People in love before they put on wedding gear = win!

Aaron’s Picks:

I love weddings but engagements are by far my favorite group. Nothing beats photoshoots without limits and most weddings just don’t fit in that category. It’s also one of the hardest to narrow down. I could have easily done a top 100, but here’s 10.

#1.

Heather’s Picks:

I somehow managed to pluck 10 images out of nearly 800 sitting in our “Engagement favorites 2009” folder (true story). That deserves a reward!

Some highlights:

While the “gun” shot didn’t make it very high in the final ranking, I absolutely love to watch people’s reaction to this image! It totally captures the fact that we’ll do anything that’s personal for an e-session.

The cigar pic – UGH! I really regret that I couldn’t be there to shoot Alyson and Eric’s e-session. So jealous of this image!

I’m calling the Colorado picks a tie because they’re equally awesome. Travel e-sessions may be our true calling.

And topping the list: the only e-session we’ve ever shot at our house with two of the most fun-loving people on the planet. The backyard water games may not have been Rob and Stef’s idea, but they embraced it … and rocked it. Enough said.  

#1.

It’s been a few weeks since we closed the books on 2009, but it’s still fresh in our mind. We decided a few years ago to recap the closing year with a Best of series from everything we shot. It’s always and interesting and a much debated topic in the Hawes household. While Aaron and I agree on many things, our favorite images from a given year are not in that category. We’ll give you an overview of our thoughts for each category, but you want the real low down ask in person sometime.

Now to the good stuff! We’re bringing you around 10 of our favorite images in 8 categories: best of the rest, e-sessions, getting ready, ceremony, details, reception, wedding party and the couple.

So stay tuned!

Oh and feel free to leave comments agreeing with any of my picks. If you happen to agree with Aaron, feel free to keep that to yourself…

Aaron’s Picks:

I love “the rest” because it encapsulates well… everything besides our wedding couples. Getting outside weddings is a joy as I really love anything involving portraiture. Much like Heather I’ll have an order to the rest of this series but not today, how do you compare oranges to pears? Enjoy my favs, which much to Heather’s dismay, are waaaaaay better than hers. You know it and I know it… enough said.

Heather’s Picks:

Best of the rest is such a mixed bag: seniors, boudoir, models, lifestyle and <you> session shots. It’s not like we’re comparing apples to apples here. So my picks tended to be fall into what captures that type of session the best. So you’ll see that I think boudoir can be super sexy without showing a lot skin. You’ll see the some family moments are simple and priceless. And you’ll see that seniors are a strange combo of coolness and vulnerability. Also, unlike other categories, I’m not ranking these.

By far our favorite part of the wedding day is working with our couples. We love the unique dynamic between each and we do our best to capture that. These ”best” images are a good sampling but we could probably pick one from each wedding that would fit in this category. For an explanation of the Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s picks: 

I really love this category. This is why we do what we do. The time we get to spend with a couple making art is priceless – there is always an emphasis on emotion and creativity. These are in no particular order because it was hard enough narrowing it down to just six.

Beth absolutely glowed the entire day so it was hard to get a bad picture. I love the emotion here. It’s simple but it captures what we try for.

 In general I love when the light plays, especially downtown. When that happens awesomeness ensues.

I’m constantly amazed about how many comments we get on this image. Let’s just get this out of the way – No, I would not ask most people to do this and there is very little posing. If you normally make funny faces then I will take your picture doing it. Simple as that.

I really love this image – actually the whole set from this shoot, but we can only post one right? It just feels like no one else is there … and sexy…

 Not much to say here. I just love it – everything about it.

I’ve loved this shot from the beginning. Just honest and fun.

Heather’s picks:

Oh “couple” category – you are so hard! We have a connection with all of our couples and I fall in love with images from every wedding. It was tough to choose, but I narrowed it down to 6. Like Aaron, I’d say a lot of these are interchangable.

This one however is not. This is the BEST couple shot of the year. I love it for the simplicity and the honesty. This one shot sums up Beth and Chris on their wedding day. They were beautiful to photograph.

