Casey and Jesse’s Engagement Photos at Alyson’s Orchard
Every photo shoot – whether an engagement or wedding – is memorable for me. Since my approach is to get to know my couple and their story first, I tend to remember each couple by either something unique about them or something that happened during our session. I could remember them by how much fun we had as we got to know each other during the drinks and snacks or even dinner before the shoot, or I could remember them by a quirky proposal story; there are so many things that make each session special for me. However, sometimes, nature likes to play its part in making a shoot memorable too!
Casey and Jesse were one of the sweetest couples I got the chance to photograph. And perhaps it was that, or we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time that we ended up getting attacked by a bunch of bees at Alyson’s Orchard. This was definitely a shoot I will never forget, and the image of the three of us just running for our lives will remain etched in my memory forever. Thankfully my bride and groom-to-be didn’t get hurt, and we still ended up getting some lovely engagement photos. Even after this incident, if given a chance, I would go back to shoot at Alyson’s Orchard any day, any time! It’s a beautiful location for engagement photos, especially during springtime. But make sure you keep the weather in mind and remember: Do not disturb nature.
Meet Casey and Jesse
A modern-day love story, Casey, an occupational therapist, and Jesse, a second-grade teacher, met on Hinge, a dating app. For their first date, they went to a cidery in Salem called Far From the Tree. Jesse ordered a normal cider, and unknowingly, Casey ended up ordering a hot spiked cider. They both had a laugh and a great first date. They stayed there for far too long, and Jesse asked Casey on a second date on the first date. And seeing how great their first date was going (despite the cider mishap), she said yes! Their story, to me, sounded like they have been making each other laugh ever since they met – with or without a camera pointing at them.
For the proposal, Jesse had everything planned according to their own style of perfection. Casey came home to a spotless apartment from a long day at a continuing education seminar for her job to find her favorite wine and sushi sitting on a candlelit table. True to her style, as soon as she got home, she went into the bedroom to change into PJs. Jesse knew that this would be her first step, so he left a handwritten note on the bed. Once Casey read it, she walked into the dining room where Jesse was down on one knee. And true to his style, Jesse opened the ring box upside down, which made them laugh! After the two had been dating for a while, Jesse’s father offered Jesse’s late mother’s engagement diamond for the engagement ring. Jesse had it reset for Casey, and that’s what he gave to her at their home that day.
I admire these little quirks that Casey and Jesse have. Even when things take a wrong turn, they seem to be able to know how to make the best of it, that too, with laughter! Speaking of wrong turns, let’s talk about their engagement session.
Casey and Jesse’s Engagement Session
As I said before, I will never forget this session. Full disclosure, I, as the photographer, felt horrible about whatever happened during the engagement session, but it also showed me how these two will stick together through a crisis. It was a gorgeous day, and when we reached the Orchard, we were enjoying the lovely weather and beautiful scenery while getting some incredible photos. Then… well… then we disturbed a beehive, or two. It was so unexpected. We ended up running, screaming, and trying to escape the swarm… which wasn’t entirely successful.
We got chased and attacked by the bees, and thankfully, my couple wasn’t stung, but the bees got me. It probably took a good 5-6 minutes for the bees to finally start backing off. But I was so glad that all of this happened at the end of the session. Can you even imagine what it would have been like had we been chased and attacked right in the middle of it? The whole romantic and fun vibe of the session would have ended in seconds. Besides the bees’ timing, I was also thankful to Casey and Jesse for being such good sports! And surprisingly, nobody was allergic to bees! In a way, we did avert a crisis. I am a fan of finding silver linings!
Advice from an experienced pro: When photographing outdoors, be extremely mindful of who you might disturb. Despite everything that happened, I still had a wonderful time photographing this amazing couple. In the end, it’s all about the memories! Both parties got a crazy story to tell out of this engagement session.
New Hampshire Engagement Photography
Casey and Jesse, thank you for being a part of one of the most memorable engagement sessions I think I will ever have. This will probably top the list of the fun and mildly scary stories I will tell my friends, family, and even future couples! I can’t thank you enough for being so kind and sweet and for how you handled the whole situation. It was great to be on the same team! I hope you will remember this session like I do! I wish you both all the best and hope you keep making each other laugh through life together.
If you too want to book your engagement session with me, you can drop me a mail at kristen@klenoxphoto.com. To see more of my work, you can check out my Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest or visit my website.
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