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!
When I look at you I remember the little girl who believed in Magic.
As I look at you right now I see a grown woman who has now seen all the Magic in the world come true.
You are so beautiful in so many ways and I just sit back and watch in awe and amazement.
And Willie….. I truly could not have hand picked a better man; I would never have been able wave my big-sis wand and make this Magic come true.
I love you both!
My Oldest son Willie How handsome of a young man you have become. And how precious it is to see you so happy with the love of your life (Lili). I am so very proud of you and know that you will be a good husband as Lili will be a good and loving wife to you. That is all a mother can ask for that her son is happy in life and loved for as I love you. So many memories of you growing up and all the things that I have seen you go through. My heart is full of joy at seeing you so happy. The pictures can not do you both justice on your love it comes through the very images I see here. God bless you both.
Love always your Mom Josie
WOW! I love the emotion that you captured! Amazing work as always and this couple will have amazing photographs for the rest of their life. Love the location!
Ahhh. Young love. Great pictures and location. May you feel this way about each other your whole lives together!!
Lauren
I look at these pictures in complete awe, knowing all that has happened to lead us to this moment of our joy. First and foremost I see the miracles and blessings that God has given both Willie and I. I also see our celebration of life, love, and happiness! I am so grateful you were able to capture all of that!
You have been a blessing to us with your amazing gift of photography. A gift that will always be with us and our sweetest memories for our lifetime to come. A truly priceless gift.
We are soooo looking forward to having you join us on our Wedding Day! Thank you so much!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Lili & Willie
The pictures are beautiful, the colors, the detail and the happines flows the thru pictures. How can so much beauty be portrayed, it can’t. Only some of us know the true beauty of this couple and these pictures only capture some of the Love and the respect that flow thru your hearts. I love how amazingly happy you both look. Keep smiling.
Love Mom
Lili mentioned to me the other day that her whole family followed this blog now. I guess she really meant it! Thank you so much to all who commented, especially the beautiful couple! It was a true joy to photograph you both for this e-shoot and it will be a privilege to photograph the wedding! Love, Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Thank you so much for a great time and for not falling. 😉 I just wanted to express how grateful I am on how comfortable you made Lili feel and how great of a job you did on all the photos. It is definitely more than we could have imagined. We really had a great time…
God Bless,
Will
These pictures are amazing! You both look stunning! Thank you for sharing the pics with us! xoxo!!
I love it, you guys look great!