Moving from beautiful to smokin’ hot! I can’t get enough of Blaine and Anna! I could have picked a dozen shots from their set. I love this one because it captures Blaine’s laid-back attitude and Anna’s smoldering personality (and looks).

This image is a show stopper. Literally! People at bridal shows will stop and point out this image. It’s so incredibly different and fun, but that sums up Michael and Ashley. They are genuine, goofy and all-around great. Ditto for the image.

I think Kelly and Jason have garnered the most spots in my best of the best.  Aaron of course argued with this choice, but I love it. Kelly is stunning and Jason is his usual fun, laid back self – sure he’ll “drive” a boat, no problem. Love the light. Love the editing.

This image really sums up our true art philosophy. This really captures Kyle and Laura. I think it’s beautiful.

Following the theme – I think this image is a perfect capture of Sarah and Keith’s quiet devotion to each other, with a nice artistic spin from Aaron.  

Next up – Best of the Best – that’s right we’re narrowing the whole year down to a few images. Wish us luck!

You may have missed – E-sessions, Getting Ready, Ceremony, Details, Reception, Solo Portraits, and Wedding Party.

Weddings are a celebration and it wouldn’t be complete with out your best friends. So we like to include them in some fun pictures! For an explanation of Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s picks:

Talk about summing up everything we want from a wedding in one picture! There is honestly not much I would change about this. I really think it speaks for itself so I’m not going to over do it. Enjoy!

Trying to describe why I liket his image mostly comes down to one thing: Impact. Unusual, fun, it really just grabs you. We always love images that are taken in a really popular location but feel completely different. Do you know where this is?

This is a little more traditional than I would usually choose for BOTB, but it strikes me. I love the separation between the bride and the party. Not only does it feel like she’s popping out of the image, the wedding party is in their own little world. I guess that actually makes it pretty untraditional, huh?

I absolutely love the color and intensity in this image. The light really pulls your eyes through the image and the texture gives it some great depth. I just like it ok!

Heather’s picks:

I love this image! It’s captivating and it took real vision to create it. There’s not much more to say – it’s fantastic!

I love this image for a number of reasons. It’s one I had been thinking of and this porch was the perfect opportunity. We said “do the Top Model thing” and the results were excellent. I also think this image really captures the personality of each woman in it – a rare feat in a wedding party picture. Plus this image gets mentioned frequently in our consultations. There’s something in it that our brides identify with – maybe it’s a woman thing.

I really can’t say why I like this shot. I just think it embodies “cool” and is so different from any other wedding party pic I’ve seen.

This is a shot with great story. As Aaron started to lead the guys to this field, a concerned neighbor told us that there was a really nice park down the street if we wanted to shoot there. Aaron thanked him and kept walking. This image made believers out of all the guys – and for good reason. It’s a great ”bad ass” shot. I also love the powerlines and the sky. Gorgeous!

SNEAK PEEK! We haven’t even blogged Stephanie and Mark’s wedding but that didn’t keep them from making the list. This image is amazing. I absolutely love the glow from the lights and how Stephanie and Mark are cuddling. I’d have to give them the award for cutest couple of the year and their pictures really reflect that. More on that later …

Next up – The Couple!

You may have missed – E-sessions, Getting Ready, Ceremony, Details, Reception, and Solo Portraits

Just a few of our favorite solo shots of our ’08 brides and grooms. For an explanation of Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s picks:

One of the many things I love about shooting regular people is how some of them just turn it on in front of the camera. Most people don’t have their pictures taken professionally very often so they have to make the most of it when they do. Well, Anna certainly did that. She worked the corner of a crappy alley like there was no tomorrow. I really love everything about this image – expression, texture – it all works.

I absolutely love Trash the Dress sessions and Kim’s use of “Top Model” skills made this one of my all time favorites. For me there is nothing better than a bride in trash – I suppose there is something wrong with me after all…

Simple and fun rules this set. They both look wonderful and the green rocks! Not much more to say – I love images that you can’t help but love.

