If you're looking for lovebird inspiration, look no further than Sasha and Paul. They are the sweetest couple and clearly in love. It was such a pleasure to photograph this in love and seriously photogenic couple! I cannot wait until their wedding day! I know it's going to be perfect.
Here's some of my favorite captures from the day.
** Photos by our Associate Photographer Jessica **
1-0 TEN thats a lot!
10 years ago, in 2007, I embarked on a wonderful adventure. I became a small business owner! I founded ARA Photography at the end of my senior year of college with absolutely no business ownership experience! I took a risk, dove in head first, and hoped for the best. All I had was a camera that my parents purchased for me, my talents, and a name. I did one wedding pro-bono just to get my feet wet in the world of weddings. After that first experience, I knew it was going to be fun! Who knew it would’ve lasted this long.
As I grew as a business owner, I learned many things, but the best thing of all was learning from my mistakes. Through those mistakes I was able to take my business to the next level and I am not stopping anytime soon! I also learned that running your own business requires a lot of love, encouragement, and support from others.
I want to give a special thanks to some very important people.
Thank you to my husband, for giving up his Saturdays (sometime Sunday) with me so I can shoot a wedding, and the few nights when I sit at the computer editing pictures; also, for the support and encouragement to keep going.
I shot all my weddings solo for the first year then I met my partner in weddings as I like to refer to her, Alexandra. Since then she has been by my side. The places that we have traveled, the food, the cakes, the dances, and different cultures that we have experience together; THANK YOU!
To my wedding vendors’ friends, you all are the most talented human beings I have ever met THANK YOU! For creating fabulous weddings for me to photograph.
The best thing about this business is the people and the stories. As most of you know I am a hopeless romantic I pretty much tear up every 1st dance, father and daughter, and mother and son dances. To the amazing couples and their families I have met along the way, THANK YOU for sharing your fairy tales with me.
Here we are now 2017, I am excited for the next 10 years, and I know the future is very bright!
PS: As we celebrate our 10 years in the business, I would like to extend $500 off our wedding collections for 2017-2018 weddings.
What are Engagement Portraits?
Engagement portraits serve two very important purposes. First, it is an opportunity for you and your wedding photographer to get to know each other before the wedding. You will see how we shoot and we will get to know you better as a couple. Knowing what makes each of you and your relationship unique will help us to capture the moments that matter to you most on your wedding day. Establishing a relationship with us beforehand ensures that everyone is comfortable and ready to go on the big day!
Second, this is a wonderful chance to have portraits taken to document this special time in your lives. The portraits can be used in many different ways: to decorate your home, to create save-the-date or thank you cards, incorporated into wedding decor, on your wedding website, or for newspaper announcements.
How does an Engagement Session work?
The first thing we do is choose a location and set a time for your session. Then, on the day of the shoot we will meet at our pre-determined location and get started! I will ask you to interact with each other and suggest poses to bring out your personalities and capture your love on camera.
Where does the Engagement Session take place?
Your Engagement Session can take place almost anywhere. It can be somewhere historical or beautiful, but mostly it should be meaningful to you. If you are not sure where you would like to have your session, we would be happy to suggest some locations to you.
What should we wear?
The most important thing to remember about your wardrobe is that you feel your best. If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing, it will translate to the camera. We want you looking natural and confident! Choose clothes that reflect your personality.
It is a good idea for you and your future spouse to coordinate outfits, for example, causal or dressy. We also suggest you wear colors that compliment each other, but don’t be too matching.
Suggestions on what to wear:
What NOT to wear:
Can we bring props?
Props are a super fun way to incorporate your personality and to celebrate what makes your relationship unique in your Engagement Portraits. Some suggestions include: signs (Save The Date, Thank You, etc.) , instruments, balloons, sports memorabilia, a blanket, or even your pets!
Check out these beautiful photos from Nick and Kristen's engagement session!.
