Clay had an eye for Ellen, but was waiting for a bit of perfect timing. Turns out, her birthday was just the day. They were friends….maybe a little more than acquaintances…but not much more. Not by Clay’s choice, but by life’s circumstances. On the day of Ellen’s birthday, Clay called to say happy birthday, and then asked Ellen to lunch…. and to catch up. While Clay knew he wanted to date Ellen, she was just as certain that she did NOT want this friendly relationship to turn into anything more. Still, they sat talking at Cheeburger Cheeburger for two and half hours. Eventually, Clay asked what the rest of Ellen’s birthday plans entailed? Mama’s cooking a birthday dinner for me, is all. Clay immediately asked if he could come. To her family dinner…..bashful, he is not! Clay showed up on Ellen’s doorstep, holding an edible bouquet and wine, and waltzed right into the house, looking for all the world like he belonged. He called my mother “mama” that night, Ellen laughs! Her family probably fell in love before she did, because they were definitely won over by Clay. Clay then continued coming over everyday after that and it was like best friends just falling in love, because while Ellen never thought she would see him romantically, Clay was incredibly persistent, and genuine, and eventually, he won her over. Just the way he knew he would!
Ellen’s a special bride. She was the roommate of a former bride, and also a bridesmaid in a different past wedding, so it feels like we go way back…and I’ve just been waiting for her to get engaged so we could shoot this session! And, I have to say, Clay won me over during their session about a fast as he won over her family! He is just as adorable as Ellen, and together, it’s like cuteness out the wazoo! I am so happy for these guys, and sooooo thankful I get to be the one to document their love story!
We shot at the McAlister farm outside of Dover, and I may have went a little crazy with favorites this session….but just in case you need more cuteness than this post can contain, check out the SLIDESHOW of their e-sess!
Ohhh, and special thanks to Kayte for being a great laugh-instigator-hair-fixer-blanket-holder-sun-shielder during our session!
Thank you, Charlie, for bringing the way cool Bronco, and to the Cogswells, for letting us borrow it for the shoot!
These two laugh a LOT! I actually have a whole folder of “outtakes” and I may just blog them one day soon…..
Her boots are Frye, and I die over them….
Ellen had wanted to incorporate a hammock, but couldn’t find one to bring. About mid-way through the session, I noticed none other than….a hammock in the backyard! A bit different than the one Ellen had planned for, but still soooo cute!
One of my very favorites….
Quick outfit change, then round two…..
This tree is amazing. If I understand correctly, it is (on record) as the oldest tree in Arkansas, and there have been several weddings underneath it’s branches…..
Ellen, you are ridiculously gorgeous….RI.DIC.U.LOUS.LY (sadly, I had to Google that to be sure on the syllables)
Ok…those boots deserve their own photo shoot! Love them!
Happy Friday!
