Brandi Image Photography » your timeless love, elegantly captured.

The Engagement Session

Lauren & Daniel had a clear idea of what they wanted for their engagement session- one of their favorite places to walk and enjoy the scenery. They have excellent taste as the Florida Botanical Gardens is also one of my favorite places for a session! The magical walkways, curated florals, incredible greenery, dreamy light and comforting stream all work to create a romantic escape from the everyday. So we did. We left the world behind to explore a beautiful place with a beautiful couple and create beautiful memories. Sensing a theme here?

As with all sessions, I love to stay back, let couples relax and just be with each other. This way, they are natural and that’s what we see. Their love, as is, unfettered by posing constraints or how I feel they should show their happiness. My purpose (and yes, others feel differently) is to showcase my couples’ natural interaction in the best light, composition, and fun possible.

Lauren & Daniel have a naturalness in the way they are with each other. It’s as if they were formed for the other and the universe knew for a million years before they even made their debut on this planet. I know it’s gushy, but in their case, it’s absolutely true.

We had a blast in the warm evening sun and you’ll just lose it over their wedding! I’m catching up on blogging and as soon as their wedding is posted, I’ll be sure to update! In the meantime, if you’d like to see more engagement sessions, click on the category to the right and scroll to your heart’s content. If you’d like more info about scheduling your session or wedding, please contact me by clicking “contact” above and we’ll go over all your details. I can’t wait to meet you!

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Oh my word! In-Home Lifestyle Sessions

Cassandra & Billy married at NOVA 535 in 2016 and I was lucky to photograph their incredible day! When they married, they brought together the most adorable little family. I was ecstatic when she asked for an In-Home Session to capture their fun and loving daily life.

The boys and their pup didn’t know what to think of the constant camera at first. We had lots of questions and a lick or two on the lens for good luck but they soon settled in.

With In-Home Lifestyle Sessions, my main goal is to have everyone naturally playful. To photograph the family just enjoying each other, having fun and being themselves. We want personality and with this family, we had that in spades!

Family time is very important to the Blairs and they make sure to spend each possible meal together as well as story time. Their boys are fun, mischievous and boisterous, never missing an opportunity to cause a bit of trouble. Check out our morning below and see if you can spot where they get a little crazy!

boys sharing tablet during in-home session________P I NSite Imagefamily on the couch looking mischievous during in-home session________P I NSite Imagecurious pup during in-home session________P I NSite Imagefamily on couch during in-home session with pup________P I NSite Imagelaughing family on the couch for in-home session________P I NSite Imagecuddling brothers during in-home session________P I NSite Imagegoofing around during in-home session________P I NSite Imagethe boys during an in-home session________P I NSite Imagemom and dad cuddling during in-home session________P I NSite Imagemaking breakfast during in-home session________P I NSite Imagemom making coffee during in-home session________P I NSite Imagegrabbing doughnuts during in-home session________P I NSite Imagestealing the milk during an in-home session________P I NSite Imagestealing the milk during an in-home session________P I NSite Imagestory time with pup during an in-home session________P I NSite Imagestory time for an in-home family session________P I NSite Image

 

Seriously though, aren’t they the cutest! In-home sessions are a favorite of mine. I love getting to know my families and giving them a glimpse of how absolutely adorable they are. Thank you Blair family, I can’t wait to catch up soon!

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This couple is quite literally super! Danielle is a pediatric endocrinologist working on juvenile diabetes and Jason is in medical school so he can also save lives along with his incredible (now) wife. Although they have a demanding schedule and long distance love while Jason is in school, they were able to squeeze in their downtown engagement session.

On a weekend home, Jason and Danielle met me on Beach Dr. in St. Pete for their shoot. We started late in the evening specifically so we would have some night shots. Beach Dr and the surrounding area is the perfect place since each restaurant, storefront and gallery create unique lightscapes (I don’t think that’s a real word but I’m coining it now, it needs to be a real word).

I am in love with how their session turned out. Their connection is a quietly goofy and sweet; it was my pleasure to capture it.

Danielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite ImageDanielle & Jason downtown engagement session________P I NSite Image

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When John called me to say he wanted to propose to Stephanie, I was overjoyed! He came up with the perfect plan- he would pop the question on her birthday weekend in Washington DC at her favorite sculpture in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. Her favorite one is non other than the famed “Amor” which is absolutely fitting for a proposal.

So, after we arrived early to the garden to stake out our path and find the best position, we waited for them to arrive. They knew they were meeting Linda, an sweetheart of a friend who was also in on the plan and brought a birthday and an “I love you” cake for Stephanie. This way, when John was texting their location, it didn’t seem odd.

My heart was pounding when I caught sight of them on the sidewalk at the far end of the garden. All 3 of us used our best ninja skills to stay out of sight until it was time to be seen. As they reached the sculpture, Linda walked over to them to present the cake, and because Stephanie is ever the photographer, take a few photos. Once John was ready, he dropped to one knee and asked Stephanie to be his wife. She was elated and immediately said, “Yes!”. They attracted a bit of an audience and everyone cheered for the newly engaged couple, it was such a sweet moment. Yeah, focusing through tears isn’t the easiest thing to do but man, so much dust in that place ;).

