engagements
Falling in love all over again
Yes – I am one of these old school photographers who learned on film. And I loved it. And guess what – after taking my digital journey I am recently falling in love with film photography all over again. It is so – true – and magical – and pretty – and elegant – all at the same time. One of the reasons for my rebranding was my desire to offer photos taken with a film camera again. So I went and invested in a Contax Medium Format camera with a nice Zeiss lens. And today I posted some images from my first two rolls I took with that camera on my new blog. Go check it out :)
I would love to hear what you think :)
Xoxo
Steffi
Engaged: Theresa and Dave – A vintage engagement session
Theresa wanted an engagement session with a vintage touch – so sure enough I went on a hunt for some cool locations and some fun props – and let’s just say – I found a few gems in Branford, CT :). What suits a vintage shoot better than an old rustic barn in cool blue/grey and white colors (Yup – not red)? I was lucky enough to get permission from a dear friend to shoot at this private property. To mix it up a little, I also took Theresa and Dave to an overgrown path and some pretty fancy train tracks. For props, I got a lacy parasol and picked a handful of wild flowers from my yard. Nothing fancy or crazy – just some fun stuff to add a little color.
When I met Theresa and Dave in the parking lot, I could help but jump and scream when I saw her in her stunning lacy summer dress – uggghhhh – so so pretty. Pared with her unfairly amazing thick dark curls (oh yes – I am totally jealous!! I am not even trying to hide it) and her big brown eyes she looked absolutely DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. No wonder Dave (who by the way is pretty handsome himself) couldn’t keep his eyes of her (or the smile of his face for that matter). Well, who can blame him!?
Are you guys curious yet to see some pictures? Ok – let’s reveal a hand picked selection of this sweet and fun engagement session. Voila. ENJOY!!
And here are the pictures from the train tracks – Theresa – I am still impressed with your balancing act :))
And lastly the overgrown path – don’t you love a naturally framed photo!? I am sure Theresa’s cute boxer is a big fan, too – wink wink.
Many thanks to my husband and the best assistant in the world – Ivan Kapra – for coming along and helping out. And for capturing some gorgeous moments and sweet side angles to make this shoot complete!!
You have a fun idea or theme for an engagement session? Give us a ring! We love working with creative couples who are into taking photos. I promise – an engagement session can be SO MUCH FUN!
Leave a comment if you liked these photos :)
Little Beach Town Engagement Session – L.O.V.E.
There is something to be said about the flare of a small beach town. I guess, this is why I love Milford so much – it’s such a happy and joyful place – especially in the summer! Beach towns have so much to offer – besides the beach. Especially from a photography prospective… Don’t believe me? Well, let me prove you wrong with this gorgeous and colorful engagement session of Gina and Dave that Brooke and I shot last week. While editing these images I couldn’t stop smiling – they made me so happy. There is nothing better than capturing people who are in love and adore each other – and also know how to make each other laugh. Thank you Gina and Dave for being so wonderful to work with!
What would a beach town be without boats? LOVE the colors in these photos.
There is a little hidden space that is truly amazing for photos… I liked these in black and white :)
Want to include your dog into an engagement session? Well – here is a great way to do so. How fun is this little prop?!
Believe it or not – these pictures were taken by the beach :) Another one of my favorite shooting spots.
I think a great closeup of an intimate moment is a must have for every engagement session. This one gave me goose bumps!
Yes – there is a rustic old boardwalk, too :)
One more sweet close up to wrap up this shoot.
Like these photos? Contact us for your engagement session today :)
Engaged – Gina and Dave – Preview – CT Wedding Photographer
When I woke up this morning I promised myself not to go to bed without posting at least ONE photo on my blog. It is so easy these days to get distracted and caught up in all the to does (and yes – there is a whole list of those). Sometimes I wish I had an accountant, book keeper, editor, secretary, cook, gardner, house keeper…. so that I could take gorgeous photos all day, write sweet little blog posts, take my hubby for a romantic dinner and cuddle with my doggies all night long. Instead, I have been finding myself in front of the computer for long nights lately – while my husband and the pups are happily snoring all around me :)). SO – I decided it was time to at least share one of the many happy, sweet and love-filled moments I have been allowed to capture this week. Because these moments are the reason why I L.O.V.E. my job – even if it includes all the above mentioned jobs plus long nights in front of my computer – lol.
