Sean and Starr: Seattle engagement pictures

Starr and Sean are a super cute couple who were very easy to photograph. They were already cuddling and saying sweet things to each other before we even had our lighting equipment set up. :)

Although Starr grew up in Yakima, WA and Sean was raised between California and Boise, they met here in Seattle. They definitely wanted some pictures that would remind them of the city they met in, so we decided to shoot in Belltown, for the brick buildings and interesting alleys. We made a quick stop at Kerry Park to get the “traditional” Seattle shot. And we ended the night at Golden Gardens park. Although it was raining throughout various parts of the city all day, it was bright and sunny at Golden gardens!

The "I Love You" ring -that we took pictures of alongside Starr's wedding ring- was a Valentine's Day gift from Sean.

To the happy couple: you were both so fun to photograph and it was a pleasure to capture your engagement story. Looking forward to August!

Jessica & Dan: University of Washington and Pike Place Engagement pictures

When we'd met with Jessica and Dan before their session, Ross and I could tell that they were up for adventure and fashion inspired pictures. We had a lot of fun suggesting ideas during the shoot. Jessica and Dan met at U-Dub, so it was only fitting that we started their session at the quad, where the blooms were still on the trees. I enjoyed hearing how they met on campus. (Both insist the other one was the one to make the first move)!

Before we had a chance to start shooting in the quad, a herd of mascot farm animals came running up to us to advertise for a campus event. We said, “We can't go to your event, but do you want to be in a picture?” And that's how we ended up with this hilarious picture! What a way to start an engagement session!

After leaving U-Dub, we headed to Downtown Seattle to get some Pike Place and waterfront pictures. Someone had the idea that Jessica and Dan should kiss in a crowd, so they stood amidst the Pike Place shoppers and smooched for the camera! I was holding a light while Ross shot and I enjoyed hearing all of the comments as people walked by.

Jessica and Dan: thanks for being up for anything! We're looking forward to your wedding to see what other adventurous pictures we all come up with!

R.C & Stacy: Engagement pictures

R.C. and Stacy wanted to have their engagement pictures taken in Ellensburg, WA since it's where they met, dated, and got engaged. They currently live and work together on a ranch in Montana, but they wanted to return to their roots. When I (Melissa) asked R.C. how they met, he got a big grin on his face and said he met Stacy at the D&M Coffee drive through on his way to drive to Spokane. "I drove all the way there thinking about her eyes the whole time." Cute! Well, the rest is history and now they're planning a Montana fall wedding out at the ranch.

For part of the session we shot at the D&M coffee drive-through window where they first met:

While walking around Ellensburg looking for new portrait spots, Stacy pointed to a doorway on Pine street. I almost passed right by it because we already used this doorway once, years before at Samantha's senior session. (See her session with this same doorway HERE). But I'm glad we stopped. I love the pictures we got there!

Stacy and R.C. were seriously up for anything. We saw a yellow wall and Ross half-jokingly suggested some martial arts action. They were doing kicks and throwing punches within seconds! We ended up at Bailey's Bibliomania book store because they read a lot (.i.e. the "living in a log cabin" lifestyle they lead). Always the comedian- R.C. chose a book titled "Soulmates".

R.C. and Stacy: Thank you for making the day so awesome and we are looking forward to taking a Montana roadtrip so we can document your amazing wedding day!