Yesterday I read my bride Natalie’s latest Instagram post and it said…”HEADING TO DEEP CREEK TO MARRY THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND I CANT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT.” And it was in all caps, just like that, so clearly she’s excited. (It’s also accompanied by one of she and Derek’s engagement pictures from their session at the lake this past spring…see below). Her post reminded me why I like her so much. She expresses and shares her emotion, she’s incredibly friendly and outgoing, and she’s friggin’ excited to get married at Deep Creek! 

From day one of our wedding photography journey, Natalie and I (even Derek, too!) were friends. She’s the kind of bride that wants to talk on the phone, share about life, ask honest and sometimes tough questions, and just be downright friendly. So for the past six months, we’ve done just that. We’ve talked on the phone (Derek joins in on speakerphone!), we’ve shared about our personal lives, she’s asked questions and I’ve provided answers, and we’ve laughed and smiled together, just like friends do. I love when this happens with my couples! Having more than just a business relationship with them makes the overall experience so much easier and enjoyable. And when I can hug them at the end of the night, call them friends and suggest that we hang out again when they return to the area, I know we all made a good choice. 🙂

So here’s to Natalie and Derek, and their awesomeness! You two are getting married TOMORROW and I’m so stoked to be a part of your day! We captured some great moments during your engagement session, and because of that practice and because of our friendship, I know we’ll capture even more during your wedding day. Let’s do this, friends! 

Captured this within the first few minutes of the session. Natalie’s smile is so wonderful!

We shared so many laughs that morning…even though it was 8am on a Saturday and even though it was a little cold and rainy…

One of my favorites from the session! The colorful canoes made a lovely backdrop!

Might be my most favorite from the entire session! I think it represents their relationship and personalities pretty well. 🙂

Natalie and Derek live in Ohio and are Ohio State fans, so they requested some pictures in their Ohio gear. They also brought along some popcorn because they find themselves sharing popcorn frequently as their snack before bed. And what’s a good sports game and popcorn without some beer? 🙂

Derek showed us some popcorn tricks…

When we were figuring out what to do for their engagement session, I asked Natalie what she and Derek enjoy doing together. Cooking was one of her answers, so they made pancakes during their session!

And what’s a morning session with pancakes without coffee?? 

Can’t you just feel the love and laughter that they share together!?! It was clearly obvious to me while shooting their session and I think it’s pretty obvious in these pictures…

Even a heart-shaped pancake!

Bonus! They danced in the kitchen, too. 🙂

Natalie went from braid to messy bun for some snuggly pictures…

Another favorite!

I’m planning to blog their wedding next week so y’all better come back for more of these two! 🙂