This picture was taken at last Thursday’s engagement session of Gina and Dave – just before the storm rolled in. A full blog post will follow in the next days.
Sara and Bryan – Beach Engagement Session | CT Wedding Photographer
I hope everyone enjoyed my little silly post about the ice cream battle of Sara and Bryan – if not go and check it out!! But here comes their REAL engagement session post (and yes, it is still filled with fun and laughter and it’s a little bit silly, too).
So let me start where it all began: Three years ago, Ivan and I had just moved back to the US from Munich, Germany and adopted our little puppy Zazu. On one of our first walks with her on the beach she took of running – just to hide in a shaded spot under Mike’s sun chair. So, Ivan and I introduced ourselves and before we really knew it became friends with Mike (who until this day is saved in my phone under Mike – Milford Beach). After a few fun nights with wine and BBQs on the beach, we finally were introduced to nobody else but Mike’s son Bryan and his girlfriend Sara. My first memory of the two of them is when we all set out by the camp fire, drinking wine and other good things, and Sara telling one funny story after another. Just to watch the two of them interact and be silly together made me laugh and giggle. They are just hilarious and seem to have the best times where ever they go.
Today, nearly three years later, I not only consider all of them friends, but they have long become my family away from home. Needless to say I am overly excited and so happy for them that they are engaged and couldn’t believe when I was asked to take their engagement pictures. I feel so honored and yes, Ivan and I had a great and fun time taking their pictures – proof can be seen below :)
To shake off her nervousness, Sara started to dance a little (her version of pretty woman) – well, it worked wonders. I love the picture on the right – it’s so sincere and happy!
After the dance, I decided it was time to sit down and relax. Sara and Bryan – you look just gorgeous together!
Because it was hot and still really bright out, we decided to swing by the Walnut Beach Creamery for some Ice Cream. Until this day I haven’t figured out why Mike acted as if I had told him I was taking his son onto a space shuttle. He looked at me in total disbelieve saying: “You are doing what? You are getting ICEcream??” Ah well, yes. It’s summer, it’s hot and that is what people do :) Mike, you still have me smiling over this one. But the best part was: Sara and Bryan got their ice cream for free – thanks so much to the friendly staff at the creamery :)
Well, we all know what happened next – no more comments needed here. Let’s just say: Rugby was in the air :)
Back at the beach the light was ga-ga-gorgeous!!! Thank you Ivan for capturing some of the images below! I think the close ups at this spots might be my favorite pictures of the day!
Ugh – I do love nice tall grass – so much fun to shoot in!
Just before sunset we captured these sweet pictures of Sara and Bryan – LOVE!
Lastly, we headed down to the water to take some pictures. Sara and Bryan are both into Rugby so they put on their Jersey’s from a match they played together – side by side – in Australia.
There are two more members of the family – they can of course not be forgotten: Trick and Janes (aka Cricket)
Lastly, I took a nice ring shot in the sand on some sea glass (which you can find frequently at this beach!). Look at these colors – yummy!
Congrats again you two – we are sooooo excited for and with you!
Xoxo
A little different engagement session – Sara and Bryan – let’s have some fun in the sun!
Attention: You need a great amount of humor to read and appreciate this post!
This is only a mini post which is meant to put a smile on everyones face. It’s a hooray to silly and fun couples like Sara and Bryan. And it’s to a happy life with lots of laughter – forever after :). Oh – it is also to a good ice cream on a sunny summer day.
Not much to say other than: Thank you Sara and Bryan for being the way you are – you have no idea how much we love you! Please never ever change!!
Click this link to view the most fun slideshow of a little different engagement session:
Sara and Bryan ice cream battle engagement session
And here is a photo of the happy couple – AFTERwards :)
XOXO
Steffi
Engaged – Megan and Stu – Vineyard and Beach E-session Connecticut
When I think of Megan and Stu I think of Milford’s christmas tree lightening on a cold winter night, yummy hot chocolate and lots of laughter :) Why? Well, because this is where we met for the first time. And from that first moment on it was nothing but fun to work with both of them. Plus they are so laid back – which makes it easy for me to do my work.
