone to all this trouble for her, for vacation? He was officially the best boyfriend ever.
Then she got to the bottom of the box. There was a smaller package, she couldn't quite make it out at first. As she pulled it out, he got down on one knee and suddenly she knew exactly what was in the box. They celebrated their engagement throughout the entire vacation. It was officially the best vacation ever. Until their honeymoon, I'm sure.
ASHLEY & MICK
We met Ashley and Mick at Castle Island, a scenic park and beach in South Boston. It was important to them because they had lived in that part of Boston when they were first together, but also because it happened to be one of Dempsey's favorite places. Dempsey is their two-year-old Golden Retriever and to say that she loves the beach is putting it mildly. You could barely keep her out of the water, she was loving every minute of it. And it was perfect for us too, since one of Ashley & Mick's favorite things is Dempsey, and making her happy makes them smile - almost as much as they naturally do when they look at one another. These two alone are just adorable together and then we you add Dempsey - you can't deny that they are one happy family.
We met up with Ashley & Mick at about 8:30 in the morning which along with the evening is one of our favorite times of the day to photograph. There is so many nice deep colors and the sun is in such a nice place.
The water was such a gorgeous blue and the sun on their faces was just right. We immediately noticed that Ashley and Mick loved laughing and smiling and just being with each other.
As many of your all know, we love love LOVE long grass. Right by the beach there just so happened to be a little area of long grass that seemed to be glowing. It was really beautiful.
The day was so warm and bright (a nice change from all the rain) so we spent a little time walking around Castle Island just enjoying the views.
Isn't this one of the nicest and bluest skies? It was simply beautiful and the perfect backdrop.
We spent some time on this hill because Kathleen and I were having so much fun and Ashley and Mick were the perfect models. The one on the left is my view and the one on the right is Kathleen's view of the same moment.
Did I mention that Logan Airport is incredibly close to Castle Island so planes were coming in every three minutes or so. You can see a hint of a jet in this one but definitely look out for more later on in this post!
I totally love this photo that Kathleen captured. It has such a nice feel to it.
I wanted to do something a little different and artsy so I decided to take an out of focus photo. One thing about photography that is truly interesting to me is that you do not need a lot of information to feel what is going on in a photo, I think you can totally feel the connection between Ashley and Mick despite the fact that it is blurry.
The fort on the grounds of Castle Island provided a nice backdrop for these and the next few photos.
Kathleen captured such nice emotion between Ashley & Mick in this one.
We loved the way they looked at each other. This one is my view...
...and this is Kathleen's view from the same moment.
After spending some time up by the fort, we headed down to the beach for some more photos of Ashley & Mick and to add Dempsey (their 2 year Golden Retriever) in to a few.
As we started walking on the beach, we noticed (how could anyone miss) that directly over the beach was the fligh path for planes landing at Logan. The planes over the beach were very low so in addition to being able to photograph an incredible couple and their amazingly fun dog, we also got to photograph some planes coming in. I of course was in my glory.
We found a dock on the beach which provided a fun place to photograph.
This is one of our favorites from Ashley & Mick's session. Don't they look absolutely amazing?!
While up on the dock Ashley and Mick paused for a quick kiss.
We loved the way Dempsey looked up at Mick in the bottom right one! :)
Again, we really love how they look at each other. Never once did we have to ask them to smile.
There was this little spot of grass on the beach where Dempsey joined in with Ashley and Mick for a couple of photos.
We had such a fun time photographing these three. Ashley & Mick were so sweet and Dempsey was so well behaved.
After Dempsey had taken a bunch of photos with Ashley and Mick, she decided that it was time to go for a little swim!
When we saw her start to come out of the water, I just waited because I knew what was going to happen next. I love all of the water going everywhere almost as much as we love the look on her face.
