This beautiful family came all the way from Indiana for their Florida vacation and they specifically didn’t want a beach session. I love it when I get to do something a little different!
They were staying in Bonita Springs and it was the perfect opportunity for me to try a new location, Depot Park. I had scouted it earlier that week and instantly fell in love with the stunning green background filled with live oaks (my favorite tree). And the light coming in through the leaves was everything.
Depot Park: A Hidden Green Gem in Bonita Springs
When Toddlers Have Other Plans (And That’s Okay)
We moved fast at the start, full family, then the grandparents with their grandbabies. And I’m glad we did because that’s about when the toddlers decided they weren’t interested. New place, lots of adults, everyone asking them to smile. It’s a lot when you’re one and a half.
When we hit that wall, I asked the parents for permission to bring out my secret weapon: a bubble blower shaped like a camera! The adults thought it was hilarious and the kids were mesmerized. I tried to hide the bubble blower in the pics when I could, but with the family’s blessing it is in some of the photos haha! The bubbles really saved the day and add a magic touch to the kid’s pictures.
We ended the session at the playground letting the kids go down the slide with their parents and just be themselves. No pressure, just movement and laughter.
Despite a little crankiness (which is completely normal at this age), they really did amazing tolerating us grown ups for an hour! We still captured every combination: full family, grandparents, individual families, and the sweet in-between moments.
Family sessions aren’t about perfect behavior. They’re about documenting this season exactly as it is, and sometimes that means bubble bribery.
If you’re looking for a Bonita Springs family photographer, I’d love to plan a session with you! You can reach out here.
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Edgar reached out to me in late December with an exciting mission: planning the perfect proposal for Jacqueline. He was already thinking of all the details: scheduling photo time at the Naples Botanical Garden, inviting their family to to be a part of it, ordering her gorgeous dress, and even planning for a scouting session.
A scouting day is very important for proposals, it makes sure everything goes smoothly. As a proposal photographer, I use a scouting day to explore the location, check the lighting, and prepare my clients to be in exactly the right position. Edgar and I met on the Saturday before the proposal to test the light and choose his favorite spot, and wow did we find it!
We landed on this stunning flower tunnel, and it was an amazing choice! I don’t know if we could have found a better spot for their Naples Botanical Garden proposal. Don’t they look like they stepped into in a magical secret garden?
On proposal day as I was driving to Naples, I went through some light rain and started to get a little nervous. Would we have to hide under cover and wait for showers to pass? I parked and walked through the rain soaked entrance to get in position for the proposal. Although the ground was wet, the rain had stopped completely. Edgar and Jaqueline were lucky to get cloudy skies!
Thanks to our scouting session, we also found another area with incredible light, and flowers surrounding a waterfall and stream. After the proposal we captured even more gorgeous engagement photos.
Planning a Naples Botanical Garden proposal, or any Southwest Florida engagement session? I’d love to help you plan and capture every detail, you can contact me here.
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I thought I may have been dreaming when Tim reached out asking me to capture his proposal on a sailboat. But it was true! Still too good to actually happen though. As we set out for our evening at sea, the weather turned for the worst and our captain took us safely back to shore. Since we were 5 minutes from my favorite spot on Fort Myers Beach, we decided to carry on until the rain overcame us. It never did, but I’m glad the captain played it safe!
Their sailboat would set sail another day for their private engagement celebration. No big deal, because Tim’s proposal on Fort Myers Beach turned out better than we dreamed of. Due to the storm clouds we were graced with soft light and one of the best sunsets.
When Tim inquired I gave him some options to explain my presence and keep the proposal a secret. Some couples choose a “just because” photo session and surprise with the proposal in the middle, while others prefer me to hide until the big moment. However he admitted he couldn’t keep a secret, Claudia would just know!
So although the proposal wasn’t exactly a surprise, Claudia was delighted to see the ring for the first time. He also brought his ukulele and she was emotional as he serenaded her with a song they love. Proposals like theirs are why I love being a Fort Myers Beach proposal photographer. Tim had put so much thought into planning this moment: the sailboat, a homemade packed dinner, and bringing along his ukulele for a song that meant the world to her. Every story is different, but the love and care always shines through.
If you’re ready to plan your own proposal, let’s create a story that’s true to you. I’ll help with the details so you can focus on popping the question. Contact me here.
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