Gary + Kara | Engagement

Meet Gary + Kara… soon to be newlyweds come November! I always recommend an engagement session for anyone who can, not only for getting to know your photographer, but it also helps me get to know you better and your natural smiles! 🙂 Gary kept cracking me up all day with his facial expressions. I won’t post the really funny ones Gary! ha ha.

Here we are at the Oliver House near downtown Toledo.

The Oliver House opened in 1859 as Toledo’s only first class hotel. Today there are several restaurants and banquet rental space for parties/events.

One of Kara’s wedding colors is purple. I like how her purse accents this very subtle.

My husband came along again today to be my lighting assistant. Having an assistant allows me to have more options for unique portraits. I really like how Kara & Gary are illuminated against the Oliver House.

There is a neat bar in the basement where we got some really fun shots!

The Oliver House is said to be Toledo’s most haunted spot. Gary & Kara had their first official date here so it was important to catch the “mood.” I lit this shot where the old photographs on the wall look as onlookers to the history of the building, while they are in the midst of the setting. Kara showed me the hallway that mysteriously is chilling when you walk through it. The ladies restroom has also had multiple sightings. I followed behind her and shot a few abstract shots in hopes of “catching” something.

Buckeyes fans! Not that I have a preference… I’m a Clemson Tiger!! However, I have to say Michigan and Ohio just might have a bigger rivalry than Clemson and Gamecocks down south. When I where my Clemson attire to work and their is a local game I normally get comments like, “What, does Clemson have a volleyball game?”

Kara, you are so cute! Love these.

So… I have been begging couples FOREVER to make the trek on the high level bridge for a session. Everyone has turned me down. I was so excited when Kara & Joe said YES… and more importantly… Gary suggested it first!!! Love them!

Just think…. these shots would have never been taken without such an amazing couple that was up for anything!!! (Don’t worry… my husband stayed with our cars.)

Our session came to an end with a twilight picnic.

Thank you Gary & Kara for an super fun session. You guys rock!!! Can’t wait for the wedding. To see more amazing photos go to their GALLERY.