I remember the first conversation I had with Lili; she was just on the verge of hiring another photographer when she came across my work. I had just gotten done with Erin and Mark’s amazing wedding, and she just loved the way I captured their emotional event. She told me she thought it was a sign, as her own fiance, Willie, had just won his own battle with cancer a short while back.

The more I get to know this wonderful couple, the more I find to love about them, and I was so excited to work with them for the first time this weekend for their engagement session at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn. The three of us had a lot of fun, and I actually managed NOT to fall on the ice this week!

One of the pictures they asked me to get was a shot of their Livestrong bracelets they never take off. One of the most beautiful things I can think of in times of celebration is commemorating the battles we fought to get there.

There was no shortage of beautiful locations to shoot at this venue, and we used this little outdoor chapel in both conventional and unconventional ways. Lili has this absolutely gorgeous complexion that kept pulling me in closer each time. I mentioned this to the couple and Willie goes “I know how you feel.” Awwww! If you’re reading Sean, take a lesson from Willie!

Lili said she wanted a goofy picture of the two of them in their rockstar shades, as per the request of one of her family members. I asked them “how goofy?” and suggested we have a little fun with the fish-eye. Willie already had an idea of what this lens is used for, and he knew just what to do. I had to stop shooting right after this pic because I was laughing so hard lol.

We took one more great shot outdoors before moving the party indoors for a bit.

As a special treat for this shoot, we had a beautiful view of the sunset. To Willie and Lili: it was really amazing getting to know you both better. You are such a beautiful and inspirational couple. Your wedding is going to be a really amazing event, and I just can’t wait to celebrate it with you! Happy early Valentine’s Day!