Janine & Matt ~ An Electrifying Engagement!

Today we’re kicking it up a notch, or a few!
Matt and Janine contacted me awhile back and as we chat over a plummy bottle of Malbec, I knew instantly how much fun they were going to be!
Matt and Janine may be polar opposites on many levels, but Oh Wow! When the two of them are together sparks fly!

We started out their engagement shoot in a small park in Boston under the Zakim Bridge. There were two spots where the light was all warm and buttery and
I couldn’t resist all that yummy light streaming right across the two.

You may have noticed the Museum of Science in the Background a few images back.
How could we not include an image of their favorite place to go? In fact they are even members!

So we grabbed our tickets and ventured in! 1st Stop the Butterfly Garden!

Matt is fantastic with all the puzzles all over the wall, he kept hopping anxiously from one to the next – it was difficult to keep up with him until I suggested they have a seat!

Then we came around the corner and the Exhibit was all about LIGHT!!!
Did I just die and go to heaven? My inner geek squealed and it was time to play! Yes, they were just as excited as I was! Wicked Awesome, and it just got even better!
I can’t really tell who had more fun with this shoot. It might be a toss up, but I certainly loved it! We have lights, reflections, mirrors, shiny things, and a gorgeous couple.
They even indulged me and let me play for a few minutes in the Photography Exhibit!

Fun. Fun. Fun!

I love this sequence. I saw the red lights below and I could see it happening before me so I just stood back and let them do their own thing.

And then something Magical happened…

Matt and Janine, Congratulations!
The two of you are so incredibly much fun and complimentary to each other in every way!
I seriously can not wait until your wedding next month!

Michelle & Kevin ~ An Eclectic Tampa Engagement Shoot

I LOVE connecting with people!  This may be part of my addiction to social media!  There is nothing more exciting than learning someone’s story.  The Fotique fan page was created on Facebook a little less than a year ago.  The lovely Michelle was one of the very first people to hit our “like” button!  Since that moment, she has been a regular, welcome contributor and big fan of the studio.  I distinctly remember a post on the page shortly after Christmas, when her relationship status changed to “Engaged”, asking if I knew any really good photographers.  Michelle and Kevin live in the Sunshine State so, with a little creativity and through the wonders of modern technology (Skype! LOVE IT!), we were able to connect & I had the joy to hear their story.  Before I knew it, we were talking about locations and planning their Tampa area engagement shoot!

Michelle is smart, beautiful and worldly.  Her tastes run as free as her energetic spirit.  Kevin is an amazing dad to two wonderful boys and a savvy business man.  He has a genuine character with a ginormous heart.  Individually, Michelle and Kevin each have a unique and special glow sourced from their confidence and originality.  They share fantastic smiles and outgoing interests but when together, they seem to shine even brighter!

We began our session in Ybor City, an eclectic area of Tampa known for its cultural Latin flair and a nightlife where nothing stays still.

Michelle’s location choices were outstanding!
They were so much fun, the colors so vibrant, that it naturally brought out the playful sides of this fantastic couple!

Simply sweet and genuine.  That is Love.

We strolled along the streets, walking and chatting when we came upon the Ritz.
Michelle began to explain the history of the theater turned nightclub, which has now been reclaimed as a theater and function hall.
Unfortunately, the theater was closed but that didn’t stop us from seizing the opportunity to get these shots just out front.

As we made our way Kevin’s favorite location, one he was very excited to get to, I saw these arches.  How could I resist?!?!

Finally we arrived at the Spaghetti Warehouse!
I wasn’t sure if it was the Spaghetti & Meatballs or the eat-in Trolley (both big favorites of Kevin’s) but, after a quick and delicious lunch,
we made sure to step inside the trolley for a few quick images.

With full bellies, we made our way to Downtown Tampa for some sightseeing and images set against some contemporary architecture.

It always makes me smile when walking turns into dancing in the streets…

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and on the boardwalk…

I love the shot on the left!

The Musuem of Contemporary Art served as the perfect backdrop with a gorgeous mural that sparkled with vibrant reflections.

The Boardwalk led us to the Downtown Amphitheater where Michelle and Kevin turned up the heat.
The rest of the shoot rocked with intense architecture, tight squeezes and close, cozy quarters.