Lauren and Dan wanted a wintry Cornwall engagement session, so when there was a patch of great weather heading our way, we jumped at the chance to book their session and head for the woods.
Whenever possible, I try to join Kristin for engagement sessions with Sweetbrier Weddings clients, both for training purposes and so that I also get a chance to know Kris’s couples. I happened to be free on this particular day and was I ever glad I could go because we had a ball! When we shoot outdoor winter sessions, Kris and I typically show up in full snowsuits. We don’t have the option of jumping in cars to get warm because the change in temperature causes our gear to fog up, and we have a tendency to topple over in the snow – sometimes on purpose, sometimes not – so bundling up is the only way forward. On this particular day, with Kristin at about 7.5 months pregnant and me still recovering from the concussion, the toppling over was very much not on purpose, but it was still entertaining and caused a lot of laughter from all four of us.
Lauren and Dan were rock stars that afternoon. They were game to try anything, so Kristin got to attempt several new ideas in between getting stuck in trees (I’m telling you: engagement sessions with us are a comedy of errors). The session started with the most perfect light snowfall, just to help us set the scene, and then we found a gorgeous little clearing amongst the pines that gave these two some respite from the wintry breeze. These two settled in so well together. They have a natural connection that shows itself through quiet looks and subtle touches that made this peaceful session so perfect.
Winter engagement sessions are a collaboration of the highest order and aren’t for the weak of heart. You have to balance weather, light, warmth, and uncertain footing, as well as help your clients connect with one another and find your creative groove. We generally try to keep in continuous communication with couples throughout our sessions, but in winter this becomes even more important so that we take breaks and they don’t freeze. At one point, I could see Lauren’s teeth chattering but she was so determined to push on and finish what we were working on – and even managed to not show the cold in her body language. What a trooper!
This session was a personal winter highlight. I loved seeing how Dan and Lauren put everything else aside and just focused on holding each other tight and being together. They worked with us through posing instructions, settled in to positioning to make it their own, and just generally enjoyed their time together. Seeing couples laugh during an engagement session is so rewarding!
A big thank you to Melissa Murphy of Glammed Goddess for her beautiful work highlighting Lauren’s gorgeous features.
Here’s a look at a few of my favourites.
Kristin is the primary photographer for Sweetbrier Weddings, a sister company of Moment.us Photography, designed for couples who are looking for a softer film look. Kristin’s work focuses on capturing natural connections between her clients and exploring the tender, thoughtful and humorous moments throughout a wedding day. To see more samples of Kristin’s work with Sweetbrier Weddings beyond this wintry Cornwall engagement session, start here.
