I’ve been waiting to post these photographs for years. Ok, well technically it’s only been about two months, but I have been excitedly awaiting the announcement of Sarah & Chris’ engagement for a while.
My friendship with Sarah began our freshman year of college. I remember it quite clearly. On one of the first days of our arrival, the gals from the second floor came up to the third floor to say “Hi”. I lived on the third floor and Sarah lived on the second. Thus began a friendship that is now entering it’s 12th year. In college we crammed for midterms, learned how to make Thai Coconut Soup (by trial and error), drove down to Santa Barbara when we needed to do some “real” shopping and enjoyed our Thursday night happy hours at Mission Grill….$2 Mango Margaritas, on the Rocks with Salt, in Pint glasses!!! Those were the days!
Now on to Sarah + Chris. It’s a fairly simple equation. Sarah is from Washington. Chris is from Washington. They both worked for PG&E. They fell in love in San Francisco and are meant for each other. Perfectly simple.
On a Saturday afternoon in December I met up with Sarah and Chris at her San Francisco apartment. After a brief fashion show to determine which outfits would work best for photos, and some hair/makeup primping, we hit the streets of their neighborhood. And what a fabulous photo shoot we had.
Sarah you are gorgeous….seriously, I mean it.
I can not wait to see the babies these two produce.
Outfit Change!
Sarah was a giggler. She had such a hard time keeping a straight face. This would then make me giggle, which would make it hard for me hold the camera steady. But when I did finally compose the image, I LOVED the result.
Funny Story: In this type of portraiture (weddings, engagements) I routinely ask a couple to get close and kiss in front of the camera. It’s part of the art in documenting a couple’s relationship and I am not bashful in asking for the couple to perform some PDA. I do, however, feel kind of funny asking my friends to kiss in front of me. Naturally, if Sarah and Chris were to share an intimate moment in public I wouldn’t stand and watch them, let alone snap about 25 photos of their lip-lock. It’s an interesting position to be in.
I love how this image has a such an editorial feel to it. And look at the position of Sarah’s feet. She did it naturally without my having to ask her to change anything up. See how perfect these two are for each other!
By the look of Sarah’s face, you would swear that I am the funniest person ever.
I think Chris might feel that Sarah is the funniest person in the world.
The setting sun gave off such a beautiful hue. I love the way it makes their skin tones warm and rosy.
When I used to grocery shop with Sarah she would be horrified when I would open a bag of chips, which I fully intended on purchasing, and would start snacking on them. How could I possibly begin eating something that I hadn’t paid for?! So when I asked Sarah and Chris to stand in the middle of the street I immediately recognized that look of horror in her eyes. But seriously, how could I not have gotten this portrait?!
And then the sunset became even more amazing….so Sarah and Chris found themselves embracing in the street once again. This is my favorite from the session.
Keeping in mind that these photos were shot in December, I like to call this image “A Bit of Christmas Magic”.
I love you guys! Can’t wait for the magic of your Wedding.
