Taylor and James' Summer Engagement Session in German Village and Schiller Park in Columbus, Ohio
One of the best parts of my job is getting to explore new places. When Taylor and James asked if I would be willing to travel to Columbus (where they live) to shoot their engagement session, my fingers couldn't type my response fast enough! German Village in Columbus, Ohio is one of those gorgeous, swoon-worthy places that I've been dying to photograph at. It has a romantic quality to it and is certainly fitting for an engagement session! We also explored Schiller Park. One thing they didn't warn me about is how many dogs would be running around the park. It was like I entered the mecca for good and friendly dogs. If you know me, you know how much I love dogs. I took every ounce of my being to not pet every single one but needless to say, I was in heaven! Fortunately for me, I didn't seem like a crazy person because Taylor and James both love dogs, too :]
When I say Taylor and James have known each other nearly all of their lives, I mean it. They met in Kindergarten and really became good friends in high school, but didn't start dating until their college years. It's always fun for me to ask my couples where they went on their first date and who approached whom. For a couple who's known each other as long as these two have, it's always so interesting to hear the stories they have to tell. With Taylor and James, there isn't really a definitive line that was drawn between friendship and dating. It just kind of seamlessly came together. There were so many dates and hang outs that there wasn't just one "traditional" first date. Taylor reminisced about a time where they got ice cream and watched a movie (#yasss to ice cream dates!). James told me about the time where he finally convinced Taylor to see a horror movie, his favorite movie genre. Not just a scary movie, but a scary movie in a creepy movie theater at 10pm where no one else was there. James said she faced her fears to spend time with him and that's when he realized she was a keeper ;]
Another great story they told me was when James popped the question. They had just gotten to New York City, settled in and ready for an evening out. Before they left, James told Taylor he had a surprise (proposal) and Taylor was super excited because she thought he bought tickets to the zoo and was surprising her with those (this is a total ME moment - I would've done the same thing!). There weren't tickets to the zoo, but she did gain a fiance so I'm pretty sure that's better than anything! :]
When I met these two, I could see that they were a super adorable couple, but spending more time with them just really solidified that for me. They held hands the entire session, even when we weren't shooting, spent a lot of time laughing together and talking about their dogs. Their kind and laid back nature is just beyond, so I know their wedding is going to be such a wonderful day! The wedding and reception is next May at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, Ohio. Pops of navy, blush and champagne are going to accent the venue beautifully, as well as lots of greenery (my fave!). I can't wait for them to experience this amazing milestone in their lives because I think it's going to be so wonderfully emotional and joyful for them. On a less sappy note, I can't wait to see James' dance moves that he's said will most definitely embarrass Taylor :P It's going to be fun!!
We saw a mama duck watching over her babies as they swam, so of course I had to take a picture! How cute are they?!
