{engagement} Larissa & Stephen

The sun broke through the clouds, as promised on Sunday morning and with the late summer rays came the heat and humidity. Larissa, Stephen, and I ventured out to Garret Mountain in NJ, the place where Stephen planned on proposing to Larissa months before, but the rain had other plans. These two cared nothing about the previous rain or about the thick, hot air. Anxious, excited, and incredibly dapper, the future Borchards couldn't wait to get started.

The mountain, the scenery, the old stone castle and greenery all looked just as perfect as they did. We found freshly grown lavender in front of the steps by the castle which added the right touch of purple (their wedding color) and earthy scent. The trail was busy with people and pets, and I couldn't help notice them stop to look at Riss in her gorgeous dress and cowgirl boots and Stephen appropriately clad in a purple shirt. The special morning seemed nothing out of the ordinary for them.

We started our photo session around 11:30, and within an hour and 10 minutes, I had over 180 pictures capturing the intuitive love, silliness, and joy Larissa and Stephen share. Their poses, frames, and reactions were all as natural as the view of the city we overlooked. The pictures are stunning because they are, and as a photographer I can honestly say that the light shown in every picture was not just because of the sweltering, sultry sun, but because of their happiness that poured out in front of me.

Sometimes photos can look staged and propped and artificial. These are the pictures I avoid taking. What you see in Larissa and Stephen's photos is real. Nothing was premeditated or conscious, and it was truly a simple task photographing their love and engagement.

(I love you both to the moon and back. I wouldn't want to be anything else other than being your photographer, sister, and maid of honor.)