I am sooo excited that spring is here.  I can shoot later into the evening, the sun is different … warmer, brighter, nicer.  The weather was awesome for Clarie and John’s engagement session yesterday.  And these two knew how to pick a location!  Olin Park has stunning views of downtown Madison and Lake Monona.  Add to that tons of variety — swings, trees, hills, docks, bridges — and you have yourself a perfect engagement session location.  They also brought props — bubbles and flowers — and I just had a blast with these two!

Sometimes I tell my clients to “smile with your eyes” and sometimes I think they think I’m a little nuts, haha.  Now I think Tyra Banks is a little nuts herself (come on … you know she is!), but she gives great advice about “smizing” — which helps you to avoid that “deer in headlights” look.  A fan of America’s Next Top Model, Claire was all over the smizing, and I loved that she was willing to rock out the modeliciousness.  John was also awesome to work with, of course.  He had a kind and genuine demeanor and I could tell these two have a lasting kind of love.

After we shot at the park, we hurried over to the Monona Terrace, where John proposed to Claire, for some more pics before the sun set.  To our dismay, the rooftop was closed due to the snow we got on Friday night (booooo….).  We would’ve risked climbing over the (very tall) gate, except the place is swarming with cops and cameras (double booo).  We even nicely asked permission to go on the rooftop but nobody wanted to let us (dang).  We decided to make the best of the situation, the location, and the diminishing sunlight by heading the capitol square for some shots.  And I think the rooftop being closed was a blessing in disguise because the light on the other side of the capitol was to DIE FOR.  Seriously, so golden and delicious.  I love spring light.  And I love my brides and grooms — always game for anything and for making the best of any situation.

Can’t wait for your wedding, Claire and John.  It’s going to be amazing!