Erica M Photography »

There are some differences between Mora and Brian. She is more detail oriented. The little in between moments. The subtle shifts and changes. Brian is more concise. A little less poetic. A little more practical, but just as sweet. I love how these differences are actually completely and utterly wonderful compliments that, in Brian’s words, work perfectly.

“I love Brian’s quirkiness. He can never be said to be boring. There is always an aspect of him where you are not exactly sure what he is going to do or what he is thinking. There are things you can always depend on him to do and be, and it is this dependability I love as well. He will always hug me when I am sad. He will always listen when I’m worried or upset. He will always tickle me to annoy me so I’m no longer upset. He will make me laugh so hard I cry, so that I’m not holding in tears of frustration with school, studying, work, etc. He will always be a wonderful big brother, a great son and grandson. I love his honestly. He will tell you if the dress makes you look fat. He will tell you if your tummy is too pudgy. He will tell me when I’ve gone to far and am being a butthead and need to relax. He will do pretty much anything he thinks is appropriate to make me happy. He will not let me push him around or bully him. He maintains he does what he wants when he wants, and lets me have the same liberties. I love how his eyes change from brown to green. I love how dressing up for him always involves his blues clues Steve shirt. I love his determination when it comes to winning things. I love his sense of humor, and the challenge of making him laugh.”

“Have you heard about the problem of trying to fit a round peg in a square hole? The idea that the one cannot fit into the other. She’s one, I’m the other, and it just works perfectly. And the biggest reason is her.”

As Mora was hurrying around her room one night, getting ready to go out with a friend, Brian sat on her bed and chatted with her as she whizzed by. He had a box of taffy with him and offered her some. She kindly turned it down as it was very old and she had in fact been nagging him to throw it away for a while now. She finished getting dressed and mentioned getting a snack. Brian again offered her some taffy which she again turned down. As she frantically looked for a banana Brian finally exclaimed, “Have some BANANA taffy!” She took pity on him, as he was so adamant about his taffy. She opened the box but there was no banana taffy. Just a gorgeous diamond ring :)

Mora and Brian, thanks for a great shoot. I can’t wait to see you guys in May for your wedding in New Jersey!

I’ve known Priya since I was nine. She moved to my town and though she’s short, she is loud and proud and won the hearts of my closest friends and I. Though we haven’t seen each other in a few years the internet, oh wonderful internet, have kept us in touch. Of course Priya has changed and matured but she still talks. And talks and talks! Ha! I love you girl! I think some of my biggest enthusiasts are the people I have known the longest. There is something fascinating about watching your friends grow up. So, Priya jumped at the chance for me to take photos of her and her long time boyfriend, Moose when I was back in New Jersey last week.

Priya and Moose can’t agree where exactly they met. But it was during high school. Running track. I imagine they both have seen many tracks over the years. The one thing they could agree on is that first summer they met, most of their time together was spent at the this track in Maplewood. Once we arrived there they couldn’t exactly agree on some other things that had happened there years ago. One thing they can agree on is how much they love each other. It was evident in their eyes. But not always in his smile. I was not forewarned that Moose did not smile for photos. Period. End of statement. What Moose didn’t know was that I was on a crusade for him to do so. So naturally being my hilarious (read: corny and nerdy self) I managed to get a few laughs out of him. At which point he would turn his back to the camera. I got some half smiles but at the end of the shoot there it was…a full on smile, with teeth and everything :) Priya and Moose, thanks for such a fun shoot and laughing at my dorky self!

Adorable…

This is THE shot. The shot I got of Moose full on smiling! I feel victorious! And of course it’s also my favorite shot of the day :)

Rebecca and Miles are such a sweet couple. Miles is straight up goofy. And he makes Rebecca giggle :) In fact, sometimes he was making me laugh so hard I couldn’t hold the camera still enough to take a photo! I think I owe him some thanks though, as he says he never smiles for pictures. You done good Miles. I think we got a pretty great mix of the sweet couple photos and the down right fun. silly. goofy. ridiculous. real laughter. huge smiles. falling all over each other. in love.

I know this is two sessions in a row I used this brilliant field of yellow wildflowers at sunset, but when nature gives you something so magnificent you just have to bow humbly, say thank you and take the opportunity while it lasts. Both of the couples I’ve taken out there say they feel like they’re in a dream. A waking dream with the love of their life. How can you ask for more than that?

Rebecca and Miles met at the Air Force Academy where class rings are kinda sorta a big deal ;)

my no.1 favorite of the day…