After seeing how my family session photos turned out, I knew I wanted, no, NEEDED Kiralee to do a couple shoot for Josh & I. We had a session done once with my step-mom when she first started out using a camera, but that was two summers ago and we both have grown as a couple since then and wanted to mark our two years! So I text Kiralee; NERVOUS as could be because of the ideas I wanted to propose to her. I tried to explain that I wanted to do a typical outdoor shoot, but I also wanted a natural morning-in-bed shoot. So at first, it sounded a little naughty. But I sent Kiralee example photos I found on Pinterest (where else?!) and anticipated her response. SHE LOVED IT.
Saturday & Sunday mornings are Josh & I’s true alone time moments. I work a 50 hour+/week job and he has full time school with a part time job. We savor our weekend mornings by waking up slowly and cuddling with each other and our two pups! We are avid coffee drinkers (Starbucks junkie over here) so I knew that was a must to incorporate.
Our outdoor shoot was rather tricky to come up with because I’m not one for your typical ‘stand around and pose’ kind of photos. I wanted us to be US and natural. So again, took to Pinterest. I came across this AMAZING forest wedding dinner set-up for two and instantly knew that’s what I wanted. I sent it to Kiralee and asked if it was too far-fetched of an idea. She disagreed and was totally on board for it. This is where the wheels started to turn. I found adorable outdoor tents, mainly for reading or for kids but whatev; I wanted to do it. I wanted to make this a rustic, Montana-romantic outdoor dinner date. Kiralee found a wine barrel table with chairs and some paper lanterns we could use. I went NUTS at Target. (Total female cliché, I know.) I rounded up pillows for the tent, a blanket, a few things for the table setting, and a BUNCH of candles. I found these gorgeous hammered copper candle holders on Etsy that you can see Josh and I holding. So in love with them.
Having to wait over a month for this to happen was the most excruciating test of patience. I was dying a little inside each day having to wait. But one of the beauties I love about Kiralee is I was continually texting her new ideas or thoughts or example photos and she never got tired of it! FINALLY, October 17th had arrived. Josh and I woke up at the crack of dawn to get on the road to Kalispell. I love road trips, but I have never not wanted to sit still so badly in my life. I had butterflies the whole drive. We get to Kalispell and Kiralee takes us to the spot to set up and her beautiful friend Jessica showed up to help out. Watching this Pinterest dream unfold because of these two amazing women was so breath-taking. Josh and I sat down at the table and instantly went at it. It was so fun, so natural, so RELAXING. It never once felt like we were having our pictures taken. I was so wrapped up in this man and our love; it was a blast. Before I knew it, it was dark and we packed it up.
How could I sleep tonight knowing that this was not over?! Answer: I didn’t! Woke up the next morning with such excitement for our morning-in-bed shoot. Hello! What girl doesn’t want to just wake up, be in her undies with her shirtless sexy boyfriend and have photos done?!!! Knowing that it wasn’t going to be anything risqué was pressure-relieving. We threw on Norah Jones Pandora station and immediately got swept up. It was nothing but morning coffee in bed with our pups and snuggling up to each other. By the way, our condo in Big Fork was phenomenal. Our deck was right on the Swan River! We moved the mattress out to the living room to use the windows with the gorgeous view. Who wouldn’t want that?
Any who, Kiralee and I are discussing example photos and what we should do next. So Josh and I switched positions to capture another fun picture. I look down at the mattress to make sure I’m sitting in the right spot and that my legs look natural, when all of a sudden I saw a silver band. My heart stopped. I froze! Not knowing if it was for me or if it fell off of Kiralee’s finger, all I could manage was “what’s that?”.
Josh’s response (because he didn’t even know what had happened) “what’s what?” I pushed his knee off of it and said “that.” … cue goose-bumps… Josh picks up the ring and says “Babe, I love you..” and I instantly buried my face into my hands. His words went into silence as my heart raced faster and harder. THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?! Then I hear it. “Will you marry me?” All I could do was shake my head and mutter “yes.” He slid it on my finger and I have never wanted to kiss him so deeply or hug him so tightly in our time together. Here comes the crying. I bawled like the biggest (but happiest) baby. Josh asked if I liked the ring and I said it was perfect. He asked “Did you even look at it?”. I told him not yet but I love it! So I finally took a peek and I bawled even more. How could a ring NOT be perfect after the man of your dreams asks you to marry him? I mean, really. Kiralee then gave us a moment alone and we just held each other. I asked if I really get to spend forever with him and he answered yes with a laugh. I then double checked and said are you sure??!
Kiralee came back in to finish our photos and everything was so perfect. My chest actually hurt from my heart being so happy. That’s a thing! My best friend said so. Kiralee was beyond amazing and perfect. Every photo is more than I ever imagined it to be. I actually am lucky enough to have this moment photographed for the rest of my life. It is so unreal.
Huge thank you to Jessica with Lovelight Photography for being my amazing assistant/partner in crime! You make everyone around you happier, and we are lucky to have you!
Also to Xclusive Events & Formalwear- Empress Tents & Events for the amazing props and setup. We could not have made this idea come to life without you.
I am a lucky photographer to have been asked to photograph such an amazing couple and this important part of their lives together. I wish you two all the happiness in the world and am so excited to be on the road to wedded bliss with you!
xoxo
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