This is one engagement session I couldn’t wait to shoot. After rescheduling from a previous date, I’ve been counting down for months for this day to arrive. I was also nervous because it was in May. If you know Savannah, in May, you know the humidity is out in full force by then. Also the fact that this was my sister’s session and she wanted to look her best. Her hair is naturally wavy and she was concerned her hair would frizz up and do it’s own thing instead of hold the beautiful curl she planned on doing with her curling iron. She was also worried her makeup would be incredibly shiny. Thankfully, luck was on our side. The weather turned out to be gorgeous and sunny that day. We had a nice breezy day with some shade.

The main reason I was more excited than usual is because this was the only photoshoot my sister was willing to participate in with me. My whole life, I have wanted someone in my family to be my model. I’ve always begged my sister to ride to the lake with me or go out to the yard and be my model but I was always met with disappointment when she said no. Now that she’s engaged and has a reason to step in front of my camera she was more than willing to do anything I asked of her. Brooke and Paul decided they wanted photos from Wormsloe Plantation and some in Forsyth Park. We arrived at Wormsloe before the crowds. I just bought a new camera. This was my first session with it and couldn’t wait to break it in. Especially in such a beautiful, iconic location.

Once we took a few shots, up front by the gate, we drove halfway down the driveway, parked on the side and took photos with the giant Live Oaks. I kept yelling for them to tilt their heads and smile. At one point my sister told her fiance he looked like a doll that had been positioned like that, which made us all laugh. We kept doing that throughout the session and we all laughed harder each time. Sidenote, some things I ask you to do will feel silly but I promise you will look great in the photo. My sister is a believer of that now and she and Paul have a few inside jokes from this session now.

As we took our final shots, here by the old tower, a park ranger pulled up and told us we had to leave. We weren’t allowed to leave our car on the side, with no one in it. I smiled and said okay, pretended to wrap things up, then turned back to my couple for a few more shots. I wasn’t done. Sorry park ranger but this view was too dreamy to not capture. My sister, being a huge rule follower, was ready to go and questioned our lingering presence but I promised her it would be worth it, when she received her gallery.

I’m glad she trusted me and stayed because these images of Paul twirling her were some of her favorites from the day.

After Wormsloe, we headed into Downtown Savannah. As we walked around Forsyth Park, I saw a set of stairs I wanted to pose them on, casually, of course. As I arranged them, I told Brooke to sit on the edge of her hip and lean into Paul. I told her she may feel uncomfortable but it would look great in the photo. I’m glad she listened to me as a photographer and not as her bossy sister because these are some of everyone’s favorite photos from the whole gallery.

These are my favorite “casual” poses to do with couples and families. I love walking shots. They can look so romantic. My go to comands are, look ahead, look at each other and look at me. These are some of the best ways to get the whole view of whats around while walking from one location to the next.

This set of pictures below is some of our favorite to talk about. Mainly for the backstory. I saw this doorway and thought it looked so cute and wanted to make it my own look by recreating something I’ve seen in the magazines. I wanted Paul to stand against the brick all manly, while Brooke effortlessly leaned against the brick columns. The problem is how long it took to get her in the right spot and not have a sun spot shining in her face. When she looked good, I had to fight the sun off of Paul’s face. I snapped this between the few seconds when the sun moved and called it a day, then moved him closer to Brooke.

For this image, I wanted something manly, something maybe Paul would like, even though I had no idea what that would be. I fought with the position of his hands because the way I had his hand looked like he was choking her. This still isn’t exactly what I was going for but right when I snapped the photo, a contractor inside this house slammed the door open and started fussing at whomever was inside. It startled us to almost leave but I wanted more in this spot.

I didn’t get my complete vision but after the guy saw us and asked if he was interrupting us and quickly ran back inside, all we could do was laugh. The mood of all seriousness was lost but I got these good, heartfelt images and I love them more than the look I was going for. I just need to master the guy’s grip though.

As we continued walking down the streets of Savannah, I knew I needed to use this wall. This is one of my most favorite photos I’ve ever taken. Anything with ivy, moss or has a history to it, screams to me. It’s like you see this photo and have to run your fingers across it. At least for me, anyway.

I love using the landscape of our surroundings to photograph the engagement ring. I usually do this when the couple changes their outfit. Brooke didn’t want any detail shots of her ring because I had already done these at home, months ago but I played for a second to use part of the gate, just incase she wanted to make an engagement album. You’re welcome Brooke!

We ended our session at Forsyth Park by the fountain. There are so many great places to get lost in while touring downtown. This is a beautiful spot, with lots of moss, live oaks, sidewalks and tons of people. This engagement session was so beautiful and elegant. I don’t photograph many engagement sessions but after this one, I’m ready for more.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to serve you. No matter your budget please reach out to me and let me see what I can do. I’m willing to travel.

Love you, mean it,

Christy