I find that an engagement session is a great way to get to know my clients before the big wedding day. It helps couples feel comfortable in front of my camera before the serious pressure is on. It also helps me find the best way to photograph them, so I can make the best wedding day photos possible.

The sky was perfect that day—no Photoshop tricks were used in the making of these photos. We’re lucky, in Utah. We are spoiled by great sunsets on a regular basis, but this one was especially beautiful. There’s something about being outside, in the breeze and sun, that makes people feel alive and connected. It energizes and inspires my photography, too.

Erica and Dave are the kind of people who put passion and gusto into everything they do, and I think that shows in these photos. You can see it in their embrace, in their arms and hands, in the way they’re feeling their connection to each other and their surroundings. Hurray for life and love!

There’s a special cabin in Ogden Canyon, that’s been in RJ’s family for years. That’s where we did Tarra and RJ’s engagement photos. I got a glimpse into the past of RJ’s family. You could feel the history in that Arts & Crafts style bungalow. You could imagine the parties, with kids running around in the summertime.

I love finding locations for my clients, based on their style and desires—I consider it an important part of communicating what a couple is about. Using RJ’s family cabin, which is so personal to him and Tarra, couldn’t have been a better way to communicate their essence. It didn’t hurt that the place looked like it was straight out of a J.Crew ad.

So, with a little nod to the past, Jacki put on a red dress and heels and Garrett wore his flight suit. It had just rained, so the runway was wet and the sky was filled with perfect, gray clouds and the dramatic mountains in the background. After our jet session, we drove around Hill Air Force Base and found beautiful fields to run around in. The sun came out and began to go down, which made for the best photographer weather you can ask for—rich, blue skies, puffy clouds, and golden light. Just beautiful.

I got a special treat at the end of the jet portion of our session, so be sure to scroll to the end to see.

These last pictures are of me geeking out about being in the F-16 jet. Jacki took photos of me with my phone. Thanks, Jacki! That’s Garrett, telling me about the “Top Gun” button. There are actually buttons that say “dog fight”, that you push when you want to shoot at another plane at close range. Oh, and there’s really an “eject” button, just like the cartoons. Sweet.

She’s sexy, he’s cute…and they love each other. Trevor and Andrea are getting married in Mexico. Can you believe they’re not taking me with them?!? Sheesh. Just kidding, guys. You were so much fun to be with during your engagement session around downtown Salt Lake City, I can’t be mad atchya’. I hope you have an beautiful time in Mexico with your friends and family.

Here’s the link to the cute video, on The Gateway’s Facebook page:

Sam and Brandon’s Engagement Story Video

The happy couple:

Sam, Brandon, and I had a really fun time running around downtown Salt Lake City during their engagement session. We fought the wind most of the time, but I say, we won! Can’t wait for their wedding in May, at the elegant Grand Hall in the former Utah Pacific Train Depot. The interior, comprised of arches and gilded decoration will make for a beautiful affair…and a great backdrop for photos of Sam and Brandon’s wedding day.

Stay tuned for Sam and Brandon’s romantic/cute/thoughtful proposal story, caught on video. Brandon outdid himself!

Jess and Jason are a laid back, outgoing couple. I really enjoyed working with them. For their engagement session, we stopped at my favorite hidden nature park off a busy street and then, checked out State Street in Murray for a different look.

Perhaps I’m pointing out the obvious. In the last photo, I think it’s pretty cool how there’s a heart on the  near wall and Jess and Jason’s shadows make a heart shape on the far wall. I’m not usually a heart person, but I like this.