Another simple image, but I love the serenity that Kindra has here. It was actually a blink, but it feels so natural.

Bringing back the fun – Watching Mark skate around the rink, I knew we had to try this shot. It’s a good thing I trust him, because I was so close I got covered in ice. I’m very glad he can stop.

Heather’s picks:

We were ONE frame away from choosing the same top image for this category. Anna was absolutely stunning and she worked like a professional model. I could have picked a whole set of images from this corner. The reason this one stood out is because I love her expression. 

We had SO much fun with Duke and Jessica on their wedding day and this set really sums it up. I love their natural smiles and they pop on the green background!

Apparently there were many fairytale moments in Kelly’s wedding. She topped my list for reception shots and she’s on here again for her fresh style and relaxed look. This red house was the perfect backdrop for her and the editing is fantastic!

I love the serenity in this image and the editing. It’s such a simple shot that was turned into a gorgeous piece of art. I think it captures a beatiful, contemplative moment that most brides have at some point in their day.

Next up – Wedding Party!

You may have missed – E-sessions, Getting Ready, Ceremony, Details, and Reception.

Guests come to a wedding for one reason… the party. Here’s a few of our random, but favs of 2008. For an explanation of Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s Picks

Unlike other parts of the whole wedding experience where I choose my favorites on a combination of technical quality and impact when it comes to the reception I just want to see something fun. That’s really what the reception is about anyway.

So like I said above we start with a bang. This is certainly not the most perfect image you’ll ever see but super fun. I also love it because I saw this shot comming. I had the camera up waiting for him to turn around and as soon as he did… click… immortalized.

Again, not a perfect image by any stretch. That funky thing to the right of the bride is actually me, or my whale tail (I know it sounds funny). The bouquet toss is so crazy and fun, I think this captures that.

Again, more fun. Toasts can really fun the gamut and poor Amy was subjects to more than a roast than toast. It really was hilarious. Amy, at least you don’t look like a boy now

Heather’s Picks 

Be still my heart! I LOVE this image! It’s everything a first dance should be (and the perfect capture to boot). There are moments that every little girl dreams about – fairytale type moments where the room melts away and it’s just you and your one true love. Yeah, I know, it’s sappy. But it’s true! This is one of those moments for me. This is love.

This is also a fairytale image, but I’d say it’s more classic. It’s a gorgeous bride in a beautiful, choreographed dance with her prince. It’s pure sophistication.

And the award for Best Pre-Garter Removal Dance goes to Derek! This was the most over the top, hilarious thing we saw at a reception this year. I was almost in tears from laughing so hard as Derek circled and danced and danced and circled his thoroughly confused bride. Shake it white guy!!

Next up – Brides & Grooms Solo!

You may have missed – E-sessions, Getting Ready, Ceremony, and Details

They say the devil is in the details and when you’re planning a wedding it’s more true than ever. Couples pick everything from the perfect shade of blue to delicious favors for their guests. So here’s what we consider the best captures from all the details we witnessed in 2008. For an explanation of Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s picks: 

Okay, so I usually have an affinity for the elaborate. That being said, sometimes simple is best and this is definitely one of those times. Simple, beautiful, wonderful … I love it.

So simple may just be the theme for this category, but this time let’s add a little abstract. Just in case you can’t figure it out these are upside-down wine glasses at the bar. I really just like the depth and wonderful lines that leave you feeling a bit lost.

We really have an odd relationship with food at weddings. It’s often a work of art in itself, but we seldom eat it. Ususually we’re just too busy running around to worry about it. Besides that it’s somewhat of a tradition for us to pick up Chinese food on the way home. Anyways, this is probably my fav food shot of the year – fun plating and great lines to boot.

Sometimes I wonder why this is one of my favorites and yet I always come back to it, so now it’s on the list. Deal with it.

I didn’t really feel right not having a ring shot so this just slipped in the end. We have tons of great ring shots from the year, but the light makes this jump out at me.

