I was both excited but a bit nervous last night when I arrived in downtown Indianapolis for my engagement shoot with Monica and Kevin. I mean, it’s been months since I’ve photographed an e-session. Would I remember how to walk and talk and shoot at the same time? Hahaha…. Thankfully everything went so well and I downloaded these photos last night with the biggest smile on my face. It feels SO good to be back at this! Monica and Kevin, can’t wait to share more with the two of you!
One of my favorite elements of an engagement session is getting to know my clients better. Granted, I’m sure the pace of an engagement session seems fast to them, but trust me, it’s nothing compared to a wedding day! No time to chit chat in formal wear when every minute of the day has a clock ticking down! haha ….. With Bailey and Kyle, I wanted to know more about what made them tick. About how Bailey has been counting down the days until she graduates, and then weds her beau, and then heads south to Texas to join Kyle as they start their new lives together as man and wife. It’s such an exciting time in the lives of my clients and I’m grateful to get a glimpse at all the changes and anticipation of what’s to come. This is my last engagement session of 2011 and it’s been another wonderful, wonderful year of meeting new clients who have become fast friends. So, without further do, let me introduce you to these two ….
Bailey is a senior at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College outside of Terre Haute. She met Kyle while he was a student at nearby Rose-Hulman (who’s since graduated and recently snagged a great engineering job in Texas). And the rest? Well, as they say, it’s history ;) ….when Bailey suggested we start their photos on Saint Mary’s campus, I was happy to oblige. A small liberal arts college, the school provided plenty of spots to make great art happen.
I always tell my couples the first 10 minutes of any session is about getting the “awkwards” out. And then I try to get them to laugh. As you can see, it usually works :) 
Bailey, I thought you’d like this photo of that sweet man of yours. 
They call this the Kissing Bridge, so, you know…they kind of HAD to :) 
We took a break to get warmed up and Bailey introduced her plans to spice things up with an outfit change. I loved all of her ideas and the spots we found to photograph them inside the dorm. 
Yeah, sooo…my dorm in college? Definitely did not look this cool. 
We ended the session at an old theater in downtown Terre Haute, another spot Bailey had scoped out for us! 
Cute candid moment — the wind was whipping Bailey’s dress up, Marilyn Monroe style. Kyle to the rescue! 
And a FAVORITE to go on….
Bailey and Kyle, I had so much fun getting to know you both a bit better and I’m glad we could make this shoot work out with Kyle’s visit in town for the holidays. Can’t wait to see what a STUNNING couple you two are going to make on your wedding day this June!
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
My last engagement session of the year and I’m ending 2011 with the sweet (and crazy attractive) Bailey and Kyle. I’ve got plenty more to share with you all from their time in front of my camera, but for now, here’s a few frames that caught my eye while editing. 
This whole idea—from the wardrobe to the location—was Bailey’s and I have to tell you, I LOVE IT. Bailey, thanks for thinking outside the box and to you and Kyle both for bringing the awesome. Hope you love these too! 
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
Two things I L-O-V-E about Cara and Brent: 1) They are cuuuuuuute and affectionate in front of my camera. 2) They went out of their way to make their engagement session with me very personal to them. When Cara shared that what they wanted most was to capture photos of their new life together living downtown in Indianapolis, venturing around the neighborhoods they frequent near their adorable apartment, I was elated. Couples, take note—when you make a session like this with me about YOU, you get photos that I hope you not only love, but that some day, you’ll be able to share with your future children and say, “See this kids? This was life in our 20s. And guess what? It was awesome.”
More photos with Cara’s grandfather’s tandem bike. This ivy-covered wall was in the courtyard of their apartment complex and you better believe I squealed when we walked out and they shared that this is where they wanted to start the session. 
And folks, this bike was NOT just a prop. As they shared, they ride their bike around all over the city. I mean, seriously, how CUTE is that? If I had the coordination for one, I’d insist to Nick that we go buy one right this minute! :) 
From their apartment, we walked down a few blocks to MacNiven’s, a pub where Cara still occasionally picks up a few shifts and where Brent loves to pop in and say hello while having a pint. 
As we were walking down to our next location, I turned and saw THIS light and said, “Hey guys, stop RIGHT here.” Folks, any photographer worth his or her grain of salt knows it’s ALL about the light. And this light? Well, it was WAY too delicious to pass up. (Cara, don’t take this the wrong way but that fiance of yours is one sexy kisser ;) ) 
A quick few photos in front of Yats, a YUMMY Indianapolis restaurant in their ‘hood where they happened to have their first date. 
What I love about this photo below is Cara’s mega-watt smile and how Brent brings out the best in her. Also loving that vibrant shade of fall behind them because around here, that’s now gone. COME BACK FALL! 
Brent, if you need a new photo of Cara to frame for your desk at work, may I suggest this one? BEAUTIFUL girl! 
As if I hadn’t already decided Cara had landed a pretty all right guy when he shared that he found his awesome boots at Broadripple Vintage (man knows how to dress!), Brent stopped as we were walking and asked, “Can we take a picture in front of this sculpture? It’s one of Cara’s favorites and I want to remember it.” AHHHH…Cara, hon, your single friends have GOT to be jealous. 
And one last shot back at their sweet first place together. What a great way to end the night…
Cara and Brent, thank you SO much for asking me to document this time in your life right now, and what an incredible time it is. So so looking forward to the wedding in March — it’ll be here before you know it!
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
A beautiful fall evening, a sweet couple whose wedding I’m photographing in 2012 AND an heirloom tandem bike for their engagement session? Well, that’s Cara and Brent for you. I’m in love with the images we captured of them earlier this week. Here’s just a peek until I can share the rest with you next month! (Next month…HOW IS IT GOING TO BE NOVEMBER IN FIVE DAYS?!!!) 
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
