Engagement
Engagement Session: Brian and Sara
When I moved back to Columbia for my Master’s, Brian was one of the first new friends I made. That’s probably because he was one of the few people who spent as much time in Cool Beans as I did. It’s also because we fall easily into lengthy conversations that span topics ranging from literature to educational theory to whether the latest superhero movie is likely to be any good. I didn’t meet Sara until much later, but I taught with her (awesome) mom for several years. In fact, after Brian and Sara had been dating a while, her mom asked my opinion on Brian. (Don’t worry, Brian, I gave you a good review!)
Let’s talk about the lovely couple, though. First off, I think that they may have the best jobs of any couple we’ve photographed so far. Brian is a writer/professor. No, really, a real writer. He’s on Amazon and everything. (By the way, that link leads to his novel Through a Pale Door. The protagonist’s name in that novel? Sarah. Yeah, there’s an ‘h’ at the end, but I’m assuming that’s a typesetting error. Did I mention that he wrote Through a Pale Door a few years before he met Sara? Or that the protagonist of the first novel of his that I ever read was named Sarah? I’m not saying Brian is prescient or anything, but…) Anyway, I’m kind of disappointed that he didn’t show up for the engagement session in a tweed jacket with suede elbow patches, but it was a good reminder to me to always consult on wardrobe.
Sara, on the other hand, works with monkeys, apes, and small mammals, which you’ll know, if you’ve ever taught, is pretty much just like teaching. Hah! I kid! (Not really.)
But yeah, I definitely picture the two of them teaming up, getting some grant money, and finally finding out just how many monkeys typing it takes to produce the Twilight series*.
We finished up the shoot in Cool Beans, because love goes better with coffee…
…and Battlestar Galactica reenactments.
*(I’m kidding, of course. Everyone knows the answer is three monkeys, plus a bottle of cheap gin.)
 |
Engagement Session: Brian and Sara
When I moved back to Columbia for my Master’s, Brian was one of the first new friends I made. That’s probably because he was one of the few people who spent as much time in Cool Beans as I did. It’s also because we fall easily into lengthy conversations that span topics ranging from literature to educational theory to whether the latest superhero movie is likely to be any good. I didn’t meet Sara until much later, but I taught with her (awesome) mom for several years. In fact, after Brian and Sara had been dating a while, her mom asked my opinion on Brian. (Don’t worry, Brian, I gave you a good review!)
Let’s talk about the lovely couple, though. First off, I think that they may have the best jobs of any couple we’ve photographed so far. Brian is a writer/professor. No, really, a real writer. He’s on Amazon and everything. (By the way, that link leads to his novel Through a Pale Door. The protagonist’s name in that novel? Sarah. Yeah, there’s an ‘h’ at the end, but I’m assuming that’s a typesetting error. Did I mention that he wrote Through a Pale Door a few years before he met Sara? Or that the protagonist of the first novel of his that I ever read was named Sarah? I’m not saying Brian is prescient or anything, but…) Anyway, I’m kind of disappointed that he didn’t show up for the engagement session in a tweed jacket with suede elbow patches, but it was a good reminder to me to always consult on wardrobe.
Sara, on the other hand, works with monkeys, apes, and small mammals, which you’ll know, if you’ve ever taught, is pretty much just like teaching. Hah! I kid! (Not really.)
But yeah, I definitely picture the two of them teaming up, getting some grant money, and finally finding out just how many monkeys typing it takes to produce the Twilight series*.
We finished up the shoot in Cool Beans, because love goes better with coffee…
…and Battlestar Galactica reenactments.
*(I’m kidding, of course. Everyone knows the answer is three monkeys, plus a bottle of cheap gin.)
|
Hans+Lou: Engagement Photos of a Couple Sweeter than Pi
It’s the same old story: boy math teacher who loves theatre meets girl math teacher who loves theatre…it’s simple addition, really. Until the kids come–then it’s multiplication. In any case, it certainly doesn’t involve any bad math puns.
Hans and Lou are a couple of polymaths whose I’ve been privileged to know for the past several years (well, Hans, mostly). Apart from their knowledge of the arithmetic, geometric, and trigonometric arts they tread the boards as actors, Lou has a spectacular singing voice and Hans, as far as I can tell, picked up landscape painting in a single weekend with the help of a Bob Ross DVD. On top of all that, they’re playful, funny, and kind. It’s always delightful to see two great people who fit together so well find each other.
We can’t wait to photograph your wedding, guys!
