Kaitlyn's Just Because Session- Part Two

I've driven down this stretch hundreds of times. This one area always catches my eye. A wide overgrown field, sunken in a valley, surrounded by trees. On the side of a road- a very, very busy road. I never actually considered shooting there, Where would I park? Who owns this land--will I "get in trouble"? What kind of client will trust me enough to go along when I say- "So meet me on the side of the road...." 

Yea- I never considered it. 

A few weeks ago, I drove by again. And this generally average piece of land was washed in golden light. And this typically green field was a vibrant purple. I nearly passed out right then and there and I KNEW I had to shoot there.

Now to find the right client, the one who would trust me enough to go along with my vision. 

About a month ago, I met Kaitlyn and her mom for the first time at Five Rivers for a typical Just Because session. It was hot. Hot like cooking an egg on the sidewalk hot. We got through about 20 minutes of shooting and had to stop. We were all sweating, uncomfortable and we just couldn't go on.  Don't get me wrong, we got GREAT stuff that day but I knew we had only scratched the surface. Check out Kaitlyn's first session HERE.

So over the next few weeks, we emailed back and forth about the second half of the session. We ended up deciding to simply go back to where we started and finish up there. There was a cute little garden and since Kaitlyn had her heart set on including flowers in her photos- it seemed like a great idea!

But just prior to Kaitlyn's second session is when I saw that purple field of heather and queen ann's lace showered in golden sunset light. I kept the idea in my back pocket and decided to wait until her session to throw the idea out there. 

And I did, and they agreed!! 

They trusted me and my crazy idea and I couldn't be more thrilled with how this session turned out. Kaitlyn is beautiful, she takes direction so well, the field was more beautiful up close than I had imagined and the evening light was just perfection. We really hit the jackpot on this one...check it out!!

Let's start at Five Rivers--in that cute little garden. Right off the bat we got some GREAT stuff!!

But I KNEW the best was yet to come....

Possibly my favorite shot of both sessions combined- I love the movement we had going here: 

I LOOOOOVE this next shot!!!!

And did I mention that right next to this unreal patch of heather was an equally unreal patch of queen ann's lace?? Can I say it again....JACKPOT!!!

So I'll end with this- Thank you to Kim and Kaitlyn, and THANK YOU to all of my wonderful clients who trust me. You trust me enough to make suggestions and give me the creative freedom to create these amazing images. Even when I get the "look" (the "are you for real???" look) from time to time, you still go along and trust my vision. Thank you for that trust and respect. 

www.ahedgesphotography.com

AHP 52 Week Photo Challenge ~ Week 36

I  have to be honest, when I picked the "UNDERNEATH" theme for this past week I reallllly wanted to crawl under my truck and take photos, but it struck me as I was approaching the twin bridges on the Northway that they would make a pretty kick butt image- so I went with that. It didn't turn out as great as I wanted, but live and learn, right? 

I did take a second shot that I posted to Instagram and I actually liked that one better...

Speaking of Instagram- I'm completely obsessed!!! I got to thinking that next year, instead of doing a 52 week photo challenge on Facebook I would host a daily or weekly Instagram photo challenge instead. I think it would be easier for many of you since you won't have to upload your images from your cameras to the computer and then post them on facebook. It's just a quick SNAP on the phone directly to Instagram....what do you think????

And getting back to business...

The AHP 52 Week Photo Challenge theme for week 36 is:

SCHOOL

www.ahedgesphotoraphy.com

Kristine and Joel's Appel Inn Wedding - Altamont, New York

Elegantly rustic, stunningly detailed, perfectly orchestrated are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think back to Kristine and Joel's wedding at the Appel Inn in Altamont.  The day couldn't have run more smoothly and everyone involved was so happy and excited for this day. 

I met up with Kristine the morning of the wedding at her parents house, which is set on a sprawling country field. The weather was perfect, the setting was serine and calm- even with the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations going on. It was probably Kristine that set the vibe, she was so laid back and confident about her wedding day- it spread to everyone involved! 