For their engagement session we decided to keep it somewhat informal and fun. They both live in MA and drove down to Connecticut to get their engagement pictures taken. Best reason to make it feel more like a fun get together and less like “work”. The ideal place to accomplish exactly this was Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, CT. Brooke had even packed a little picnic basket for all of us – and so we started the afternoon with a wine tasting and some chatting – while we waited for the sun to drop down a little. And when the clouds came in around 5:00pm Brooke and I decided it was time to capture some gorgeous pictures of Megan and Stu:
I had spottet some tall grass and so this is where we started. Brooke got a pretty cool shot of me photographing Megan and Stu. I couldn’t resist but had to put these images next to another – work in progress plus result :)
The Gouveia Vineyards really are a nice place – to visit and to photograph :)
And because I enjoy a nice black and white photo – we have some of those to show, too:
This is mine:
and these are from my partner Brooke:
The sun came back out so we grabbed a Parasol to finish up part 1 of our e-session at the vineyards:
For the 2nd part of this E-session we drove back to Milford (Megan and Stu were meeting relatives here afterwards anyways – so it worked out perfectly). Ivan assisted me for this part of the shoot – and did a great job ones again as being my personal ladder (yes, I sometimes sit on his shoulders to get the shot I want).
The light was nothing but AMAZING and glowing when we arrived by the beach – I truly love these shots:
Ivan captured a few really nice ones, too:
And while we were at it, we included some photos that can be used for Safe the Date or Thank you cards:
One more black and white spread:
Megan’s just had her ring cleaned – so both Ivan and I took some shots. I found some cactus plant that I put the ring on while Ivan captured a super cool and graphic shot on a piece of driftwood:
Last but not least we captured a nice silhouette of Megan and Mike during sunset:
Megan and Stu – enjoy these images. We are very excited for your wedding.
Xoxo, Steffi and the team at Photography and More.
Engaged Cara and Cory
There is something to be said about people that appreciate a really good coffee – and I am not talking about american hazelnut truffle chocolate raspberry coffee (yes, I know someone who actually drinks that) but a true italian espresso. No flavors, no shenanigans – just a yummy classic espresso crema. Or a coffee latte in a glass with foamed milk on top. That in itself is a little piece of art – and something you will find on my breakfast table every morning :)
So – when Brooke and I met Cara and Cory for their engagement session in New Haven two weeks ago Cory not only told me that they were going to Italy for their honeymoon (you all know I am obsessed with Italy and LOVE it!) but also that he really enjoys a good espresso or coffee. Well, what can I say – that was all I needed to know to love them! Besides that Cara is the sweetest and most excited photo taker ever! They finally topped it off with having their wedding on Friday the 13th – which I strongly believe is a lucky day! Cara and Cory – I can’t wait for your wedding! It will be a great time!
See you on your wedding day!!
Engaged – Mia and Maura – A lovely Cape Cod engagement session
Mia, no cheating – you hear me?? You are not accidentally looking at this post right now without Maura next to you – are you? Tststs – remember you promised me something?? So close this page and get some wine ready for when Maura gets home – wink wink :)) I know you are super curious – but promise is promise – no, not even a little peek :)))
BUT – if you and Maura are all snuggled up with a yummy glass of wine or martini in your hand then please lean back and enjoy the summery of your amazing and fun Cape Cod engagement shoot. Xoxo!
I don’t even know where to start – in the short time I have been working with Mia and Maura we have become more than clients and photographer – but after endless phone conversations and a great two days in Cape Cod I truly consider these two wonderful people my friends. It all started with a phone call earlier is this – Mia and Maura were looking for a wedding photographer and happened to find and connect with me. Both are very artistic and Mia is full of creative ideas. So I instantly connected with her. Maura was a little quieter yet very delightful and sweet on the phone – we had a really great conversation. Both had been to Italy and so we immediately had a thousand topics to talk about (Yes, I love Italy, have spent a lot of time there and Ivan and I actually got married in Italy). And then Mia blurbed out, that they were planning their honeymoon in Thailand – well – this is where we went for our honeymoon. So crazy. But all this was just the start. When Maura got of the phone and Mia told me their story and how they met and fell in love I was so touched and knew I would simply love to work with the two of them.
