As you know, I'm a big fan of capturing those real, genuine moments between couples, and this mini-engagement session was incredible for that. Davis and Callie were so comfortable with each other and just radiated love. I wanted to capture their natural connection and all the emotions they were feeling in their last few months of engagement. And boy, did they deliver!
We chose a local park with an open and airy meadow, towering green trees, a stone bridge straight out of a fairytale, and some of that classic rustic mid-western charm. It was the perfect backdrop to enhance their story. This setting allowed for my style of photography to thrive! Blending timeless, classic elements with a modern and candid twist, we played with different playful poses and compositions while chasing wherever the sunlight danced and sparkled. But the real magic happened when I let Davis and Callie be themselves. The laughter, the stolen glances, the softness of a kiss, the gentle embraces, the way their hands intertwined – these are and will always be the moments that make my heart sing.
But what you don't see and possibly won't believe is that this was a mini-engagement session! Yes, you hear that right, all these amazing moments in just 30 minutes. I absolutely overshot and over-delivered the final number of images, but I just couldn't hold back. The amount of beautiful moments that were made in such a short amount of time is mindblowing to me. But it goes to show that you don't need hours and hours, you don't need lots of outfits or locations, all you need is you, your partner, and an environment to be yourselves. Davis and Callie's mini-engagement session wasn't only beautiful because it reflects their relationship so well but also because it was so efficient. This brings me to note:
While summer engagement sessions are wonderful for the amount and length of daylight we get and how vividly the scenery can come to life, summer sessions can be equally challenging with the temperatures and humidity. If you know that only one location and one outfit choice is enough for your and your partner (and you trust your photographer), a mini-engagement session might be right for you.
I'm so thankful I get to share this incredible experience with you and show you what can be accomplished in just a half hour with the right photographer. Remember your session and your wedding day do not have to be a show! Both can be as short and sweet as you want them to be, and I promise, you'll still have plenty of tangible memories to keep forever.
Jill Caren Photo specializes in wedding, elopement, engagement, and couples photography, is based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and is available for travel worldwide. Jill Caren Photo offers a full complimentary engagement session and full-day wedding coverage so couples are not forced to choose what they want to be documented on a wedding day. Jill Caren Photo also offers engagement and couples sessions for anyone booking outside a wedding package.
Jill Caren Photo's wedding photography services were grown out of her heart to connect and speak life into young couples as they embark on their marriage journey while offering them a photography experience that documents all the moments of their wedding day. Jill Caren Photo is wedding and portrait photography for intentional couples wanting authentic memories of their best days.
If you would like to see if Jill Stuefer with Jill Caren Photo is available to photograph your wedding, elopement, couples, or engagement session, or if you would like to receive detailed information about her services you can contact Jill here.