Allie and Doug first met at the coffee shop that Doug worked at for a few years in downtown Vancouver. There was life music playing every Friday night, and Allie had come in to see an artist she was a fan of. Doug remembers her order: a Raspberry White Chocolate cheesecake and a hot chocolate (yum!). They talked a bit while she ordered, but it was nothing beyond the usual chatter between a customer and a barista. Doug felt something special, and knew he had to do something, so into the back of the cafe he went, writing down his phone number on a note before passing it off to Allie.
The note read: “Hey, I’m Doug, your friendly neighbourhood barista. I think your smile is tops. Let’s go out for coffee and not be strangers anymore.” They started texting right away, and the rest is history!
Engagement photos at Minoru Chapel
Allie and Doug visited Minoru Chapel a few weeks prior to their engagement photo session, and fell in love with the natural beauty there, both on the grounds by the building, and in the park right next door. I suggested that we meet at 7:30pm, about an hour and a half before sunset (my favourite time to photograph people), and the plans were set!
A few minutes into the session, and Allie and Doug forgot I was there (at least I hope!) and were laughing, walking together, and having the best evening ever. I had the best job…photographing a beautiful couple in love, and getting some amazing photos at the same time! We spend the first few minutes at the chapel, before packing into my car and heading over to Terra Nova adventure park for a few last photos on the grass just as the sun was setting.
To Allie and Doug:
Thank you for entrusting me to take some special portraits of the two of you, for laughing at my puns, for going along with my ideas, and having the best attitude the whole time! I’m so glad to be sharing these photos with you, and can’t wait for your wedding in 2020!!
A few quick engagement session tips:
- Plan for an outfit change! This way you get 2 looks, and can do something a bit more casual, and then formal! I always bring a popup change room if we need to change in the middle of nowhere!
- Engagement photos are a great time to try out that makeup artist for your wedding! Do a trial, and get your makeup done for this session!
- Bring a few props that meaning something to you, just like Allie and Doug did! These sessions are all about you as a couple, so make them as personal as you want!