Ashley & Mick we had so much fun with you both and of course with Dempsey. Thank you for showing us a little piece of South Boston and letting us share the morning with you. We can't wait for your wedding! ~Rob & Kathleen~
This afternoon we are heading up to Mystic for Liz & Geoff's wedding at the Seaman's Inn. The last time we saw them was back in the fall for engagement session in Warwick, RI. We're very excited to see Liz's infectious smile again and to have Geoff make us laugh - he is hilarious. Together, they are not only a couple that you would love to have drinks with any night of the week, but they are also the kind of couple that you can tell are crazy about each other just by looking at them. The way she looks up at him, the way he holds her - undeniably sweet.
They met down in Georgia (where they both currently live) when Geoff happened to be at the very same Thanksgiving celebration as Liz. They have been together ever since. They flew up to Connecticut early this week in preparation for today's big day. We're hoping they brought some of the southern sunshine with them.
In addition to Liz & Geoff's Wedding we have a lot of exciting blog posts coming up, more from our Boston extravangza and our two weddings from last weekend - so be sure to check back often! We hope you are all having a great Saturday!!
They were classmates for years. From elementary school to high school, they were quite literally in the same place at the same time. They lived in the same town, just streets apart. They probably passed each other in the hall countless times. But it wasn't until the last year of high school that they would actually get to know each other better.
Being a bit of a math genius, (he would probably be more modest than that, but he's currently working on a PhD in the math, a PhD!!), he offered to be her Calculus tutor senior year. Up until then they had just know of one another from some mutual friends. She jokes now that it was probably his way of making a move. He just laughs when she says that, but he's not denying it.
By the end of senior year, all those hours of studying together really paid off. Not only did she do better than she could have imagined in calculus, but she got a fantastic boyfriend as well. They spent the summer together, soaking in all the time they could because soon, for the first time in their lives, they wouldn't be just streets away from each other anymore. She's be going to NY for college, he would be heading to Pennsylvania. Over those four years, they became two of Amtrak's best customers.
Even after graduation, they were still apart for two more years - this time for grad school. She was in NJ, he was in Boston. Over the course of seven years and hundreds and miles, their relationship stayed strong. Today, they are finally in the same place at the same time once more, making a home in Boston, which is exactly where we met them for their engagement session.
KRISTIN & MARK
Kristin and Mark's session marked our two firsts - our very first Boston e-session, and the first in our 2-day, 3-session Boston extravaganza! It was fun for Rob to catch up a bit with Kristin & Mark since he also attended the very same middle and high schools with them, just a few years earlier. We started the session by the Boston Museum of Science because it's just a short walk away from their apartment and very close to a scenic walkway. The walkway has some incredible views of Boston and awesome boat docks. We explored a lot of the walkway, taking advantage of some unique areas on the way. Both Kristin and Mark said that even though they had passed these things hundreds of times, they had never noticed a lot of these areas before. One of the blessings and curses of being a photographer, you're always seeing so many things at once – a bit of sensory overload.
We then hopped on the T and headed over to downtown a bit, strolling along the quaint streets of Beacon Hill along the way. Rob and I always like to pick out where we'd live in each city we visit, and Beacon Hill was our choice in Boston. Of course, it's probably one of the most expensive areas in the city to live in, so don't plan on us moving any time soon. :)
Kristin and Mark were fabulous tour guides, pointing out all of the landmarks and showing us quite a bit of Boston over the course of the session. On the way home, we thought about how nice it was to see Kristin and Mark finally in the same place after so many years of long distance - especially a place they both seem to love.
Note: As a reminder (just in case you didn't already know) Kathleen does the story (above) and Rob does the short narrating under each photo. We hope that both of our perspectives really help you get to know all of our wonderful couples just a little better. We hope you enjoy Kristin & Mark's Engagement Session Photos in Boston!
Kristin & Mark live in the Cambridge section of Boston so we all thought it would be a great place to start their session. While walking by the river we found this great little (and shaky) dock that we just had to photograph them on.
This dock was so cool and provided so many photo opportunities. We could have photographed their entire session there.
The day could not have been more beautiful which was a nice change from all of the rain we have been experiencing.
