Taylor and Olivia made me realize something HUGE about photography during their engagement session, and I think it says a lot about them. What I realized is that it's not just me trying to make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera but the ability of a couple to make me feel comfortable behind the camera. That doesn't sound so revolutionary or new, but it really hit me when I was with them. I told Olivia right before I took the above picture that they were the kind of couple I love being around because they make me feel very at ease, free to be creative and fun. Photographer friends of mine have talked about how sometimes we freeze and become awkward behind the camera and it makes a huge difference in the pictures we take. Taylor and Olivia made my job such a joy and I really could have photographed them all day (and will come October!).
Olivia and Taylor met at UGA when Olivia was a RA in the dorms, so it made sense that we got all sorts of Athens pictures. They also wanted to include their amazing dog in on the shoot- who happens to be the most well behaved and lovable dog I have been around (really).
After exploring downtown Athens we went out to Watson Mill Bridge State Park. I had forgotten how beautiful it is out there- if you haven't been there it is definitely worth planning a picnic and going! On another random note, I found out that Taylor and Olivia are in the middle of designing and building their first home together (Taylor builds homes- that is the kind of man EVERYONE wants to know!). It was so fun to hear about their plans for it and made me wish I was doing that. I love that they are are doing it together- it seems like such a cool way to prepare for marriage by literally thinking through and building a home for the two of you. I can't wait to see it!
I can't say enough about how good it was to photograph Olivia and Taylor- how quickly they smile and laugh and how that makes for such lively and genuine pictures. Thank you guys for including me in documenting this stage of your lives and relationship- I can't wait for a beautiful October wedding!!!