Courtney & Miguel: La Dolce Vita Engagement Shoot

I'm not going to lie, I did a little dance when I discovered this engagement shoot by Connecticut/New York-based photographer Natasha Montero in my inbox.  One the things I love most about this job is getting to witness the incredible creativity demonstrated by couples, photographers, and everyone else involved.  This one is no exception, featuring the couple in a Fellini-inspired shoot based on his 1960 film, La Dolce Vita. I love everything about these photos- from the inspiration (you all know how much I love the 1960's!) to the genuine sensuality between the couple, and I'm so thrilled to be able to share it with all of you.  Here is what Natasha had to say:

Courtney and Miguel are planning a 2011 wedding in Connecticut, plus a honeymoon trip to Italy, so we shot an e-session shoot focused around the 1960's Italian film "La Dolce Vita" and it’s most famous scenes. With that being said, their plans may be put on hold for a bit as Miguel is currently stationed with the Army in Afghanistan. With the help of their wedding planner, we thought it would be fun to temporarily bring “Fellini’s Italy” to them for their engagement session while Miguel was home on leave for two weeks. We styled the shoot as mod, retro, and vintage as possible as an ode to the film. Plus, Courtney looks strikingly similar to Anita Ekberg, the films iconic star, which was an awesome coincidence!

We tried to capture the essence of Italy, and the vintage feel of the 60's, even though we happened to be shooting in classical New England. We had Italian pastries, espressos, Italian newspapers, and we even borrowed an old Alpha Romeo convertible! Nothing screams “love” more to us than cannoli, black ray-bans, skinny ties and Italian sports cars!

Kellie & Dave: Autumn Apple Orchard Engagement Shoot

Kellie and Dave were recently engaged in July at his family's cabin in Wisconsin after dating for 3 1/2 years.  Their photographer, Ashley, attended Augustana College with Dave and they knew she would be a perfect fit for their engagement shoot and wedding.  Since they are planning on a October 2011 wedding, they chose to do the shoot at Jonamac Apple Orchard in Malta, Illinois in order to stay consistent with their autumn theme.  The orchard provided a variety of backdrops including a pumpkin patch, cornfield, and, of course, an apple orchard.  Since it had rained the night before, the location was really muddy and by the end the couple was covered in it!  Can't wait to feature their wedding next fall and see what gorgeous, creative photos Ashley and the couple create!

Carley & Jordan Part I: Minneapolis Engagement Shoot

Brooke Ringdahl of  ta'rooke photography, based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, submitted this engagement shoot to The Ethereal Bride and I'm so excited because it's adorable!  According to Brooke, the couple met when they were kids and they are high school sweethearts.  They love to read together and that was the main inspiration for the shoot, which took place inside of the Minneapolis Public Library.  Brooke was so "excited to be heading to the library that day to utilize books for backdrops and scour the shelves for Romeo and Juliet to incorporate into their shoot."  The second portion of the shoot took place outside in a nearby park, creating a countryside feel, where Carley wore a vintage dress and her mom's shoes.  Take a look...

Kirsten & Dave: Massachusetts Lake House Engagement

Julie & Marshal: The Most Adorable Photo Shoot/Proposal EVER!

So I received an email from Chi Pritchard of Chi Photography this week submitting a photo session and was so thrilled when I saw that, not only were the photos lovely, the story behind them was so freaking cute!

Ok, so here's the story: Marshal is in the military and is being transferred to Florida from Charleston, South Carolina.  His girlfriend, Julie, quit her nursing job in order to go with him.  Since they were leaving the Charleston area, they wanted to have a professional photo session in order to remember their time there.  Marshal then called Chi and told her he wanted to surprise Julie and propose to her during the photo shoot!  I know, it's adorable.  They began the shoot at Waterfront Park with their cute dog, Ries, in tow, and worked their way towards the Battery with a quick stop at their apartment for a clothing change (and so Marshal could pick up the ring). They then walked down to White Point Gardens, where he got down on one knee, proposed, and (as you can see in the photos) she said YES!  Congrats Marshal and Julie and best of luck!!

Neil & Natalie Part I: Engagement Photos, Chicago-style

Neil and Natalie were married September 25, 2009 and currently reside in Chicago's western suburbs with their two dogs, Milo and Diesel.  Stay tuned for the second part of this post, featuring photos from their gorgeous wedding!

Bride and Groom: Neil and Natalie

Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois

Engaged: January 2008

Date of photo shoot: August 2009

Photographer: Joshua Albanese Photography located in Chicago, Illinois

-Alessandra