Downtown Durham Engagement Session Archives

Durham engagement shoots are kind of our favorite thing and also we like Abby and Rachel a lot. We made them stand in a bunch of strange places in soggy wooded areas. We threw leaves at them (possibly containing centipedes). We made them do shadow puppet kung fu. We took an elevator downtown that literally had a puddle of pee in the corner of it so we all stood huddled together on the other side to avoid it. We made them sit on the ground of public sidewalks and cuddle. They giggled the entire time presumably because we were making them feel mildly uncomfortable (it’s what we do) and we all talked about television and Durham and our love of the pink penguins outside 21c. We’re shooting their wedding next year at the Haw River Ballroom (one of our favorite local venues!) and even though we may make them stand in more soggy wooded areas, at least we won’t have anymore peed-in elevators to contend with.

say nice things

Gwen and Nick! What a good time it was to see both of them again and finnaallyy get to photograph their engagement pictures! We all knew it was coming soon. :) Gwen was a teaching buddy of mine when I taught elementary school and we have very thankfully kept in touch over the years. She did some modeling for me back when I got my very first softbox and was practicing off-camera lighting. ;) After I stopped teaching, a few of the girls and I kept in touch, and I attended a party at one of their houses. I was informed that Gwen would be late because she was “out with Nick.” Nick? Who’s Nick? :)

When Gwen arrived later (with Nick), I could immediately see how enamored the both of them were with each other and what a genuinely sweet person he is. I liked him immediately and found them to be a perfect match (both very kind, even-tempered people who would do anything for you). Over time, it was great to see them share so many moments together and even greater when they got engaged. I’m thankful for their friendship and so excited to be photographing their December wedding… not just because I adore them, but also because they’re having a cheesecake bar and a Cheerwine toast. ;)

Here’s a few highlights from their engagement session on the evening that Hurricane Irene rolled into the Triangle. Taken at West Point on the Eno and downtown Durham.