After the proposal, we came out of hiding and all celebrated together at a nearby bar with a champagne toast. Of course, we had to drop the ring in for a bubbly photo. Afterward, we headed over to Old Ebbitt Grill for an incredible dinner. Then, when it was nice and dark, we took advantage of the lit memorials and made some beautiful night portraits. All told, it was an incredible day for Stephanie & John! I am ecstatic for them and can’t wait to capture their California Lovin’ wedding in June!

Enjoy the images below, engagement session to follow soon too! Leave them some love!

If you are planning a proposal, call me to talk about your plans and how we can capture your special moment.

couple walking through national sculpture gallery________P I NSite Imagecouple walking through national sculpture gallery________P I NSite Imageholding ring behind his back for proposal________P I NSite ImageJohn giving Stephanie the ring________P I NSite ImageJohn giving Stephanie the ring________P I NSite ImageJohn down on one knee proposing to Stephanie________P I NSite ImageStephanie accepting John________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden looking at the ring________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite ImageThe ring on the amor sculpture ________P I NSite ImageThe ring on the amor sculpture ________P I NSite Imagethe happy couple in the sculpture garden________P I NSite Imagering in champagne glass________P I NSite Imagering on Stephanie________P I NSite Imagenight portraits with the newly engaged couple and the washington monument________P I NSite Imagenight portraits with the newly engaged couple and the lincoln monument________P I NSite Imagenight portraits with the newly engaged couple and the lincoln monument________P I NSite Imagenight portraits with the newly engaged couple________P I NSite Imagenight portraits with the newly engaged couple________P I NSite Imagenight portraits with the newly engaged couple________P I NSite Image

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I am still reviewing this day and all the happiness I soaked in along with the sun on Clearwater Beach! These two are pure inspiration, in their love for each other, the support of their families and in their faith.

Olivia is currently finishing her residency in FL while Dany works on Wall Street. As far apart as they are physically, they are completely connected in mind and heart. Watching them snuggle, dance and walk together on the beach was so sweet. It seemed as if they were the only two there.

We began the day with the traditional engagement ceremony at their church, St Mary & St. Mina in Clearwater. It was incredible! I am used to being relegated to the back or a balcony during church sacraments, constantly vying for a new angle. However, here, it was a breath of fresh air! I started with my long lens down in the pews until a sweet future bridesmaid clued me in that I could go up on the alter! Pure glee as I traded out my 70-200mm for my 35mm and was able to get incredible details I am usually not privy to. The atmosphere was one of pure joy and celebration. Kids were welcomed to join their fathers on the alter and to help set up for the ceremony. The uluations were exuberant, with the joy resounding from all corners of the church!

After Olivia and Dany became officially engaged, we headed over to Clearwater Beach for some gorgeous portraits before their reception. I know the perfect spot on the usually packed beach for a few stolen moments. Between the dunes, we created beautiful, natural moments that showcased their love and connection. One perfect moment led to another and all too soon our time was up.

Then, we met up with their closest family and friends at Marina Cantina where the delicious food, stunning desserts and chic decor perfectly complimented the sunset views. Olivia even surprised Dany with a Harry Potter themed groom’s cake! As if I couldn’t love this couple anymore, they are HP fans.

To say I’m excited for their 2018 wedding is a total understatement! It’ll be absolutely amazing! Thank you both for having me capture your incredible moments.

Ceremony: St. Mary & St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church | Clearwater, FL

Reception: Marina Cantina | Clearwater Beach, FL

Floral Design: Gabro Event Services | Tampa, FL

Cake: Juicy Factory | Clearwater, FL

engaged couple walking on the beach________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement church alter________P I NSite Imageflowers for coptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagebetrothal contract coptic engagement________P I NSite Imagesigning the betrothal contract coptic engagement________P I NSite Imagesigning the betrothal contract coptic engagement________P I NSite Imagesigning the betrothal contract coptic engagement________P I NSite Imagesigning the betrothal contract coptic engagement________P I NSite Imageengaged couple laughing in priest________P I NSite Imagepinning the boutonnière for coptic engagement________P I NSite Imagerings bound for coptic engagement________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement processional________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement processional________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imageexchange of rings coptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imageexchange of rings coptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imageexchange of rings coptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imageexchange of rings coptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagecouple standing at coptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagecoptic engagement ceremony________P I NSite Imagebride to be in flowered gown by lake________P I NSite Imagebride to be in flowered gown by lake________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imagebride to be coptic engagement portrait on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imageengaged couple on clearwater beach portrait________P I NSite Imagesparkly shoes for engagement session on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagebride to be________P I NSite Imageengagement rings for coptic session on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagegroom to be________P I NSite Imagegroom to be________P I NSite Imagecross tattoo and flowered dress________P I NSite Imagesweetheart table for coptic engagement party on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagedessert table for coptic engagement party on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagedetail of dessert table for coptic engagement party on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagedetail of dessert table for coptic engagement party on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagetable decor for coptic engagement party on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imageengaged couple in strong pose on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagebride surprising groom with harry potter cake at engagement party________P I NSite Imagebride surprising groom with harry potter cake at engagement party________P I NSite Imagedetail of harry potter cake________P I NSite Imagedetail of bride________P I NSite Imagedetail of desserts________P I NSite Imageprinted m&m for coptic engagement party________P I NSite Imagedetail of dessert table________P I NSite Imageengaged couple with dessert table at engagement party________P I NSite Imagehappy group at engagement party on clearwater beach________P I NSite Imagesunset in portrait of engaged couple on clearwater beach________P I NSite Image

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