When Tanisha and Trevor came to me they knew that they wanted to do it up. And I couldn’t think of anyone who deserved to more than these two nurses – especially after the year that we just had. So, we set out into Cathedral Park with three different outfit changes and alllllllll the props.
With a gem tone color scheme, they were really going for that gothic glam vibe and I knew a few different locations around the park that could really highlight each of their looks. Scroll through for more Cathedral Park engagement photos.
Tanisha had her hair and makeup done by Shantilly Artistry and she looked like an absolute queen in her first, all black look. In typical Tanisha and Trevor fashion, Trevor matched her flawlessly, with his black button up and slacks combo. Since their outfit choices were so refined and edgy, we started with bright backdrops that they would really pop against: like a stone and burnt orange wall.
From there, Tanisha rocked an off the shoulder red dress, and Trevor sported a white button-up and vest. These two looked like they were straight out of a fairytale. We walked along the water’s edge and the bright green leaves of the Oregon Ash Trees added that perfect element of fantasy to their looks.
Next, Tanisha changed into a purple satin gown. While Trevor added a bowtie with a collar pin to transport his look (it’s all about the details). Tanisha then pulled out her first prop of the day – a stunning crown. As if the two weren’t channeling major fairytale vibes before, now they looked positively regal. Especially standing under St. John’s Bridge. The archways looked like doorways into a castle where they could spend their happily ever after. But that wasn’t all. These two love a flare of drama, so they took the opportunity to light off a few colorful smoke bombs. They went from fantasy to dreamy reality with the spark of their color pop.
But, the day wasn’t done yet! After all, they needed that gothic element to complete their glam vibe and they still had a couple of smoke bombs left. So it was time for outfit number four…
As a photographer, it’s rare that I’m the one being surprised in my shoots. But, Tanisha and Trevor kept pulling tricks out of their sleeves. Outfit number four was a matching set of all black scrubs. They wanted to honor their story of meeting in nursing school and pay an homage to their profession. We just needed the perfect location in Cathedral Park to make the finale really shine.
Then, we came across an industrial warehouse on the outskirts of the greenery. It was perfect! The warehouse gave off that rough, edgy vibe. And, it would totally add that element that was missing from the variety of options we already shot. It was just what we needed. So naturally, I poked my head into the warehouse and asked if the kind workers would mind if we finished off the session against their building.
They were more than accommodating and even pulled their door closed (they said it was to keep their dog inside, but I knew they wanted to give us the perfect backdrop, and a bit of privacy).
But, that’s when things got really interesting…
… I told you that Tanisha and Trevor had a few tricks up their sleeves, didn’t I?
Well, Tanisha and Trevor wanted to play on the year of facemasks and apocalyptic dystopia that they’d just survived. So, they took out their final props and each pulled on two very cool, very steampunk gas masks. The look was the perfect contrast to their fairytale of a photoshoot.
Then, each armed with the remaining colorful smoke bombs, they ignited the end of their love story in a way that was truly epic. And the best part was, the warehouse was the most idyllic setting we could’ve found – and it was another total surprise.
Even in a shoot as thought out as Tanisha and Trevor’s there’s always a bit of magic that happens when you step out in front of the lens. And what’s a fairytale without a little magic anyway?
If you’re ready to go big in a photoshoot but are still looking for that bit of magic, get in touch! I’d love to hear from you.
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