Engagement Photo Love #1

I do realize that it has been a while since our engagement photo session...and I've failed to provide a sampling of pictures and recaps. Bad Katie, bad Katie! But, in my defense, I wanted to make sure that I had ample time to devote to these particular posts! And, since I teased you about it earlier today, I had to deliver on my promise!

Ok, so lets start at the beginning. Justin and I met up with our fantastic photographer, Chad Pilster in Tarpon Springs at the sponge docks. Chad was responsible for suggesting the location; it is filled with shrimp boats, touristy shops, and TONS of Greek restaurants. It was such a good decision...thanks Chad! (also...check out his website too! click here...) And, a shameless plug...he travels anywhere, so if you are looking for a photog, I send along my recommendation!

Before we even left the parking lot to start walking, we had to get a shot in front of this mural on the side of a building!

Then it was off to the shops! Justin and I had some fun trying on silly hats (or...I put them on him!), and Chad had some fun taking our picture through a wind chime.

We had to have a little fun in the rowboats we found!

"I got me a marlin!!!" (gotta love the Austin Powers reference...)

And...apparently we also caught ourselves a shark???

Next, it was time to check out some of the shops and restaurants! We had to sneak a smooch across the table! And yes, we totally match the tablecloth...

Check me out...rocking the shades!

I love this store; it sells handmade soaps, and you can smell the aroma wafting out of the doors!

I'd been hitting the gym hard in preparation for the arm wrestling competition that ensued during the shoot...I'd even been working out those thumbs...can't forget thumb wrestling!

I may or may not have cheated...

One of the waiters at this restaurant wanted to get in on the action of our photo shoot - apparently my reaction was to stick my tongue out at him!

Hmmm the thought of food makes me hungry...let's get some ice cream!

By the way...sharing an ice cream cone is hard to do!

Then, I proceeded to hang on a lamppost and sneak yet another kiss...

We walked down by the docks where the shrimp boats are tied up, and I thought I'd show off my balancing skills.

After our stroll down the sponge docks, it was time to head over to the park to meet up with our pups...whee!!!

Guess what is coming....

Aha! Look what the mailman delivered...

Engagement photos from the wonderful Chad Pilster! Thanks Chad!

How cute is the case and the photo on the front of the DVD? Love it!

So, this means...engagement photo recaps are coming! I have neglected to do so for a few weeks! And I have mucho incentive now!

Stay tuned...post #1 is forthcoming!

Fantastic photo-related news!

Source

Granted, our wedding is not for quite some time, but my planning is definitely in full swing! I have been absolutely bogged down with inspiration from every possible outlet. I never thought it would be like this (oh, no wait...I am pretty sure I knew what I was getting into)!

Because we have t-minus 3 weeks until our move to the north (well, VA is north for us Floridians), I'm frantically calculating how much I can accomplish in what time I have left. Thankfully, the dress is out of the way (minus the fitting, which I still need to make an appointment for...shame on me for continuing to forget to do this!), the shoes, as you already know, have been taken care of...and as of this afternoon, our photographer is as well! I am EXTREMELY excited about this, I can't even begin to explain...but I'll try!

When I initially began my priority list for elements of the wedding, it became glaringly clear that the photographs taken during the day are definitely of the highest importance. Cue the search! I literally spent a few days of my precious time going through website after website, blog after blog, searching my little heart out for a photographer who grabbed me. And, like anything, someone or something will just come along when you least expect it!

I'll admit, I have been sucked into the world of Twitter recently, and one day while pouring over countless wedding photos for inspiration, I wrote a few tweets about how my search was progressing. Then, out of the blue, I unexpectedly received some messages back from various photographers in reply to what I thought was just a random tweet! Albeit, a few of the photographers were from out of state, but there was one in particular that got my attention...

SOOOO without further ado, I'd like to announce that we will be working with Pilster Photography for the big event; please take a look at Chad's wonderful work!

Currently, I am salivating over the recent engagement shoot he has posted featuring some beautiful turquoise balloons...click here!

And...if that wasn't enough, there is a part two of that shoot! ***sigh***

Oh, and of course, a link to his main page...

As of now, we are scheduling an engagement shoot for the end of this month, and I am so eager to see how everything turns out, and I can't wait to share! I just love the playfulness of Chad's photos, and I hope that the three of us are able to find some great locations and ideas for pictures. Oh and of course, I'm already pondering what I'm going to wear...I'm going to lose sleep over this one, I'm sure!

Have you seen any adorable or unique photo ideas lately? If you took engagement photos, what did you do to make them special for the two of you?