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Mrs. Martini, New Jersey Age and Occupation: 30, Telecom by day, Superhero by night Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Investments & Finance by day, Hip hop dancer by night Engagement Date: May 24, 2008 Wedding Date: March, 2009 Blogging Since: August 18, 2008 Venue: The Venetian About Me: Things that make me happy: Haribo Happy Cola gummies, TV shows on DVD, buying books although I never read them, 80’s rock ballads, ramen, and of course Mr. Martini! He is the calm, logical and number crunching finance guy. I can’t even multiply double digit numbers in my head and I am so indecisive that trying to choose between light green or slightly lighter green paper stresses me out (Wedding planning is going to be soooo much fun). We both find great joy in nabbing great seats at the movie theater for a blockbuster movie on opening weekend, and we are both absolutely crazy about snowboarding. And he loves to cook, I love to eat!
About Mrs. Martini

I can honestly say it’s funny now, but at the time I was on the verge of tears. I just hate being late to anything, and we were already tight with time. It was also the first time I met our photographers, and because I’ve had no prior experience with something like this, I had no idea what would happen when our two hours were up and our pictures were nowhere near completed. The last thing I wanted was two annoyed, freezing photographers, hating me for wasting their time.

When I did finally get there, our photographers had smiles on their faces, and they didn’t seem mad at all! After I apologized profusely, we chatted for a couple of minutes to get to know each other as we headed to our first location, the Gapstow Bridge. Matthew and Chung are both so easygoing and chatty. I was really nervous, but they made me feel so comfortable. By the time we got to the Bridge, all the stress I was feeling just a few minutes before was starting to dissipate. That was right about the time I pulled my boots out of my bag and realized I forgot my socks, but I was feeling so good that I didn’t even mind all that much. That is, until I stuck my feet into them. Don’t you just hate that feeling, when your bare foot is squeezed into an old and smelly boot? We cracked a few jokes about asking them to take pictures of us waist up only to leave out my ratty boots, and finally began our session, 45 minutes late.

As soon as Matthew and Chung started snapping away, I looked into Mr. Martini’s eyes and my own eyes started to water. He kept saying, “Nooo! You can’t cry! Your nose is going to turn red!” It was so emotional for me because after everything that had been happening with wedding planning and being so constantly busy with the wedding, there was finally a moment when it was just all about Mr. Martini and me. Those first 10 seconds of our session really meant a lot to me. After that, I came to my senses and realized I really didn’t want a red nose in all of our pictures, so I fought to control myself.

As I’ve mentioned, I was very unprepared for this shoot. I didn’t think about any poses I wanted to do, or what types of pictures I wanted. I’ve heard from many people and read on many blogs that when taking engagement pictures, you should be prepared to give the photographers direction, and not to expect them to tell you what to do. I was a little worried about this, but Matthew and Chung gave us plenty of much needed direction! I thought we were pretty much just going to be sitting there staring at the camera smiling, with semi-confused expressions on our faces, but they were very specific about what they wanted us to do, telling us, “Turn your head, look at the flag over there, lean in, right shoulder down, look at each other, and kiss!” I trusted everything they told us to do, and other than constantly mistaking my left from my right (ugh ask all my friends - I seriously have a problem with left and right!), the shoot started off smoothly, and then quickly became a lot of fun. They were very good about letting us be creative when we wanted to, while also taking control when we started to feel lost. Mr. Martini actually surprised me - he constantly made me laugh to ease the tension, and even made Matthew and Chung crack up when he started surprising them with random, crazy faces.

When we went to our second location, we changed in a nearby coffee shop. That’s right about when I noticed that the belt on my dress was broken. The metal latch that holds the belt in place was just no longer there, and the belt would not stay on. Without it, the dress looked super weird. I panicked for a few seconds, then noticed the single safety pin on my backpack, still pinned through the little baggage ticket from my last race. Lucky me! (Sorry L for cursing you that day when you forced me to get up early to run. Everything truly happens for a reason!) I used it to pin the belt in place and headed to our second location, Washington Mews.

After Washington Mews, we weren’t sure where to go, as we really didn’t know of any other areas in the Village, but Matthew and Chung knew exactly where to go. They walked us over to the cutest streets I’ve ever seen, and I even recognized some locations from the Watson Adventures scavenger hunt. Chung saw someone walking a really cute dog, and asked to borrow him for a few minutes for pictures. The four of us got along so well that when we passed by Joe’s Pizza, we got a slice together. We even forced them to experience Beard Papas for the first time. I mean, who hasn’t tried Beard Papas?! (Of course, I say this as if I haven’t tried it for the first time just a couple of months ago). In just a short period of time, we were becoming fast friends. Professionally, they were just absolutely amazing. They didn’t take things too seriously, but were also very focused on getting “that” shot. We were so extremely grateful that our photographers made sure we got everything in, despite the fact that I was running so late. I don’t think I will ever forget that favor. The best part about everything was that we had so much fun. It really was the best day, and I was so excited when our pictures showed up on their blog not long after! Here are just a few of my favorites:

(You scrolled down to see the pictures first, didn’t you?)

