Ooooooooohhh y’all! This is going to be a long post, so grab some coffee, strap in, and get ready to have your eyeballs soak in all this gorgeousness.
Small disclaimer before we get going: Nicole and Ryan aren’t formally engaged *yet*, but will be very soon. I, for one, cannot wait for that announcement! Ok, now let’s get into it.
A few months back one of my friends and fellow photographers tagged me in a post on FB where Niki was looking for a photographer for something epic while she was in town. I hadn’t moved to Albuquerque yet and she is from Massachusetts, so neither of us had been to White Sands before. I think that’s what almost made it perfect. We were all able to experience what a magical place it is together. When the shoot started, it was insanely windy with sand blowing in what seemed like every direction. The sun was full, bright, and there was zero shade. I was up for the challenge of full sun and wind play… I think I did a good job 😉 As the time ticked by, the sands started to change color. As the sun went down they went from bright white to lilac, mirroring the sky. Thank goodness I had Marc with me! The dunes all started to look the same, especially with the wind washing out our footsteps. Light was fading fast and I totally would’ve gone the wrong way trying to find the car. By the time we headed back towards the park exit, it was pitch black. The only light coming in was from the headlights of our Camry and the millions of stars above us. We drove back the 3 hours to Albuquerque with our souls very much fulfilled. This had been a bucket list item for me… and DAMN DID IT DELIVER. Niki and I also came to the conclusion that we are long lost sisters since we’re basically the same person. When I squealed at the back of my camera in joy, she squealed even louder! We were each others’ hype women! Oh, and Ryan clearly adores her. Their natural chemistry had me clicking away like crazy!
If you’re up for an adventure for your session, come to New Mexico. It truly is enchanting. Be forewarned: you will be finding sand EVERYWHERE. And I do mean everywhere.
“The summer made our shadows tall…”
If you’ve made it this far, you’re rewarded with the most stunning outfit change. Nicole rented this INCREDIBLE, EPIC RED DRESS from Olivia’s Gowns. This thing was MASSIVE. It took up the entire back seat of my car. #worthit
These next two images were taken only minutes apart. The blue toned ones were facing towards the sun as it was lingering on the horizon. The one where they’re sitting was backlit with the mountains in the background. Isn’t it crazy what light can do to an image?
You can’t tell because I photoshopped it out, but on the sand dune behind Niki & Ryan was a woman having her own photoshoot, only her subject was her Golden Retriever. It was freaking adorable.
Ryan and Nicole, you’re freaking perfect. I cannot wait to come visit you on the east coast! Now hurry up and get engaged so we can party! 😀 LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!