Newport, Rhode Island. 75° November day. A gorgeous bride-to-be. A fiancé that looks at her like she’s made of magic. If I was asked what would be the recipe for an amazing engagement session, this would be it folks.

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When Erin asked me to be her wedding photographer, my heart did cartwheels of joy. Back then I only knew that they were the most adorable couple, but the more I interact with them and the more I learn about their love story, the more excited I get about their big day!

Within minutes of their session, we knew we were going to have the best time! They were photobombed by “Sunshine” and they HAD to get her in the pictures (Sunshine even posed with them!). I have done quite a few sessions in Newport, but I honestly never thought of doing what we did together this day: EXPLORE!

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Erin & Ryan are explorers at heart: their dream vacation is a road trip along the west coast where they can visit multiple towns, engage in unique tours, and return to the place where Ryan popped the question… Seattle! For their engagement session I felt that they were perfect for my idea. In 90-minutes and 5,000 steps, I was able to capture their flirty love, their joy, their amazing sense of humor, and their desire to spend the rest of their lives together. These Newport locations offered the possibility of endless colors and action, and it felt like I had blank canvas in front of me with the most beautiful muses for inspiration.

This time I was able to really use my senses and spot locations for them, and then I realized that Newport reminded me so much of Charleston, SC (my dream place to live). The greenery, the historical homes, the lush gardens, the cobblestone streets, the liveliness of it all. This time, Newport showed me a beautiful side of her that I hadn’t seen before and it complimented Erin’s beauty and Ryan’s kindness to perfection. Once again, I felt like a tourist in my own backyard.

From time to time, I would inquire about their love story… the things that make their hearts skip a beat. “The way he takes care of me… that’s why I keep falling in love with him”. Erin’s eyes swelled with emotion when she gave me that answer (she probably thinks I didn’t notice, but I did Erin!) It was sweet, and tender, and wonderful. These two have “it”. The thing that we all long for. The thing that makes us look forward to old age next to someone that gets us. That gets us to smile, and laugh, and dance, and live, and love. They may be young, but they know what it takes to have a fulfilling, exciting, fun, loving, and happy marriage. The best part? I will have a VIP seat (or stand!) when they are exchanging those vows 🙂 Can you say LUCKY YOU?

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I still smile from ear to ear when I look at the images that remind me of their inside jokes (Pearl and Junior… they know what I am talking about! LOL). Ninety minutes went by in a flash, but now we have these photos to remind them how beautiful they both are, individually and as a couple, and that even after years together, their love remains intact.

Erin & Ryan: THANK YOU. Thank you for choosing me. For letting me witness your perfect love and to get to know your wonderful selves. You two made my heart happy, and if this ridiculously fun engagement session is a preview of your wedding day, it will seriously be the best day ever.

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