All photos below courtesy of Cly Creation

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Curses! My ratty black boots! Otherwise, I love this picture on the Gapstow Bridge.

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This is one of my favorite pictures. There’s so much going on here, but we’re still the focal point of the picture.

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We passed by this saxophone player, and took the opportunity to get some shots.

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In these pictures, we were just told to “pretend to dance”. With no music, we awkwardly swayed back and forth. I’m surprised they came out so well!

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I really, really loved my hair. Dare say it - almost to the point that I no longer want to cut it, and instead get a perm. Hey, I said almost!

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I remember taking this picture because I turned to tell Mr. Martini, “I’m totally sucking in my gut!” He responded, “Oh crap, thanks for reminding me!” I think this picture was taken mid-suck.

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The adorable puppy we stole for a few minutes. How adorable and perfect is this dog? Can you believe that he is not even 6 months old?

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I love this picture too, considering it was totally posed, but we still managed to look so natural.

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It took two tries and a twenty dollar bill to get a taxi to sit long enough for us to take a few shots. But it was totally worth it!

They also made us a little slideshow that showcases even more pictures, and I love every second of it. heart2

How much direction did your engagement photographer give you?  Did you need to be more in charge of the shoot, or did they take care of it?

Tags: , , , |   Link for this post | Share this post: My Engagement Session Part III - The Photos      
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39 Responses to “My Engagement Session Part III - The Photos”

1.
rosychicklet
Hostess
rosychicklet (message)  2,179 posts, Buzzing bee

These came out so great!

 
2.
Vic004
Member
Vic004 (message)  780 posts, Busy bee

oh my gosh I lovvvve your pictures, and your boots do not look ratty at all! Your dress is totally cute too. They are all great and I think your faves are mine as well. Your engagement pics are soo romantic! Even though you had a hectic morning everything came out beautifully!!

 
3.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Spring Roll (message)  718 posts, Busy bee

Great photos!!

 
4.
armybride
Member
armybride (message)  69 posts, Worker bee

These are great! I love the one with the dog

 
5.
peachesandtulips
Member
peachesandtulips (message)  138 posts, Blushing bee

I absolutely LOVE the shot with the puppy and the one of you two standing in the doorways. I know things like this can be stressful but you look gorgeous!

 
6.
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Guest
phruphru

Gorgeous! Where is your dress from? And all those runs have given you some slammin legs! You are really a cute couple.

 
7.
jc4evaluv
Member
jc4evaluv (message)  125 posts, Blushing bee

These came out amazing! I love the black and white one and the one with the saxophone player.

 
8.
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Member
lazybride (message)  64 posts, Worker bee

We came across a puppy, too, in central park so we have a pic with a random puppy too! except i think ours might have been a dog - a beautiful golden retriever. our photog gave us a lot of time…we started past noon til about 5pm…

 
9.
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Member
lazybride (message)  64 posts, Worker bee

oh! and lovely pics - did you decide on which?

 
10.
Ruby Slippers
Member
Ruby Slippers (message)  472 posts, Helper bee

It all worked out so beautifully! Love the pics! And trust me, no one is going to notice your boots. They don’t even look ratty!

 
11.
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Bee
Miss Glitter (message)  874 posts, Busy bee

Oh my goodness, you look BEAUTIFUL!! You two are a dashing couple. I love all of them!

 
12.
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Guest
Diana

I am soo wicked jealous of your shots, they look amazing and it also looked liked you two had a fab time!

 
13.
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Guest
stw

Wow! You are so beautiful! Your hair, make-up is perfect and your dress is so pretty!

 
14.
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Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

I totally hate beinig late to places, too! You got such great shots — an awesome mix of posed and candid :-)

 
15.
Newport Nuptials
Member
Newport Nuptials (message)  1,116 posts, Bumble bee

Your pictures are all adorable :)

 
16.
LatteLove
Hostess
LatteLove (message)  4,029 posts, Honey bee

I wouldn’t have known one thing about your “disasters” had you not told this story. They look GREAT!

 
17.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Crab Cake (message)  816 posts, Busy bee

I love them!