The deep blue water, colorful boats and buildings and bridge in the background made this one cool place to photograph.
We decided to continue walking down the river towards the bridge (in the background of the last set of photos). When we got under the bridge, Kathleen and I almost lost our minds when we saw all of the cool textures and perfect, even lighting under the there. We immediately jumped over the highway guardrail to get some great shots. This one is Kathleen's view...
...and this is my view from the same moment. We love how Kristen and Mark are looking at each other in this set.
As people walked (and drove) by, they must have thought we were completely crazy but again it was such an awesome place to photograph.
Right by the bridge we found this over grown grass. Kristin and Mark were willing and excited to do anything. They made their way through all of the brush and got pretty close to the water for this shot.
A classic and perfect for the newspaper photo. :)
I was so inspired by the highway over the water that we were walking on and we really wanted to capture some of the city feel of Boston. This was one of my personal favorites from Kristin & Mark's session.
Here is a sweet black and white that Kathleen captured a few moments later.
The four of us headed down to the T station to catch a train over to Beacon Hill for another feel. While waiting for the train we took a few photos in the station...
...and of course a few as the train rolled in. I don't think we ever get tired of train movement in photos. If you look close you could actually see Kristin & Mark's reflection in the window of the moving train.
When we got off the T we were greeted with the small cobblestone streets and beautiful brick buildings that make up the Beacon Hill section of Boston.
Here is Kathleen capturing a photo of Kristin giving Mark a kiss...
...and here is the photo that she got. Mark's smile is this one is great.
Of course I had to get a relaxed portrait because we feel in addition to our creative photos, these are important too. :) They help add to a timeless feel of our photos and they are great for parents, grandparents and again for newspapers.
This alley way was so nice and there was no traffic on this street so we had the opportunity to get some really great shots. Brick walls are still one of those textures that we love to photograph.
How convenient was it that there just happened to be this heart in the metal doorway. So sweet!!
We spotted these leaves on a building and decided it was another beautiful texture that would certainly add to Kristin & Mark's photos.
Before finishing their session, we took a few photos around Boston Common. It was certainly a perfect day to be at a park.
A sweet kiss up on the bridge...
...and then one by the water.
Kristin & Mark we had such a nice time with you. Thank you SO much for dinner at the Barking Carb. We liked it so much we went back again the next day for lunch! :) Can't wait for your wedding and to see you guys again soon!! ~Rob & Kathleen~
The week before the wedding was like a sprint to the finish line. They had traveled from California to Connecticut, took care of all of the final details, and keet their head in the game all along the way. She was the team captain, keeping an eye on all of the tasks, delegating when she needed to, and guiding the whole process. He took his usual role, the coach. He was determinedly focused, always looking toward the goal line and constantly mapping out new strategies. The day of the wedding, she was in the ladies locker room, surrounded by her closest family and friends, getting prepped for the day ahead. He blasted out of the men's locker room, followed closely behind by his team of groomsmen, completely ready for the moment of his life.
As he saw her walking down the aisle, he did the best he could to maintain his game face, but soon his smile could be seen from yards away. When the time came for the vows, they held each other hands tightly and made the promise to be what it was clear they already are - perfect teammates.
MEREDITH & CRAIG
We were so excited to see Meredith & Craig two weekends ago, especially since the last time we had seen them was on the other side of the country. We met them for the first time out in California to do their engagement session - the perfect way to combine Meredith's past and present homes states. They were married at the Country Club of Darien. Thank you to our friend Meagan for helping us photograph this wonderful wedding! For most of the day, it seemed like Meredith & Craig had brought just a touch of the California sunshine along with them. There was a slight mist during the afternoon, moving the ceremony onto the club's back deck instead of the golf course. The second location was just as gorgeous as the first one would have been, and the slight rain falling while they said their vows really added to the romance of it all.
