Elise & Pete || Old City, Philadelphia || Engagement

I tell ya, this rain is certainly pulling out the creativity in me when it comes to scheduling! I can’t remember a shoot this month where I didn’t have to send a client an email in the morning saying “We might have to play this by ear…” Believe me, while I’m not afraid of a little sprinkle (some pretty cute and unique shots can come from it), I AM a firm believer that if you don’t HAVE to or WANT shoot in it, why do it? For Elise and Pete, it looked as though our original date, as well as our rain date were going to be complete washes. Thankfully, last Wednesday we found a little dry spot for a few hours and had a blast wandering around Old City, Philadelphia! I think these two may hold the record for most locations traveled to within one shoot with me, but when they’re all within a five minute drive…why not?

We started our time together in a quaint little coffee shop called Cake and the Beanstalk (seriously…this place was adorable with nursery rhymes and children’s stories decorating the tables and chairs), then headed over to Jefferson’s Campus (where they met), then on to the Ben Franklin Bridge (SO cool!) and wrapped things up giggling and swingin’ in a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Two things that made it impossible to not fall in love with them? 1. Elise has a laugh/smile combo that would light a South Philly Block. 2. These two loooooooooooove each other.

With that said, cue infectious laughter.

Old City Philadelphia Wedding Photographer Aaren Lee Photography

Can't wait to see you guys again in October!!

Dana and Chris in Philadelphia (Engagement)

I'm not sure that I've ever had so much trouble writing a blurb for a blog. There's so much I could say about this couple, but I am afraid that if I write it all, you'll still be reading this tomorrow morning.

Dana came into my life as a young, fiery red-headed girl in youth group when I was just getting my feet wet as a leader. She somehow became the first student to confide in me, trust me and want to hear what I had to say because she thought I had something to offer her (even if it wasn't very much). I can't remember how or when we clicked, but I do remember that she was "my girl" and I became hers. Over the years I've watched her face the good stuff and bad with that same fiery spirit and trust in the Lord that she had when she first marched her way into the Upper Room, and now, seeing her prepare to be a bride, I couldn't be more proud of the vibrant, (still) fiery, comical, sincere, tender-hearted, passionate young woman that she has become.

And we certainly can't forget about her "boothang". He's kind, super sweet, a strong leader, devoted Christ-follower and completely in love with his woman! I don't think it will take too long to recognize "that look" beaming right out of his eyeballs. As they prepare to join in marriage on Valentine's Day, I can't wait to see God's plan unfold in their life as one.

Please enjoy a few of my favorite morning snuggles and silly giggles from their sunrise session on Sunday!

"So, we should commit to tickling for five seconds too, right?!"

Dang girl.

Caroline and Tom in Camden (Engagement)

I'm sorry if you've heard this before, but every day, I'm reminded that God has blessed me immensely with the clients that have come into my life. I can't remember one who wasn't incredibly sweet, kind and considerate. It's hard not to be constantly thankful!

Caroline and Tom were no different. But in addition to those traits, they were so much fun! As we traveled from Franklin Square to the Camden waterfront, their laughter became infectious. These two not only love each other, they enjoy each other, and it was a privilege to be able to catch that in my camera.

I hope you enjoy taking a peek at some of my favorites from last week's adventurous engagement session!

Meredith and Rob in Wayne (Engagement)

As this week kicks off our wedding week celebration, what better way than to showcase the love between these two!

In all honesty, it was impossible to not feel completely overcome with joy by being around Meredith and Rob. They were ADORABLE. Both of them! Now again, I'll be completely honest. Normally, I find myself catering a bit more to making the men of Aaren Lee Photography feel comfortable, but not this guy. Rob was a total goof- full of laughter and love for his woman from the second I lifted my lens in their direction. Meredith too! What a blast it was to follow them around for a few hours with my camera. And in just a few short weeks, I'll be able to do it AGAIN! Yes please!

I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites from their charming excursions in Wayne.

Favorite.

An elephant bracelet?! Be still my heart.

And then there's always that ring….WHOA.

Adorable.

So. Much. Fun.

Stephen and Stasia in Media (Engagement)

The more I shoot, more specifically, the more I shoot engagements and weddings, the more I realize a few things. Love, again- more specifically, what I know of it, is much bigger than I could have ever imagined. It looks different, feels different, IS different with each couple I photograph. But one thing that remains the same is how beautiful and exciting it is to be able to discover how and why my couples love each other.

Stephen and Stasia are cute. No, I mean, snuggle fest, giggle 'til your sides hurt cute. And that's exactly what they showed me when we ventured to Ridley Creek State Park last week. Stephen is a master of making Stasia laugh. All he has to do it come close, and the smile on her face indicates just how this man makes her feel. Boy, was that laughter contagious! It's such a gift to be able to completely enjoy (and join in) the raw emotion of a session. Love is organic, and it certainly was alive and well during their session as we played chicken with the rain forecasted for later that evening. Oh, and a couple that loves swords and bring them along to be in the lime light too? Pretty flipping sweet if you ask me. :)

I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites from their afternoon e-session (And a cameo from our little frog friend that posed perfectly for us)!