Posts Tagged ‘engagement pictures’

The Ducklings E-Pics: Part II

After leaving Pepperdine (go here for Part I if you are just catching up), we headed to an awesome beach spot that Mike knew about. We definitely hiked down a small cliff to get to it, but I think it was well worth it. The day was coming to an end and the gentle lighting just was perfect for the beautiful setting.

All Photo Credits go to Mike Larson Photography

These last few pictures were just above the beach as we were getting ready to leave for the day. Mike asked us to wait behind them and took advantage of the gorgeous scenery.

We had so much fun with Mike, Rachel and Chloe. The afternoon seemed to fly by! I’m so excited that they will be shooting our wedding as well and can’t wait to hang out more. I think that the engagement pictures were a great way for us to get more comfortable in front of the camera, not to mention a chance to get to know some wonderful people. Also, as an FYI Mike is a destination wedding photographer. Their studio is actually based in San Luis Obispo, but he is often in the LA area and is traveling down to San Diego for our wedding.

Well that’s it for the Duckling engagement pictures! What did you think? Any ideas for which ones we should use on our Save the Dates and website?

What are your favorite e-pics from your own shoot? Share them below, I’d love to see!

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The Ducklings E-Pics: Part I

Where have I been? Well things have just been crazy and I have lots of posts to catch up on. I’m two weeks away from finishing my last semester of my graduate program! However, the first thing I absolutely have to share with you are the engagement pictures! I last left off telling you about the wonderful make-up advice from Lo.

After getting ready we jumped in the car and headed up to LA to meet our photographer, Mike Larson and his wife Rachel (Remember when I talked about them way back when?). Mike and his team had just gotten back from Costa Rica a few days before and spent the whole weekend shooting a wedding in LA, but were willing to spend the afternoon with us shooting our pictures. Mike was taking pictures, assisted by Chloe who is one of the associate photographers. We originally were going to start shooting at the Getty Museum, but the place was packed so we started heading towards the coast.

Mr. Ducky and I met at Pepperdine during our undergrad years, so it made sense that we’d return to our beautiful campus for some engagement pictures. We have so many memories from this place and we felt like having pictures there would give extra meaning.

We started off in a little patch of wild flowers that overlooks the campus. Mike warned us that we would feel super awkward for the first five minutes, but then it would be okay. Well, he was definitely right. We just giggled awkwardly for the first five minutes and slowly relaxed with the fabulous coaching and encouragement from Chloe.

All Photo Credits are to Mike Larson Photography


Who remembers that we make all major decisions via Rock, Paper, Scissors? Not sure that it’s the best way to do it, but hey it works.


And here is some evidence of awkward giggles thinking, “Are we looking as funny as we feel?”

After our warm-up we headed over to Alumni Field that sits right on PCH and is the first part of Pepperdine’s campus you see from the road. It overlooks the ocean and is where lots of the major events and graduations happen during the year.


Blowing little dandelions makes white things stick to all your hair and clothing…but isn’t it amazing the detail a camera can capture?


Revenge of the dandelion!

We headed up to Hero’s Garden which is at the very top of Pepperdine’s campus and has just a gorgeous view. The garden was built to honor a Pepperdine alumnus who died on of the 9/11 flights. It is just serene and was a place we often went when we were first dating to just relax, talk and take in the beautiful scenery. It’s actually where we first said I love you.


Awesome…

With Mike’s encouragement, we jumped into the fountain to get some more shots.  I love the reflection you can see.  It was kind of cold though and I luckily had a dress to change into, Mr. Ducky sacrificed his jeans for the creative cause.


Water fight! If you are going to get in the fountain you might as well splash. Actually we really didn’t get each other that wet. Mike directed us to splash in front of or behind one another to get the picture so that we could avoid getting soaked.

A few more pictures on campus before leaving for our next spot.

Well that is it for Part I at Pepperdine, next we headed to the beach but I’m going to keep you in suspense for a little longer. Actually I think I like the beach pictures even more! We had a great time with Mike, Rachel and Chloe. They are truly wonderful people that have a passion for what they do. If you get some extra time check out Mike’s blog and Chloe’s blog to see some of their amazing work.

Do you have any favorites? We are finalizing our Save the Date design and trying to choose which picture to use. But those are a whole different post to come soon!

What was your engagement pictures session like? Did you choose a place that had special meaning as well?

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Capturing Love

Lately, I have been really noticing all the amazing engagement pictures that are being featured on websites and blogs. Part of this is because Mark and I will soon be taking our own engagement pictures and are trying to decide exactly where and how to do them. There are so many possibilities. What I really love about engagement pictures is how they can capture the couple and give you a little glimpse of what their relationship is all about and the love they share. Some images make you smile or laugh while others invoke a strong sense of awe and emotion.

I thought I’d share some of the amazing images that have caught my eye in the last few weeks. Many of these images are from the pros over at WeddingbeePRO. I have loved seeing the different styles each them represent and how they give you a peak into the love each couple shares.


Leigh Miller
I have to say I am continually in awe of Leigh Miller’s work. I think I also am partial to her because she is also from San Diego, has a background in psychology and has a yellow lab. I’m hoping that maybe one day Mark and I can afford to do a session with her.


Anne Ruthmann
I really like all the personality and fun that Anne Ruthmann captures in all of her photography. Also be on watch for my attempt at ring pictures based on her tutorial


Leigh Miller


Punam Bean Photography
Punam’s work can take your breath away. Something about the composition and emotion that is a part of each image will grab your attention.


Leigh Miller


Amelia Lyon


Punam Bean Photography


Anne Ruthmann


Anne Ruthmann

Photography amazes me. Especially when you can see how each photographer uses their style to convey the love and personality of each couple.

Have you taken engagement pictures yet?

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