Sweet, romantic engagement on the campus of Lehigh University….
Stefan and Yumiko contacted me looking for a creative photographer who could capture the genuine love that they share in a candid, natural way. They chose Lehigh University as the backdrop because it is where they met and has become “home” for them.
They met through mutual friends at Lehigh and instantly hit it off. They exchanged numbers at the end of the night, but Yumiko was headed back to Japan to visit her family over break. Distance can be tough at the start of a relationship, but they kept in touch and became official when she returned.
Stefan and Yumiko appreciate being able to be completely themselves around each other. They are very bright individuals who somehow balance being alert/present & simultaneously peaceful/relaxed at the same time. I am not as good with words as I am with photography, so I think you can probably see more of what I’m explaining here:
Stefan proposed to Yumiko during a road trip to Key West. He really wanted to propose on the beach during sunset and waited for a private moment to “pop the question.” Finding a private place on the beach at sunset was basically impossible, but he did get 2 out of 3– privacy on the beach (after sunset).
For this photo I was able to shoot *at sunset* and got a little creative with photographing their shadows on the pavement. I like the contrast of the shadows on the bricks how the golden light is bouncing and picking up some sparkle in the bricks…
The architecture of Lehigh University is just stunning and I love photographing weddings and engagements at this location. While we had hoped to get inside of the library (it was closed, as school was not in session) outside was very pretty, too.
I like this photo because you can see the yin and yang of these two– symmetrical, balanced, relaxed– yet each “doing their own thing.” She’s in white against the shadow and he is in black against the light. Both are super crisp, clear and radient 😉
Yumiko’s white lace dress worked perfectly for their engagement photos. She went “shopping” in Stefan’s sisters’ closets to find the perfect dress! She wanted a soft, romantic vibe and Stefan’s sisters were very excited to help her choose her wardrobe for the photography session.
It was also nice for Yumiko to feel their support, they are the sisters that she never had. 🙂 The white dress also made her flowing black hair stand out dramatically. It is super long!
Soft & romantic– I like the bokeh in the background making soft, white bubbles out of the bits of light peeking through the trees. I also like the orbs of light crossing from the right of the photo to the left. It really helps you to feel the emotion popping through the photograph!
Words that came to my mind about Stefan & Yumiko are: soft, supportive, strong, caring, sense of humor, open/free, romantic. I feel like those attributes can be seen in this image:
Totally worth mentioning is their shared sense of humor and playful side. I like how you can see Yumiko cracking up as Stefan lifts her to give her a huge hug!
We ended the engagement photography session at a lookout with a incredible view of Bethlehem. It reminded them of all the great memories that they made there– Musicfest, Lehigh, Cedar Crest, etc. Living out of state now, Stefan & Yumiko say they are “going home” when they visit the Lehigh Valley.
I love this sweet photo of the two of them! It was a perfect ending to a lovely evening!
Stefan & Yumiko, it was such a pleasure to meet and work with both of you and I am beyond excited for your upcoming Bear Creek wedding! It is right around the corner!!!