Heather’s picks:

I absolutely love the details at the weddings so this is one of my hardest categories to choose for! I love how they set the tone for the day and pull everything together. Plus I know what it feels like to hem and haw over which shade of pink rose would make the best centerpiece. Yeah, I’ve been there.

Aaron and I almost agreed on our favorite pick, but this one edged out the bouquet because of the reaction it gets from people. There’s something so simple about this picture and I think people identify with that. And it’s a little tongue-in-cheek nod to the passion of a wedding – it just wouldn’t be the same on the “cold” faucet.

That being said, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture. Sitting here now, I almost feel bad that it got the silver – but I’m sticking to my choice. Not only is this bouquet amazing on it’s own, the photography treatment is perfect!

Unlike Aaron, I know why I love this picture – it’s simple but also has amazing depth. I notice the gorgeous name cards and then I’m drawn past that into the reception hall itself and that’s exactly where I want to go!

There are times when you’re shooting and you just know you nailed a shot. When the chef pulled me into the kitchen to shoot these desserts I was in heaven! Great light, beautifully staged desserts and rows and rows of them! This picture makes my mouth water!

If I could give an award for best details as a whole at a wedding, Michael and Ashley would win easily. The centerpieces at their reception were various succulents potted in an array of cigar boxes. Touches of orange, candles and tissue paper balls strung from the ceiling of the the Berg Event Space created an inviting and fun atmosphere!

I think this picture perfectly captures the decadence of a wedding. I love the attention to detail that Kindra gave to every part of her day and the cast of gorgeous yellow light from the chandelier is the perfect accent. Plus this has to be my favorite cake – possibly ever!

Next up – Reception!

You may have missed – E-sessions, Getting Ready and Ceremony

It’s time for the main event - we now pronounce our best of the best. For an explanation of Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s picks: 

I’ll be honest, although the ceremony is the most important part of the entire wedding day it always presents the most problems for me. We have that constant internal conflict of how intrusive do we be, how can we be different, etc. The simple fact is that with the millions of wedding ceremonies that have been shot over the years it’s very difficult to be original.  In the end it’s always magical and special, we really feel fortunate to be part of so many beautiful moments.

All the difficulties I mentioned earlier are why I love this image. Simply a beautiful capture at a beautiful moment.

Nothing is better than the genuine emotion that brings tears. I could honestly fill this list with crying mothers… and be happy about it.

This is actually my favorite moment of the ceremony, as the father brings the bride down the aisle – so many thoughts running through both minds. I really think this image tells both stories. 

 Like I said… I love this part. This just happens to be that gorgeous.

Heather’s picks

This picture for me is all about the raw emotion. All involved are trying to hold it together and Kerrie isn’t doing a great job. I love it because anyone who has been married has this moment – this “Oh my god - this is real – I’m getting married”.  I also love that she’s made it down the aisle and there are very few people who even have this vantage point. It adds a bit of “stolen moment” feel. 

We love anything out of the ordinary – even priests stepping into the aisle and away from the couple to give a blessing. I think this is beautifully shot and edited.

This image elevates the ceremony to art. It’s something we’re always striving for but we can be handicapped by our respect for this part of the day. This is just a beautiful image.

Next up – Details!

You may have missed – E-sessions and Getting Ready

Round two of our Best of the Best series finds our couples (mostly our brides) getting ready on their big day! For an explanation of Best of the Best, click here.

Aaron’s picks:

In general, looking over the getting ready images for this year was really fun for me because it’s a chance to highlight Heather’s work. It’s not that I don’t shoot this part, it’s that the girls get to do so much more of it … and Heather enjoys it a lot more than I do. You’ll mostly see my work in the other categories, but this category is definitely her show! 

This is one of my favorite shots of the entire year. I loved it from the moment it came up on screen. Just about perfect in my opinion. 

I love this shot for pure fun factor. We worked Kenzie so hard before the ceremony, she was around for all of the creative time. By the time the ceremony came around she as ready to sleep … even after she got on stage.

