As a photographer I have the opportunity to meet individuals, couples, and families exactly where they’re at in their lives. For Chelsea and RJ, that meant in the thick of wedding planning! Chelsea and RJ are absolutely adorable together and have been planning their dream wedding day for ages — an intimate wedding at their families lake house. They wanted their engagement session to be beautiful and romantic, which they saw as a continuation of the celebration of their love! We met up in Rochester for their George Eastman Museum engagement session, and I don’t think we could have found a better location for Chelsea and RJ.
This enchanting estate is hidden behind lush gardens and dressed in stunning architecture. The space itself is incredibly quiet providing a private feel, it was perfect! It felt as though we were sneaking through beautiful gardens in a European country but really we were tucked away, right here in central New York! We lucked out big time on this day. Not only were the grounds incredibly beautiful, it also wasn’t a busy day and the weather was incredible!
Chelsea and RJ had two different outfits for their session. When dressed in the more playful attire — Chelsea in a long-sleeved purple floral print dress and RJ in khaki’s and a blue button up t-shirt — they danced around the gardens among the purple flowers. It was so much fun keeping this portion of the engagement session casual and real. I love when my couples act natural and as though they’re just existing in time with one another, but I still always guide them and suggest pose ideas. There is just something so pure about capturing my couples in their organic element. I love trying to achieve that before offering pose ideas! For Chelsea and RJ, their natural element included lots of giggles and radiant smiles.
Their second outfit was more “wedding-oriented” Chelsea rocked a short white dress while RJ kept it dressy in a long-sleeved light blue button up. We allowed these photos to feel more formal and posed. Capturing a combination of organic and posed photos is a great way to provide your clients with a variety of images that they can use for any circumstance! One of my favorite parts was when they brought their adorable pup in for photos. Their four-legged baby was sporting a pretty floral collar and was totally the star of the photos!
Having multiple outfits to change into for your sessions is a wonderful way to prioritize your time with your photographer. Clothing is a great way to change the feel and tone of images, even if you’re in the same setting! I always recommend my clients come up with a few different outfit ideas and love to provide suggestions if they’re unsure what direction they want to go in.
The intimacy and beauty of this George Eastman Museum engagement session reminded me of just how special capturing these moments in time are. Chelsea and RJ will have these photos to last a lifetime and they tell the story of their engagement. Celebrating this experience is SO important and I am so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of these moments.
George Eastman Museum Engagement Session
If you loved Chelsea and RJ’s George Eastman Museum engagement session, check out more couples on the blog!