I was so excited to get to work with my main gals, Brittany doing makeup for the bride and the bridesmaids as well as my right hand chick, Heather of Heather Eddings Photography, second shooting for me that day. I also met Tom Sliva (All Around Sound), a DJ who I had never worked with before but was such an amazing, great, nice guy- not to mention an incredible DJ and kept the party hopping all night!

So let's  begin at the beginning shall we?? MY favorite part of the wedding day--the details!!

I loved all of her details, but their invitations were so cute!!! Their names "carved" into a tree was perfect for this nature loving, oh-so in love couple! And her jewelry was SO amazing!!

Kristine's dress from Angela's Bridal was so gorgeous! A wonderful fitted, strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline is so classic and beautiful and the detail at the waist line was the perfect amount of WOW!

 Kristine kept the purple running right through all of her details of the day, including this amazing 

bouquet from Bella Fleur .

You'll see more of those amazing flowers later on!!

I asked if there was anything special from the house to incorporate into the detail photographs. The only request was to include a porcelain vanity set that was given to Kristine's mother by her Grandmother. Kristine was the only one of her siblings who didn't get the chance to meeting their Great-Grandmother and I thought it was the perfect gesture to do in her honor.  To make it even more special I asked Kristine's mom for her own wedding ring set to use as well. 

I love this next image- including something old and so special as well as the reflection of Kristine's gorgeous new wedding gown. 

Meanwhile, downstairs, the laides were in hair and makeup ! First the little girls!!

And then it was Kristine's turn...

Time to get dressed!! Kristine's Mom and sister assisted her with her dress and jewelry and the bridesmaids waited patiently downstairs until she made her grand entrance!

These next few shots of Mom watching her daughters gets me EVERY TIME!!

 So beautiful and ready to go!!! 

We didn't have much time before we had to head off to the Appel Inn, but Kristine and I were able to get some bridal shots in before she hopped in her get-away car!

 Kristine really worked it for my camera. Brides seem to come alive when they're finally in their dresses and she was no exception! 

 We couldn't leave out the dog!!!

And when I said "get-away car" I wasn't kidding- check this baby out!!

Kristine and Joel decided on a first look which I LOVE! They were able to see each other for the first time privately, have some time together and get some photos done before the ceremony. This first look was great- I love the anticipation and emotions that I get to capture!

oh yea....and meet Joel!!

 

Can you just sense the anticipation--swaying back and forth-- Love it!!

My quick, "Hey dude, here she comes...WOW" always gets a grin!!

The big reveal! 

Time for some formals before the ceremony!

And then it's time to walk down the aisle-- the moment we've all been waiting for :)

Rev. Robyn Posson officiated and they included a tree planting ceremony which I thought was so wonderful! 

How cute is this little flower girl...picking up the petals she scattered in the aisle!!

 After the ceremony is time to spend alone with the newly weds. More informal shots of the two of them together, in love, happy and relaxed. This is where I usually grab my favorite shots of the entire wedding day! And these guys are one good looking couple- makes my job easy!

How cute is Kristine's expression in the next shot!?!

Some more of that beautiful bouquet outside and great reception details including a candy bar, a cake topper by Coccadotts, and cupcakes made by Kristine's own mother!!

I love the Appel Inn's Gathering Space- while I'd still call it rustic in feel, there's no arguing it's elegant and beautiful inside and out!

YAY for cake AND a Candy Bar!!!

The bride and groom danced to Lost in This Moment by Big and Rich--one of my favorite first dance songs!

Some GREAT toasts...

 And then it was time to dance- and dance they did- 

all night long!!

Some very emotional parent dances...

and party party party!!

  It was smiles and hugs all around the entire night. Leaving that wedding I felt like I had just watched friends tie the knot. Congratulations to Kristine and Joel and I wish you nothing but the best!!!

www.ahedgesphotography.com