I love how every couple I photograph opens my world to a different way of living and being that I have not gotten to experience. My favorite thing is to hear about what makes them, them. I want to hear their story together, what they like, what they dislike, how they interact with one another. What I’m really getting at is actually much more important than most think. I become a researcher of the couple??? lol. It impacts what I focus on and how I shoot/show up during our time together. Everyone needs a little bit different treatment from the next.
With Tori and Dylan, Art was their thing for sure. Tori came to me wanting my different, blurry, artsy, vintage work I have put out. So, we clicked on the “let’s get weird” spectrum and from there Tori and I ran off into the sunset together. Sorry Dylan!! Justttt kidding. Well, we DID run into the Miami sunset, but it was for their pics.
Anyways, I had a lot of creative freedom because she didn’t want all tack-sharp images which if you’re a bride and you’re reading this please note: I listen to your heart!!!! And what you’re wanting, not what I want. So no, your ceremony photos will not be blurry af. Obviously I have a style too which can get messy, imperfect, and artsy and I will be myself, but I have gathered what YOU like very early on in our process. I make sure your story is best captured in a way that is your truth. ’Tis a beautiful balance. 🙂
Back to this story, it was an Art Deco dream from the moment I walked in their place. White everywhere, pops of color. We started off in their home to take pics with their beloved dog who they are obsessed with, I mean how can you not be (scroll for pic)???
I told Tori to consider this time more as a date, that I happen to be creeping on. She told me they literally for fun will go to open houses to look at the interior and design. So we did just that, looked and interacted with Miami’s Art and Design District which I never had been to, but was pleasantly overwhelmed with how colorful and aesthetic it was. Mainly because, much of my couples are nature type so it was so fun to have a more modern urban inspired session.
Hilarious side story actually- I got spit on as we walked out of a garage from some kids a few floors above us. We were thankfully near Sephora and Tori so graciously cleaned it off the top of my head. Nothing a little dry shampoo cant fix!! No?? Ok, here’s a clip lol.
But yes, so these two’s dynamic was hilarious and so entertaining to watch them flow. Tori- a little ball of energy, bringing spunk into every frame I captured and Dylan, who’s just along for the ride but lemme tell ya, he is super down for his woman. It was beautiful to see him put Tori’s happiness at the forefront of the experience.
Listen up ladies, no matter how fun you make photo shoots, it can still be sometimes hard for guys!! Tips: Bring food, drinks, or just in general its better if a shoot is more centered around activities you would normally do. I find that people are more present when they have something to do.
The day was filled with goofing around, trying not to get hit by cars, milkshakes and fries, and disco balls.
Two take aways from this shoot.
- Tori and Dylan will never be in this same phase of life again, and to freeze time and give them a forever glimpse into these moments was an honor. Seriously, being engaged I think can be overlooked because many people want to just get to the wedding day after it’s all said and done. But the engagement part of it has its importance too. It’s a garden to plant seeds for your future and build strong roots from which you can grow a family on. Roots so strong that after marriage, what ever life throws at you, you remain unshakable.
- I’m always reminded how beautiful it is to create TOGETHER. Tori and I did align artistically but we had an awesome balance of throwing ideas out there and meeting in the middle.
The best part of it all was becoming even closer friends by the end of it. Afterwards, we were so delusional and tired haha, but we got dinner anyways, laughing and sharing stories about life and meaning. I live for this stuff. It’s always a good day when there’s creation and connection happening. But I guess that’s everyday right? 🙂
Press play and enjoy.
Thanks to make up artist Nicole and to the beautiful hotel in Miami Beach, Faena we discovered that was the perfect ending to the shoot.
