Reeling in the Bait :-)

Who would have thought that fishing could bring two beautiful people together? Well for this couple, one fishing conversation was all it took. Angela tells the story best of how their love story began...

"Markece and I met at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

 He was a grad student and I was an undergrad.  We just so happened to be taking the same class.   

We were sitting in the back of the classroom with 2 other classmates, and we got on the subject of who looks like their parents (I have no clue why were talking about this).  I told him that I look more like my mom. 

I showed him a picture of my mom in my phone.  Then, I showed him a picture of my dad, who had fishing rods in his picture.  Markece said, "Hmm, your dad fishes.  Where does he go?"  

I replied, "Mostly the Chesapeake Bay, but he goes to other places as well.  He's even been to Alaska." 

He said, "Wow!  Alaska?  Do you go fishing with him?"

I answered, "I've never been to Alaska but I do go fishing occasionally. And, I bait my own hook too."

 Markece turned back around to listen to the professor.  Then I noticed that he kept turning around and staring at me.  I thought to myself, "What is wrong with this boy?"  

Suddenly, he threw a folded piece of paper at me.  I opened it, and it said, "Will you go fishing with me? 

Check the box: "Yes", "No", or "Maybe". 

I laughed, checked "Maybe", and gave him back the paper. 

He asked, "Why, 'Maybe'?" and gave me back the paper.  I told him that I was going home for spring break, but we could go fishing when I would get back.  

Later that month, we went on our first date.

Six years later, we'll be getting married and we look forward to spending the rest of our lives together :)"

Congratulations Angela and Markece! I truly enjoyed helping to capture your memories as you prepare for your special day. May you have many more fishing adventures to come!

Blessings, 

L.J. :-)

http://laurenashleyjonesphotography.com/

God's Timing

I recently had the pleasure of taking engagement photos of Aaron and Elan. They were such a cooperative and creative couple, for they were full of suggestions and ideas for the shoot. I truly enjoyed experimenting with poses and props, and they openly adhered to my instructions. Anyone can see the emotion and beauty that shines through their photos.

Initially the weather gave us mixed feelings as gusts of wind and dark clouds began to form. Fortunately, after about 15 minutes, the Lord blessed us with rays of pure sunshine. We literally had panicked for nothing. The weather provided great atmosphere, and we began to relax and enjoy the photoshoot.

I'd love to tell you the story of Aaron and Elan's romantic journey, but I knowthat it would be better coming from Aaron himself.

"The story of how Elan and I met is very unique as we don't really know when the actual first time we met was. Let me explain. Elan's best friend Christina and I attended the same church growing up and every once in a while Elan would come to church with her. I always noticed her and thought I would steal an introduction just after church. As soon as church was over they were gone. Every time. Our high school years passed on by still without an introduction."

"In college, Christina joined the band that I was in. Our band also held weekly bible studies. And in walks Elan to one of our bible studies and finally we spoke. I was so intrigued by her. I thought she was so cool. We shared in-depth and intelligent conversations about heavenly things; and eventually, we found that we shared many common interests."

"Over the next few years our friendship grew. We didn't know it but Elan and I both had been talking to God about the possibility of our friendship becoming more, but He spoke to us separately telling us both to be patient. When it was time for Elan to leave for grad-school, I had almost given up and looked at it as good bye."

"BUT, God was just getting started with us. He gave us the green light to begin dating and we were so excited."

"We have been together for three years, and now we are engaged.It's been an amazing process and we are joyful everyday at how God brought us together. We know that God has great things in store for us and we hope that our marriage will be a blessing to others."

Blessings,

L.J. :-)

http://laurenashleyjonesphotography.com/

Jumping the Broom!

Faith and Akil have been preparing for this special moment, and I am honored that I could be a part of it!

I absolutely love outdoor weddings. Of course there are the annoying insects, scorching heat, falling leaves/petals, overflying airplanes, and forceful breezes; BUT, aside from the obvious, I continue to love outdoor weddings. The sun was shining brightly, and the decor was truly something to remember.

Faith and Akil went to college together and had established their relationship even further as they attended church together and made preparations for their future. Throughout the wedding ceremony, I could only perceive one thing: their SMILES. Faith and Akil smiled at each other throughout the entire procession.

Everyone could see their excitement permeating through. Yes, they could not wait to be married; but above all, I know they were anxiously awaiting their FIRST KISS! How special is that? They have honored and maintained a respectful relationship until the appointed hour when they would finally become united in the eyes of God and man.

I congratulate them both on their marital journey! :-)

L.J. :-)

http://laurenashleyjonesphotography.com/

Birthday Girl!

Rae was back in action as she celebrated her birthday. Her parents wanted to commemorate the moment with beautiful portraits of their growing girl. Rae was truly ready for this event with her summery yellow dress, head of curls, and her red flower barrette.

She followed directions nicely despite the distractions all around. Cars were driving by. Pedestrians were walking their dogs. And yet, Rae continued to connect with the camera.

She is such a bright and observant girl. As we began the shoot, she was conscious of the breeze blowing by and its affect on her hair. She grabbed her hair in order to keep it from getting disheveled.

Rae loved using the props and did a wonderful job of maintaining her expression and poise. I loved the parasol! It brought out an international appeal as if we were walking passed the cafe-filled streets of Europe.

Her personality is older than her years, and I know that she is will continue grow towards being an intellectual fashionista :-)

L.J. :-)

http://laurenashleyjonesphotography.com/