First off if you know me you know I am a beach lover, my husband and I even had a beach wedding. So when I get a chance to shoot at the beach I jump at the opportunity. Kristen and Chad came in from Baltimore to have their wedding near Kristen’s family in Erie and I had the lovely pleasure of not only shooting their engagement session the night before the wedding, but I got to attend their rehearsal dinner as well. This is the type of connection I love having with my clients. Before the rehearsal dinner, we decided that since it was at this amazing lighthouse on Presque Isle we would grab a few engagement photos. I mean come on what’s more romantic than beach engagement photos!? Okay, maybe I am a bit biased but seriously, the beach!

 Earlier that Day

Earlier that day as I was driving into Erie, the weather was cold, it was raining and it looked like Kristen and Chad’s dreams of an outdoor wedding at the golf course and rehearsal dinner near the beach may not be able to happen. Flash forward to 30 mins before we planned this amazing beach engagement session, the sun comes out the rain moves out and it turns into a BEAUTIFUL evening! Miracles do happen… thank you, God! Kristen and Chad told me they just wanted a few quick snaps on the beach and to just enjoy the rehearsal dinner with the family and friends. I shot a mixture of film and digital for this session, as we strolled along the beach just talking and laughing about how amazing it was the weather cleared for them. Chad and Kristen just laughed together and enjoyed the downtown before the party and chaos of weddings began to happen. At the end of the session they told me they expected me to stay for the dinner, which was a traditional Clambake, um how fun… and just enjoy myself and that I was part of the family for the night! Seriously, the sweetest couple EVER!! I watched their friends and family laugh, eat, drink and just enjoy the night. As I headed back to the hotel that evening I was filled with so much joy, and thought MAN I seriously LOVE my clients they are so amazing! 

This is what made me love weddings! The connection I get to have with people on one of the happiest days of their lives. I get to witness and experience all the love and joy of their family and friends. I couldn’t think of a better way to live my life or a better “job” if you can even call it that.