 
18.
creme_de_violet
Member
creme_de_violet (message)  278 posts, Helper bee

Martini your photos are GORGEOUS!!! I love your hair.

 
19.
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Guest
tammi L.

omg those pix are GORGEOUS! i LOVE the outfits you guys chose. i quite concur with you - your hair looks FABULOUS! =)

 
20.
Firefighter_Prazs_Girl
Hostess
Firefighter_Prazs_Girl (message)  819 posts, Busy bee

Okay so yes I did scroll down and see the pictures first. I just couldn’t wait. But I love them! They are so awesome! I love your story and I love the way it all turned out okay!

 
21.
MightySapphire
Hostess
MightySapphire (message)  2,608 posts, Sugar bee

OMG I’ve been reading about how unprepared you were, how stressed and frazzled you were, about your (supposed!) ratty boots and broken belt and I don’t see ANY of that in these photos!! You look pristine, gorgeous, perfect and relaxed!! What a great shoot!

 
22.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Plumeria (message)  250 posts, Helper bee

You look so soo beautiful in all of these! :)

 
23.
purpleHaze79
Member
purpleHaze79 (message)  875 posts, Busy bee

These pictures are wonderful!!

 
24.
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Guest
LoriLori

I agree w/Mighty Sapphire - NO ONE would ever know about your stress before the shoot. Great pics - just beautiful. :-)

 
25.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Sea Breeze (message)  908 posts, Busy bee

The tones are amazing! They’re all beautiful and the doorway one even got a gasp outta me. Love them!

 
26.
Shamrock
Member
Shamrock (message)  60 posts, Worker bee

beautiful pics!!

 
27.
Golden139
Member
Golden139 (message)  337 posts, Helper bee

What great e-pics! Love your scenery. You two make a very cute and photogenic couple :)

 
28.
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Bee
Miss Peep Toe (message)  1,610 posts, Bumble bee

So beautiful!!! So glad it all turned out for the very best!!

 
29.
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Guest
Jesso

gorgeous!!

 
30.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Piglet (message)  629 posts, Busy bee

Your pictures are gorgeous! I’m hoping our photographer will direct us a bit in the beginning for our day after shoot. I’m a klutz and usually end up in awkward stances, which I definitely don’t want captured on film. :)

 
31.
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Guest
Carol

Miss Martini your pictures are beautiful and your story was so touching :) Thanks for sharing.

 
32.
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Member
Mrs. Woody-to-be (message)  73 posts, Worker bee

These look great! They may have been posed, but they SO don’t look like it. This is what I’d like my photos to look like too.

(and don’t worry, NOBODY is going to look at your boots!)

 
33.
frenchbulldog
Bee
frenchbulldog (message)  5,956 posts, Bee Keeper

I am in LOVE with that last photo of you two in the cab! GORGEOUS!

 
34.
LzzNYC
Member
LzzNYC (message)  877 posts, Busy bee

I love love LOVE the pictures! I kinda teared up with you when you were talking about it. Wedding planning has made me such a sap!

 
35.
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Guest
Jessica

What a fun e-session!

 
36.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Espresso (message)  1,057 posts, Bumble bee

These are beautiful! I love the ones of you in the park, in the taxi, in the door… I love them all!

 
37.
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Guest
anji

i LOVE your blue dress!! where did you get it?

 
38.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Martini (message)  245 posts, Helper bee

@anji: aww thanks! the Mr. actually bought it for me at Hugo Boss on the day he proposed! he has better taste than I do…

 
39.
Guest Icon
Guest
Ms. Dollhouse

OMG! I totally saw you guys taking the picture on top of the bridge in Central Park in late February. I was sitting on the opposite side of the bridge (with the skating rink in the background) taking pictures when your photographers suggested that you sit on the bridge, too. Haha, random! Congrats!

 


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Mrs. Martini
Mrs. Martini Mrs. Martini, New Jersey Age and Occupation: 30, Telecom by day, Superhero by night Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Investments & Finance by day, Hip hop dancer by night Engagement Date: May 24, 2008 Wedding Date: March, 2009 Blogging Since: August 18, 2008 Venue: The Venetian About Me: Things that make me happy: Haribo Happy Cola gummies, TV shows on DVD, buying books although I never read them, 80’s rock ballads, ramen, and of course Mr. Martini! He is the calm, logical and number crunching finance guy. I can’t even multiply double digit numbers in my head and I am so indecisive that trying to choose between light green or slightly lighter green paper stresses me out (Wedding planning is going to be soooo much fun). We both find great joy in nabbing great seats at the movie theater for a blockbuster movie on opening weekend, and we are both absolutely crazy about snowboarding. And he loves to cook, I love to eat!
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