Are they cute or what?
 |
Ken + Megan: Engagement Session
Ooh, I’m having to rush to get my blog post in for the week!
Since I’m short on time, I’m also going to be short on words so I can get to the Professional Photographers of South Carolina convention on time! But let’s face it, what do I have to say that can compare with seeing two people wonderfully in love?
Here are Ken and Megan, two such people:
We love these guys and had a ton of fun at their wedding, but for now you’ll have to settle with this engagement-y taste. More to come next week!
 |
Ben + Angel: Engagement Session
The new year is now officially in full-swing, and for some of us, our first full week of work looms darkly ahead. If recent bowl games and the last few days’ spring-like weather weren’t enough to lift your spirits, hopefully Ben and Angel’s photos will help dispel some of that gloom and get you ready to face the week with a spring in your step. I’ll offer some pointers along the way in case you need a little nudge.
Of course, the best way to start off any week is with coffee.
Like Wendy and me, Ben and Angel spent a good bit of their courtship hanging out at a coffee shop together. However, while Wendy and I stared adoringly at each other over cups of Cool Beans coffee, Ben and Angel were doing much the same across the river at Cafe Strudel. So, tip one is: Start your week at a local coffee house. You’ll definitely find good coffee and you might find love…
Ben and Angel didn’t actually meet at Cafe Strudel, though. They met at a show at New Brooklyn Tavern. You might have guessed from the photo that Ben is a musician and you’d be right. (Sorry, Angel, for the times I monopolized your future husband talking about music!)
So, even if your Monday doesn’t get off to the greatest start, you can take the edge off by following tip #2: Listen to music that makes you feel good. (For bonus points, add “local” to this tip as well.)
If even the sweetness of caffeine and the sweet balm of melody can’t get you ready to face the week, I’d suggest tip #3: Do something kind for someone else.
Getting them a diamond engagement ring may be overdoing it…a cup of coffee or a smile will likely suffice.
If you’ve followed along the plan this far and still find yourself in the doldrums, you may be forced to engage in tip #4: Go outside.
Ah yes, the sun, the fresh air, the need to take a Claritin…
Finally, if you’re outside with a delicious cup of hot, local coffee, listening to great music while reflecting on the many old ladies you helped cross the street and the idea of a full week of work is still getting you down, the only tip left I have left is #5: Give your beloved a big kiss.
Yeah, that makes everything better.
We hope these tips were helpful and that you have a fantastic week to come! Come back to visit on Thursday and please, kiss responsibly.
 |
Engagement Session: Melissa and Brandon
First off, we’d like to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to all our visitors. We have had an amazing 2010, and have more to be thankful for than we can possibly recount here. Leaving aside family, friends, health, safety, awesome television shows, peppermint milkshakes, Snuggies, and pre-cooked, pre-sliced ham, we have the absolute most wonderful, most beautiful clients we could ask for. Furthermore, we have folks like you, who visit us here and who share our photos with your friends. It’s tremendously encouraging that people are visiting our site and enjoying what we do and love. Thank you for being a part of that.
Now on to the photos!
We first met Brandon and Melissa a couple of years ago and, I’ll be perfectly honest here, started thinking about how to get them as clients. True, they weren’t engaged yet, but they were so cute together and so clearly in love that we were pretty sure which way they were headed. Turns out we were right!
The two of them drove down to Columbia on a beautiful and mercifully cool day in October and we got to hang out and photograph them. The clouds were gorgeous, so we tried to make the most of it, as you’ll see below.
We also decided to use the river as a backdrop for a bit, which was great, until a small fleet (fleetlet?) of brightly-colored kayaks came floating by. Well, most of them came floating by; one got stuck immediately behind Brandon and Melissa for a couple of minutes. I’ll spare you the photos.
A kiss to celebrate the kayaker getting un-stuck!
We decided one side of the river wasn’t enough, so we went to the other side.
The sky continued to cooperate nicely.
It was really hard choosing photos for this post because these two have so many wonderful expressions.
Like this laugh!
This next one is one of my favorite shots of the day. I think a bug may have flown into Brandon’s mouth, but he handled it with aplomb.
So there you have it!
We’re looking forward to Melissa and Brandon’s wedding, as well as all our other 2011 weddings! In the meantime, though, we hope that you have a restful, thankful holiday surrounded by lots of delicious food (like sweet potato casserole with pecan, not marshmallow topping), and, of course, the ones you love.
Happy Thanksgiving!
 |