Not a lot of words here – just gorgeous!

I love images that tell a story all by themselves. For me this shows the wonderful, nervous jitters before seeing the person you’re about to marry for the first time on your wedding day.

I’ll be honest. I can almost always articulate what I love about an image. This is not one of those times. It’s just one of those random, candid moments … and I love it.

Heather’s picks:

Aaron and I actually overlappped in the getting ready category and this is extremely rare as you’ll see. I think it’s because there were a few images that really floated to the top of the pile. They are gorgeous examples of what it feels like to prepare for the biggest day in your life. I think I’m drawn to the getting ready part of the day because it’s not just about putting on makeup or a dress – it’s about friends and family coming together to help a bride. It’s tender, it’s filled with trust and it’s usually a lot of fun!

The fate of this picture was sealed a few months ago at Aaron’s Professional Photographers Assocation meeting. He grabbed a bunch of images to review as possible entries in an upcoming print competition. When this flashed on the screen, a handful of photographers gasped. What more can I say.

Prior to the PPA gasp, this would have been my favorite image. It’s one we both love (and another that we see each day in our studio). Samantha was a dream to photograph. She is strikingly gorgeous and honestly I could have picked a few favorites from her getting ready shots alone.  

I LOVE Annie’s eyes in this picture! It’s that simple for me. Just stunning!

Next up – Ceremony!

You may have missed – E-sessions

Another fantastic year in the books and we’re so thankful for everyone we met and photographed in 2008. As always, our style continues to evolve and we fall in love with new images after each shoot.

What is best of the best:

We like to take our winter down time to reflect and show you our “best of the best”. This is actually one of the hardest things we do all year. How do you encapsulate an entire year in three (or four or five) images? We’re sure going to try! We have 9 categories (engagement, getting ready, ceremony, details, reception, bride and groom – solo portraits, wedding party, couple, and best overall) and we’ll work to post one or so a week, so be sure to check back often. If you found yourself in front of our camera in 2008, you should definitely keep watch! Feel free to leave comments and let us know if we left out one of your favorites!

First up – Engagement sessions!

Aaron’s picks:

Hands down, don’t even question … this is by far my favorite e-session pic of the year. I really wouldn’t change anything about it – it was taken in my fav area to shoot with one of my all time fav couples. The depth, the emotion … there’s a reason it’s a 40×60 in our studio … believe it!

As clear as the first pic was in the #1 spot – this was clearly #2. It’s another near perfect in my own mind. It was such a gross, drizzly day and poor Carl is as bad as I am about having pictures taken. Beyond that I love the feeling of seclusion mixed with intamacy at the same time. The pink umbrella just finishes it off.

This is one of my faves for many of the same reasons as the one above … seclusion, intamacy … are you sensing a trend? This image also speaks to me because of the subtle emotion in Anna’s expression and simply how much they rock a fashion look.

Okay, so this might be cheating a little. Either one of these separately is no big deal, but together I love it! So the back story is Beth has a pretty ridiculous forced frown and Chuck doesn’t  … they compared and these are the results. Pure emotion and fun – it’s as simple as that!

Heather’s picks:

Aaron and I never pick together – maybe it’s part of our independent nature or just that we never agree on the “best” images. When I told him this was my favorite he immediately started talking about the quality of the picture. I’m just going to put it out there: I don’t pick based on that. Look at this image! How could you not love it!? It makes me laugh and smile – everytime I look at it. Even now. This is life and love - pure and simple.

 I LOVE kissing pictures, especially during an engagement session. Think about it – you are so in love with this person and you can’t wait to get married. It’s natural and intimate and always different. Chuck and Beth won a spot on my list because I particularly love the “just before kiss” shot – the anticipation….

I broke the kissing theme with Kelly and Jason, but I just like this image. I think it’s so cool and fashion. Kelly and Jason are that super cool – always put together and completely loveable - couple, and it’s totally captured here.

Next up – Getting Ready!