Since Craig is a coach and Meredith is right in the stadium cheering him along at every game, they decided to incorporate sports into their decor as well as their vows. Their reception was filled with sports-themed touches. The tables had the names of sports teams instead of traditional numbers and each one had a different picture from their engagement pictures (that we photographed) in a football stadium in Santa Barbara. Not only did these touches make for a unique atmosphere, it was yet another demonstration of how well Meredith & Craig work together.
Meredith got ready in one of the locker rooms at the Country Club of Darien. They had these beautiful wooden lockers which seemed like a very fitting place to photograph her dress.
Here floral bouquet was vibrant green with subtle hints of color throughout.
Kathleen stayed with the Meredith and the girls while they got ready as I captured some of their ceremony and reception details. Meredith & Craig's guests were welcomed with these great paper lanterns, also a very vibrant green.
Kathleen captured this photo of a couple of the bridesmaid's shoes.
I think the time during the final touch-ups of makeup is the time that makes everything that is about to happen very real. This is also when the true excitement of the day begins.
Craig and the guys were in tan linen suits complimented with chocolate brown ties.
They were also wearing yellow boutonnières for an added pop of color.
Before their ceremony we got to take a few moments with Meredith for some bridals on the golf course.
The roadways through out the club were really great and added some really nice photo opportunities.
Meredith's bridesmaid's and Man of Honor also joined in for a couple formal photos.
We love this shot as Meredith and the girls start walking to the ceremony.
Their ceremony was supposed to take place on the golf course but the weather had other plans. They moved their ceremony to this large porch right outside their reception room. We actually thought that this location was beautiful and made for a very nice and intimate ceremony.
Craig get his first-look at his wife-to-be. We really like how the best man is smiling at him.
Meredith walked down her rose-lined aisle with her dad.
This is always a sweet moment when the dad hands his daughter over to the new man in her life.
During their ceremony, Craig could not hold back his smile.
Finally getting married!!
Their vows.
Since the front of the ceremony was insanely backlit, I decided to take advantage of all that light and create what I call a semi-silhouette photo. I think it creates a nice and moody feel.
We absolutely love Meredith's huge smile right before their first kiss!
Immediately following the ceremony Kathleen and I headed right out to the golf course with Meredith & Craig. We spotted this tree right away, this is one of my personal favorites from their day.
Here is a close-up of the last shot just because we like this one a lot as well. It feels very classic just like their wedding day.
We had a great time having a relaxed session with Meredith & Craig and were also very thankful that it was not raining.
They stopped for a quick kiss. The one on the left is mine and the one on the right is Kathleen's view of the same moment.
The grass was so incredibly green which I guess makes sense with all of rain we have been getting.
Meredith's smile in these is simply perfect!
We told Meredith and Craig to go have a moment on the bench this bench just to take it all in. It was so calming and peaceful out there.
The club decorated a golf cart with a "Just Married" sign on the back.
Right before the rain came, the sky had a dark blue tint to it and the lighting could not have been more perfect for this fun and relaxed bridal party shot.
The chocolate brown linens and green flowers really made for such an elegant and warm feel for their reception.
Instead of table numbers, each table was named with a different football team and the best part (to us anyways) was that they had a different photo from their engagement session at each table.
Their first dance was very sweet and the textures in both the floor and the ceiling really added to this photo.
We took a quick ring shot with a couple of corks of Meredith & Craig's favorite wines.
During their reception, Meredith's Man of Honor, Craig's Best Man, Meredith's Father and Craig himself all made toasts.
During dinner, Meredith & Craig came outside with us for one more photo. It was of course raining but that did not stop them.
A couple of our favorite shots from Meredith's dance with her father and Craig's dance with his mother. We just really love the emotion in these two photos.
We love night photography and the clouds over the Country Club of Darien were so beautiful. For all those photographers out there, this was shot at 1/30th of at second (handheld) at f1/4 and these are the true colors.
Meredith & Craig, we had such a fun time with you and your families and can't wait to see you both again soon! We hope you had a great time in Italy!!
~Rob & Kathleen~
