Well this was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in an engagement session, so many cool locations! From a firehouse to the streets of door county to a secret location along the rocks after sunset, we truly couldn’t have asked for a better day. I asked Chelsea to share some of her thoughts from the session below! Enjoy!
How did you two meet?
Trevor and I are from the same hometown so we always knew of each other, but not that well (he is five years older than me.) We started talking when I was in college in La Crosse meanwhile he was living back home in Oconto Falls (#DigitalAgeProbs). He asked me to be his date for his upcoming EMS banquet (he works for the Oconto Falls Ambulance Service). I drove home for the date, super nervous, and ended up getting in a minor accident on Hwy 41, nearly missing our date. I was freaking out that I had ruined our first date. We ended up getting to the banquet just in time, and had a wonderful time. Trevor spent a lot of time working on my smashed car with my dad and uncle the next day and I immediately knew he was the one because he was so helpful and calm under stressful situations. It’s a fun story to talk about now!
How did he pop the question?
We were camping in Acadia National Park, Maine. We were hiking up a beautiful bluff with a scenic overlook of a lake. I had my back turned and was taking in the view when he reached into his pocket and popped the question, totally taking me off guard! I was so surprised, I didn’t even say yes right away! “Well, is that a yes?” “OF COURSE!!”
Did you want to incorporate any special that you're involved in?
I wanted to take photos at the Oconto Falls Firehouse because Trevor spends a lot of his time there, and I love that he is a firefighter! The job really encompasses who he is; selfless, loyal, and willing to drop everything that he’s doing in an instant to help others. I was so happy that we ended up making my dream a reality by shooting at the firehouse!
What was the style you wanted for your photos?
I was looking for a dramatic, colorful look with beautiful scenery that depicts our adventurous side. Trevor and I both love to travel together, explore, go on hikes, and be outside. We are on a mission to visit all 50 states before we have children, and by the end of August, we will have the lower 48 states! The outdoor Door County scenery perfectly captured our adventurous spirit. I couldn’t have fathomed better locations for the session if I tried! We shot at so many beautiful places and I am SO excited to see the photos!
How was your experience during your session?
FANTASTIC! CJ made us feel so comfortable. My fiancé was nervous going into the session, but on the drive home, he said that he had a lot of fun. We loved exploring Door County and being by the water. It seriously was just a perfect session. CJ really understood our personalities and just “got us.”
We did photos at the firehouse and then did some sessions around Door County, including a beach in Ephraim, outside an ice-cream shop, and on some rocks overlooking the water. It was absolutely breathtakingly perfect. I love being around water so I really could not have picked anything better if I had tried. Also, I loved CJ’s idea for us to eat icecream, I thought that was super cute!!!! I was also super pleased with the weather because it looked like it was going to storm, and the clouds gave an edgy effect. We lucked out!! Thank you so much for going above and beyond for us- we had a blast and we can’t wait to see the outcome!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for the session?
I was nervous in the beginning about silly details such as outfits, makeup and hair, but in the end, it’s all about your love for one another. I had to remind myself of that. Let go of the details and focus on what’s really important- the bond you two have. And when you look into your fiancés’ eyes during a session, be present and in the moment. It will make the session much more memorable. My fiancé kept saying stupid jokes in my ear when we did the awkward kissing photos, which made me laugh the entire time and make the day memorable.