Aldas Magnolia Hill Engagement Photos | Brittany and Scott

Alda’s Magnolia Hill Engagement Photos | Brittany and Scott

I met up with Brittany and Scott on a sunny afternoon at Alda’s Magnolia Hill. I arrived about 1/2 hour early because I had never photographed there before and I always like to have at least a basic plan as to where we’ll be shooting, where the sun will be, and how I plan on lighting the scene. When I first moved out here to Arkansas I did a quick google search on top venues in Arkansas and had seen a few photos from Alda’s Magnolia Hill. The red barn and the red truck had stuck out (as well as the horse and carriage…but that’s not til the wedding). Brittany and Scott showed up looking amazing. They were matching very well together and they were smiling full of excitement. We were off to a great start!

We started off at this trail, to the side of the main courtyard area. It’s a beautiful long stretch which looks great when photographing with a long lens. Brittany and Scott looked amazing, in their own element, strolling down the path looking at each other. Whatever they were talking about, it must’ve been good because Brittany was cracking up in a lot of the frames. After a few photos there we headed over to this swing that I had seen when I first arrived. I told them to get on as they normally would and Brittany took this opportunity to stand up on it. It was pretty classic: I find that couples look their best when they pose as how they would naturally pose somewhere. Of course, I give a little minor guidance here and there but I want the natural dynamics. After that we headed over to the big red Chevy truck that was positioned in the perfect location (looking at the sun). At first I positioned them by the side and after that Brittany jumped up on the fender. I loved how that looked so I left them alone for a few minutes and simply shot around them. This tends to bring the natural fun out of people as well. They were giggling between kissing and a great time. It was a joy to shoot.

We couldn’t leave without having some of the lake in the scene. Brittany had shown me some photos that she liked and they involved having boats and docks and lakes. When I see an inspiration board, I don’t like replicating because I believe everyone should have something special and unique but it gives me great insight as to what you enjoy about the location or what kind of light you’re drawn to. So we headed down by the lake and had a little session with Brittany and Scott. These two lovebirds could not be easier to photograph. Everywhere we went they just had so much fun with it. The location was beautiful, Brittany and Scott are just a treat to be around, and I really can not wait to join them there again for their big day!

242 Park Avenue Weddings | Anais and Eddie

ANAIS AND EDDIE

242 Park Avenue Weddings | Anais and Eddie Wedding

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of flying out to photograph Anais and Eddie’s wedding in Tucson, Arizona. This was an interesting situation because Eddie and Anais didn’t contact me directly. One of my very good friends, Steven, said he wanted to give my services as a gift to his dear friend Eddie. We were able to schedule everything out and I flew in the day before the wedding. Since we didn’t get a chance to do an engagement session prior to the wedding, we came up with the idea that I would cover the rehearsal dinner for them. But of course, I can’t go anywhere without thinking up of something we can shoot that would be fun (this time it involved a trampoline!). Before the officiant would have them sign the marriage license and the dinner began, I took Anais and Eddie around the neighborhood and found beautiful afternoon light. Of course since we had not spoken in person before they were looking at me strangely because they didn’t know what I was seeing. But in the middle of the desert, we found a beautiful backdrop.

The next day I drove over to Eddie’s house to photograph him getting ready. Anais was getting her hair and makeup done elsewhere before heading over to 242 Park Avenue so I decided it’d be best to simply meet her there when she was nearly done. Of course, I mentioned not to get in her dress until I got there. I love photographing wedding details prior to putting them on. It builds up the story. But eventually it was time for me to step out and let Anais get into her her beautiful wedding dress. Her mother and her grandmother were there to help and to witness these special moments.

After Anais had gotten into her wedding dress, we knew that Eddie would be a while so we explored 242 Park Avenue, finding different areas with beautiful light. Anais was a delight to shoot. Not only did she photograph beautifully but she’s just a fun person to be around. Eventually we did have to hide her away because Eddie was approaching and he was anxious to marry the love of his life. He greeted the guests that were there early, and soon enough he was standing at the front of the altar seeing Anais walk down for the first time. It was a very special moment. They had a beautiful ceremony, sealed it with a kiss and they were officially husband and wife!

We walked around the neighborhood for a little bit, capturing the beauty surrounding them. It was hard to get a photo where Eddie wasn’t making Anais smile or laugh: not a complaint, just a fact. They were ecstatic to be together and that’s always what you want to see when you’re photographing a newly wed couple. We walked around and photographed for a while until we had to line them up for their grand entrance. At this point I took a step back and let Eddie and Anais enjoy the evening: capturing candids, with all of their friends having fun. But as usual before I left I did want to give them a night photo. We had the opportunity outside in the back, where there were string lights lining the patio area. It was an absolute pleasure photographing Anais and Eddie on their very special day. Thank you Steven for connecting us, and a big congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez!