Showing posts with label Couple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Couple. Show all posts

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Jennifer & Joe | Family Portrait Photographer | Norman, OK | George M. Sutton Wilderness Park | Michelle Valantine Photography


For her birthday, she wanted family pictures.  They've been married almost a year, and he shared with me, "I thought it was really cool how she ordered her meal on one of our first dates.  She asked the waiter for 'a taco salad without the salad.'  I knew then she was the girl for me.  How cool is that?  I never knew you could order that!"

She chimed in, "Yeah!  You get way more meat and cheese that way!  Hold the lettuce!"

I asked them the best thing about being married:
Jennifer:  enjoying trust and safety
Joe:  I never have to miss her anymore.  She is right here.
















I asked the couple to describe their perfect day:
Jennifer:  I would wake up to beautiful 70° weather and drink my coffee on the patio enjoying the gentle morning breeze.  After it warmed up, I'd take a dip in the pool, and then a much enjoyed nap.  Later that night, we'd eat at Crab Town, after which we'd go catch a baseball game, either the OKC Dodgers or my son, Jackson's team, with Joe coaching.  I'd treat myself to a hot dog and wild cherry Pepsi.

Joe:  I'd wake up and enjoy a quiet morning taking my bike for a 20-mile ride, the wind at my back and no bugs!  Afterwards, I'd join Jennifer for that nap, and dinner at Crab Town.  I'd also enjoy the baseball game indoors, where it is air conditioned!

How did you meet?
Jennifer:  We met on the internet.  When I showed up at Starbucks for our first meeting, I accidentally pulled into the parking lot a little fast and almost took Joe out by mistake as he was getting out of his car.  I could tell he was mad.  But when he realized I was the person he was meeting, he quickly forgave me.

What did you think, Joe, when you saw her?
Joe:  Wow.
Jennifer:  He told me I was as cute as a kitten.  To this day, he calls me "kitten."

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Shelby & Chad | Gender Reveal Mini Session | Tuttle, OK Portrait Photographer | Michelle Valantine Photography

When I received Shelby and Chad's request to photograph a gender reveal using the trunks of two cars, my curiosity shot WAY up!  What?  Trunks?  Cars?  How exactly is this going to unfold???  

Here was the plan:  
  1. Shelby has sonogram that reveals baby's gender
  2. Technician keeps secret by putting news in envelope
  3. Shelby gives envelope to her friend, Traci
  4. Traci opens envelope <squeal!> and buys appropriate colored balloons
  5. Traci takes balloons to Allen & Deann King, owners of Hers/His mustangs (detailed in pink and blue)
  6. Kings host party and make sure to invite Shelby and Chad 
  7. Kings park cars and load the appropriate trunk with secret balloons that will float up when the trunk is lifted to reveal baby's gender
  8. My mom and I arrive to capture it all!

The cars are parked, and tucked inside one of the trunks is the bouquet of balloons.  Ohhhh, the suspense!

 Shelby and Chad get in position with their daughter..  Each one poised and ready to lift a trunk.  The crowd closes in, and the countdown begins, 
"3.......2.......1........Open!"

Wow!  I see a BLUE balloon!  Wow!  Do you see it???  
That means...

 It's a BOY!!!

 Oh the joy!  A boy!

 Those smiles!

A brother was her hope! 

 Relishing the news.

The crowd.  Allen King (driver of His car) is holding the balloons.  Deann King (driver of Her car) is to his right.   Shelby, Chad and daughter are in the middle, with friend, Traci, to her right.

A moment of reality and overwhelm hit:  a BOY!

Chad comforting his wife and making her laugh.  He is quite enjoying this news!  

 
 They banter, "Now we will get to decorate the nursery in a race track theme!"

"Let's DO this!"  

And there you go.  Almost as soon as it began, the reveal was over.  Both parents-to-be beaming with excitement.  Dreams of snips and snails and puppy dog tails (because that's what little boys are made of) landing in their hearts.  Guests congratulating and sharing in their excitement.  What an adventure!  Thank you for sharing in your journey with us!

Special thanks to the Kings, who generously parked their cars 3 times so I could find just the right light and angle to shoot.  They currently preside over the Oklahoma Mustang Club.

And...if you happened to catch me photo bombing one of the images above kindly taken by my Mom, bonus points to you!

To see more of my work or contact me, please visit Michelle Valantine Photography.com.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Carrie | University of Oklahoma Graduation | Norman, OK Portrait and Pet Photographer | George M. Sutton Wilderness Park | Michelle Valantine Photography

Carrie and Bentley share a very special bond.  When she first contemplated the idea of getting a dog, she made an inquiry into the Red Dirt Boxer Rescue.  It was to her great surprise that they called her the very next day to say they had someone for her to meet!  Bentley came into her life quickly and fiercely...and that is how they love one another!  And becoming Bentley's human has influenced who she wants to be in the world.  After spending her first years in college unclear and changing her degree time and time again, she's now passionately dedicating herself to becoming a Veterinary Technician.  Bentley was super well-behaved on our shoot.  He was polite and listened to every word Carrie said...except when he saw the pond!  The water-loving part of him got the better of him and IN he went!  While that did not gain him any treats, he did make us laugh at his obvious jubilant personality!  He encapsulates what it is to enjoy each and every moment!

Bentley isn't Carrie's only love.  She also has an amazing boyfriend, Thomas.  When I asked Thomas what his hope is for Carrie in her future, his response was simple and full of love, "My hope is for her to enjoy happiness." What is she looking forward to most after graduating The University of Oklahoma? "Moving in with Thomas and going to Vet Tech school."


 




















What is something Thomas does that makes you smile?
Carrie:  "One of the most endearing things about him is how he finds value and importance in what is important to me."

What's something Carrie does that makes you smile?
Thomas:  "When she tells me what I mean to her."

What was the first thing you thought about Carrie when you met her?
Thomas:  "She took my breath away."

What do you love most about Bentley?
Thomas:  "I love his energy and happiness."
Carrie:  "He's super loyal and has an amazing personality"

 Makeup Artist | Andie Rickets

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Dona & Tommy | Norman, OK Couples Photographer | Lake Thunderbird State Park | Michelle Valantine Photography

They were winners of a shoot I donated to raise money for Dayna, a friend of theirs with Synovial Sarcoma.  Dona wanted to use the shoot to celebrate their 5th year of marriage.  And what a marriage it is!  As you will see in the following images, the hardest part for me was capturing them not smiling because they were giggling and laughing the ENTIRE time.  They shared the story with me of how they invited their friends and family to their surprise wedding.  And as it turns out, surprising people is kinda their thing...
















Congratulations Dona and Tommy on this new adventure!  May your life continue to be blessed with laughter and wonderful suprises!

If you or somone you know would be interested in participating in Sprint4Sarcoma 5K Fun Run to continue the fundraising efforts for their friend, please click here.   It takes place at 8am on July 9th, 2016.  Dogs are welcome!