“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”
So many people were offended a few weeks ago when the crazy sister asked Ashley the Bachelorette “Does he make you laugh?” and proceeded to be less than enthused about the potential suitor sitting in front of her. I wasn’t offended. I totally “got it.” If he doesn’t make her laugh, how can he truly make her happy?
I love laughter. I love the way it looks. I love the way it sounds. I love the way it feels. And I believe when a couple genuinely shares laughter – the kind that comes from deep within the soul – they will have a happy life together.
In fact, I believe that the amount of laughter in a couple’s relationship just may determine the length of their life together. Call me a hopeless romantic. Even call me crazy, if you must. But if there is even an ounce of truth in this, then Jenny and Tim will be together forever!
So many engaged couples are so serious about the planning process and the decisions that have to be made that they forget to enjoy that time. And each other. They forget to have fun. And to just laugh. But not Jenny and Tim. Don’t get me wrong, Jenny is totally a planner, down to even the smallest details. But she laughs. And Tim laughs. A lot. They laugh at themselves. At each other. And at life.
I had so much fun photographing this session because their laughter is so wholly and completely infectious. My hope for both of them is that they never lose the ability to laugh together. And that when they’re looking back at these photos years from now, they continue to laugh as they’re reminded of the memories they made that day.
Jenny lives in Raleigh and Tim is a proud graduate of NC State University [yet another reason I <3 him!] so they wanted to do part of their session just walking around downtown. I love this! Every few minutes we’d have to stop for Jenny & Tim to recompose themselves after a fit of laughter. A fave! I’m not sure what it is about this image, especially since we can’t really see your faces, but you two just seem content. Like in your own little world content. And that makes me smile. Who doesn’t want to know what he whispered to her to get that kind of reaction? We found a great alley with some cool steps. I love that they’re so into each other that they don’t even realize I’m there. LoveloveLOVE this!
After a quick change, we stopped at this great little apartment courtyard – one of Raleigh’s hidden gems. Love this!
You’re hot tamales! Another favorite!
Love this one too!
You’re so darn cute together, I can hardly stand it!
Jenny & Tim wanted something a little special to celebrate their engagement. And to document not only their love for each other, but their love of food. Not only do they love to laugh, they also love to eat. In fact, they say that most of their dates revolve around food, whether it’s cooking dinner at home or trying new fare at local restaurants, tailgating in the fall [at Wolfpack games, of course!], or grilling out with friends. So, I enlisted the help of a dear friend who put together a beautiful setting for them in the gardens at Haywood Hall.
What would a celebration be without a little bubbly?
How about a little Tiramisu to end the session on a sweet note?
A big thank you to Jenny and Tim – just for being you! I can’t wait to photograph your wedding next spring. Always keep laughing!
And an even bigger thank you to to Julie Liles Floral & Event Design for the amazing tablescapes and flowers at Haywood Hall. It was a real treat to work with you again – your talent is unreal! And another thank you to CE Rental for the gorgeous table linens that pulled it all together!
View more photos from their session in this slideshow: