Photography is so important to us.
Before we were even engaged, I attended a bridal show with my sister and a friend (whose wedding is next weekend — yay!) at the lovely Flora Corner Farm. There we immediately met Maggie and Betty, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Birds of a Feather Photography. I was so enamored with their soft, vintage-inspired photos and sweet personalities that I immediately came home to show Spencer their work. I felt a little silly, being as we weren’t “there” yet, but I just couldn’t contain my enthusiasm.
It was October, a good two months before he proposed, but we’d quietly gone to “check out” rings the weekend before. I figured it was the first of a few trips, maybe, and that we’d talk a few more times before really broaching the subject of marriage again. I got a funny, puckered look on my face every time we talked rings . . . mostly because I was afraid he wasn’t thinking rings.
But he was.
Unbeknownst to me, Spencer returned to the store days later for the ring I loved. We got engaged on December 16 — but you know that already! Though I’d vowed to wait until after Christmas to really start wedding planning, I couldn’t help myself. I was so excited and eager to start researching venues and colors and dresses, but I knew my first mission: getting in touch with Maggie and Betty.
We met with them just after the New Year, our first “official” wedding-related meeting, and they were the first vendor we booked. We signed our contract with them before we even officially had a venue . . . or a date, really. I just knew their photography spoke to me, and we had to have them. Thankfully, Spence felt the same!
Now just 198 days from the wedding (!), things are shaping up. And feeling really real. We had our official engagement shoot with the ladies back on a brisk day in March, and I was so thrilled with the whole thing that I barely felt chilled. I talked about choosing to keep my hair wavy, and that decision that still makes me smile. It was just a really fun evening!
And after seeing the results, I’m so thrilled we chose Birds of a Feather. The images are exactly what I was hoping for — ethereal; lovely; serene — and if these were so awesome, I cannot wait to see the pictures from our wedding! Though these expenses can be pretty intense, I know we will never regret a single cent spent on photography.
Pictures capture emotion, devotion, love. They encapsulate a day and preserve it in a way our memories, ever faulty, cannot. I’ve never heard someone lament, “Gee, I wish I didn’t have so many pictures of this once-in-a-lifetime event.” Because seriously? You can’t have too many pictures. There is a balance between documenting a day and really savoring it, but that’s why we’ve hired professionals. They will help us remember it forever . . . even as it passes in the blink of an eye.
Here are a few of my favorites from our engagement shoot, held at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Md. If you ever find yourself in Southern Maryland, first of all? Um, call me. We’ll go crab pickin’. And then I’ll direct you to this place, because it. is. gorgeous.
First of all, the dress you picked to wear is DIVINE!! The color is just perfect on you and perfect in the setting. Gorgeous!
We still haven’t had engagement photos and probably won’t have them for over a month. I am slowly losing my damn mind about it. HATE.
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Just lovely! These look great, and I love the beach setting! I didn’t even know St. Leonard existed! LOL
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Gorgeous setting for a gorgeous couple!
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You two look so in love and amazing!! Love your photos!! And your dress is awesome – I love it!
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That’s just lovely to read. Your happiness spills out of the words which is so nice. The photographs are beautiful. What a good-looking couple you are
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Lovely photos, and the ambiance of the outdoors just great!
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You both look soooo happy and beautiful! Oh my gosh, it warms my heart and makes me so glad for you. Adorable dress, adorable fiance. Red is your color, girl. (And, yes, yes, take me crab pickin’ please)
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Oh :*) Beautiful pictures!!!! I’m so happy for you 😀
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These photos are gorgeous! That dress looks amazing and looks so good against the backdrop.
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The photos turned out great! I love the dress, and the scenery!
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These are so fabulous. My hubs and I did ours at the beach too. I love the vibe it gives the images. : )
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Wow- incredible setting. You look fantastic and I love your dress. My favorite is picture number four with the water in the background. Love it!
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I love all of the photos…they tell a lovely story!
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I love these pictures, your dress is lovely and your smile says it all. I hope I find myself in your area someday, what fun we’d have.
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Like your photos, like your dress also. Thanks for sharing them with us. The best? The one where you’re walking beside him, your hand tuckled in his. Great!
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I love these! The beach setting is beautiful and you two look so in love!
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Oh how fun! I love your dress and the color with the setting.
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These pictures are beautiful Meg!! I love them!
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It isn’t often that ‘soul-mateness’ shows in photograghs – it does in these. You look so happy and so right for each other in these beautiful shots, it made me quite weepy! Should be more love like this in the world.
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Oh! I love love LOVE the last two. They are gorgeous. All of them are gorgeous, but those last two are just breathtaking.
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Oh, your pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!!
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Somehow these are posed but not! Lovely photos (and I love your dress!)
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So lovely, Meg! Love the one with your heel up 🙂
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Aww, you guys are adorable! One of the biggest chunks of my wedding budget went to our photographer. I knew exactly what I wanted and he was incredible. Worth every single penny to have those memories in print!
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LOVE! These are so gorgeous. And you’re right — you’ll never regret photography costs.
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Absolutely gorgeous pictures! You clearly picked awesome photographers; I can only imagine how gorgeous the wedding ones will be. You both look so happy and beautiful ❤
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I love them all! So gorgeous!!
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Lovely pictures! I like your blog and nominated you for a Shine On Award. Congrats! Check it out at my blog jemsbooks.wordpress.com
Janice
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