Thankfully, they felt the same way and ended up booking me. I am so excited to be capturing their wedding day with them this summer.
Then about three or four weeks ago I received another call from Mia. And in her outgoing and excited way she just said – “hey, we have a crazy idea and we know it might not work – but – would you consider coming to Cape Cod with us for two days and do our engagement photos there?” Well, I didn’t think this was such a crazy thing to do and I actually loved the idea. I never get to go to the Cape but to me it’s a very inspiring place and I love the vibe and beach feel of this place. So please enjoy a little summery of a one of a kind engagement session:
Day 1: West Dennis, Cape Cod, MA and Surroundings:
Got to love the Cape!
We started at the beach. In the middle of the day. In the sun. Not a typical choice to shoot at this time a day. But yes, we had fun and got really great pictures here :)
Thanks to Ivan for not only shooting along site me on this day – but for also being my person shoulder lift :)
Excuse me – how sweet are these two!!?
The clouds looked amazing on this day – and the sun made Mia’s dress really pop out – so pretty!
Time for a little more action.
While I was taking these photos, a jogger passed us saying to me: Wow, this is hot! Well – not much more left to say.
Cuddle time – who doesn’t like to snuggle up and relax in the sun!?
One more – I love this picture!! Look at Mia’s eyes – they shine and are filled with happiness.
After the beach we went on a little quest to find a boardwalk Maura had been too a few years ago. Well, we did not find that specific one – but instead we stumbled across this amazing windy overgrown path – what a little treasure! The photo on the left was captured by the talented Ivan. Such a sweet shot! And it gave me time to go hide and shoot thru some of the tall grass.
If this isn’t true love then I don’t know what is!?
I must be honest – I really love this outfit on Maura – it jut looked so hip and fun and colorful. Good pick, Mia :)
These images are some of my absolute favorite shots from this session – maybe because they are a little silly – but I think these are very happy and powerful images.
All this laughing and walking and shooting had made us very hungry. So we decided it was time for some Fish ‘n Chips at a tiny local hangout.
Besides 4 tables the place had a juke box – and I couldn’t resist but had to get some music going. Before I knew it, Mia and Maura were dancing away in this tiny dark shack – what a moment.
Ivan captured some more intimate moments. I thought those pictures were very emotional and sweet:
The diner next door was the perfect backdrop for the new outfits. Images are by Stefanie and Ivan.
Last stop for the day: Mia and Maura’s favorite ice cream place – Sunday School.
Come back for images of day two in P-town :) Coming soon!
Engaged – Joel and George – Connecticut Wedding Photographer
Before I share these lovely pictures of Noel and George, I have to apologize for not having posted much here in the last weeks. May turned out to be a rather crazy month. My parent were in town from Germany, along with two friends of mine plus our house underwent a larger construction progress which resulted in me having to move my office. Yup – it was quite a month :) Nevertheless, it was also filled with gorgeous weddings and lovely engagement sessions, and I am hoping to share quite a few of these with you in the next couple of days.
I am making a start today with Noel and Joe’s engagement session in Bridgeport, CT. I shot this with my partner Brooke of Brooke Alison Photography in the middle of May. In fact, Noel is the daughter of Brooke’s studio landlord – pretty cool, right?
It was a bit of a rainy day, but Noel and George kept their spirits up and we ended up with some rather glowing light that day. George has served in the Military and Noel wanted us to take this photo with him in his uniform carrying her. I really liked that she brought extra cool shoes for this image – with red soles :) Very nice touch. So Brooke and I happily accommodated her wish and made this picture come true. Also, I am a big fan of Willow Trees and was thrilled when I saw one in the park these two had chosen for their photo shoot. So see for yourself…
More images of weddings and engagements will follow this week :) So check back in.