When I talk to couples about their engagement session, I always focus on making that session about them. It is easy to default to the same locations with the same ol’ poses — creating a final gallery that looks a lot like everyone else’s. I would much rather push the envelope, to make sure the final gallery truly reflects their collective personality. No pushing was required here. She’s probably a little more type-A that she’d like to admit, while he is relaxed and easy going. To our first meeting, she brought a list with important details that just soo happened to include things they like and qualities that describe them. Included on that list was the fact that they are self-proclaimed nerds. I later learned that Collier was reading a dictionary (I mean really, who does that?!) just for fun. Given this little tidbit of information, I knew a bookstore would be a great setting for a portion of their shoot. So, we headed on over to Jim Reed Books, which is as quirky and eclectic as them.
We met over lattes to plan the engagement session and the three of us ended up talking for nearly two hours. When I asked them what they normally do together, Collier said that they spend a lot of time talking… genuine quality time together. So, some “hanging out” shots were a must. We wandered down 2nd Avenue, stopping by Urban Standard and What’s on 2nd. They are the type of couple every photographer dreams about. The kind that you can send in a general direction and before you’ve even had a chance to guide them into a pose, they have naturally fallen into a moment better than one you could help create.
Kellie, you are going to be SUCH a gorgeous bride!!
The thing that sticks out most to me about our planning meeting, was Kellie and Collier’s interest in me — both as a person and as their photographer. He asked whether I ever just shoot for fun. I admitted that this time of the year, after the holiday rush and before the weather warms back up, is supposed to be the time I reconnect with my art, but that I usually just end up busier than expected and without the opportunity to shoot just for me. “Well, what is on your bucket list?” he asked. Seriously. It doesn’t get much better than that. And with that question, plus their fun and adventurous personalities, we came up with this… 
BEAUTIFUL WORK! Gorgeous couple! Just perfect for Valentines Day:)
I love them!
Elle, you NAILED this session! I’m squealing over every single image…SO. GOOD! So happy I got to be a witness. Kelly and Collier, y’all are amazing!
I SOOOO LOVE IT!!!! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!
Friggin looove
Holy crap. I love everything about this. Everything. Amazing.
These are fantastic and so original! Beautiful couple!
LOVE the photos! So creative and fun! Love this cute couple 🙂
OMG! Your engagement photos are beautiful! Congrats hun! Wishing you and your soulmate a lifetime of happiness!
These capture your spirits…together and separate. Thanks for being real.
Wonderful session! They look like such a great couple; a photographer’s dream! Love the paint shots at the end.
This is FABULOUS!
Awesome!!!
I love this. Absolutely love it. Especially the end.
This is the sweetest engagement photo album I have ever seen hands down! <3 Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos of such a sweet couple!
Absolutely wonderful Kellie. You all look so happy and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Happy for you and wish you nothing but the best!
Awesome!! You guys look great and so happy!! Congrats
I love it!! Absolutely beautiful!!!
Well, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph…hold my mule! If this wasn’t the most amazing, eclectic, beautiful, creative fun-filled shoot I’ve ever seen, then I’d just shoot myself in my pinkie toe! See…that’s what I’m talking about. I love a photographer who loves capturing the essence of her clients and not just a great shot. You have a great ear, a magnificent eye, and extraordinary skill as a photographer. So glad that you found your purpose. So glad that so many of us found you! Keep doing what you’re doing. Love this couple and yes, Ms. Kellie is going to be one GORGEOUS bride!
beautiful! What is that paint stuff? crazy cool!
Kellie and Collier, you two are such an Amazingly, Beautiful couple! I am so very Blessed to have you for a niece, Kellie! All the BEST to you both and I love you with all of my heart! Elle Danielle, I have Never seen any photos as amazing as these!
ELLE…. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? So freaking gorgeous! Love every single shot! It’s so clear how much fun you had with this shoot… love love love. <3
I love these sooooo much!
Such an adorable session! What a cute couple!
Amazing! What a beautiful couple! By far my favorite e-session you shot (besides mine of course). Can’t wait to see their wedding pictures.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!
O.k. That was THE.MOST.AMAZING engagement shoot! Their best decision (besides choosing each other, or course!) was selecting you to be their wedding photographer. All of the photos are superb. My favorites? The ring shot in between the old book and the photo of Kellie sitting in the chair and looking out the window of What’s on 2nd. The lighting is so good. Awesome, awesome job!
looks like Holi. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
Loving these pictures! Full of love and life!!!!!!
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous…!
Love this. So awesome and captures the spirit of who they are as a couple. Now the end was awesome. I don’t know if I could have been able to have the paint but it seems to show they had fun with it. So many great ideas. I love your portfolios.
Simply beautiful! Looks like they had tons of fun! I LOVE ‘What’s on 2nd’. It has lots of cool collectibles.
This was simply amazing..I like how you make it about the couple so they can look and say THAT’S SO US!!
Omg! These are great!
Love love love!!!!!
This almost brought tears to my eyes! Simply beautiful
One of the most unique and creative sets I’ve seen. You constantly amaze me. And congrats to the couple. Kellie looks amazing as always.
Very beautiful session. So full of life. Just amazing.
Omg this shoot was so completely perfect! You’re very talented.
Love these! My favorites: the solo one of her looking out the window at what’s on 2nd and all the closeups with her in the polka dots! Love!
Beautiful job on these! I love all of the genuine smiles – can’t even pick a favorite!
This Holi session is amazing (and so is the rest!). Can you tell me the recipe you used for the cornstarch or where you bought the powder? Thanks for sharing!
You are amazing! This is one of my favorites! Congrats to this beautiful couple.
So beautifully done and creative! Love love loveee
[…] I have been able to observe, capture, and tell the story of their relationship. Their engagement session and Kellie’s pre-wedding glamour session have been two of my favorites of the year, so […]
This one goes in the books for most creativity! Phenomenal work! Phenomenal women! Great job Elle and Nikesha!