Lafayette Engagements: Allison + Peter

Every year they collect coins and save them all year long. With the collected coins, they pay for their anniversary celebration. Along with the coin tradition, Peter also creates a drawing of some sort for Allison, incorporating into the drawing *an spect of their relationship as well as *an object multiplied by the number of months they’ve been together.

On the annivesary of their 4th year (this past December), Peter handed Allison his 4th drawing. And in it, he was down on one knee holding an acorn with an engagement ring within.

At that moment, he physically got down on one knee and pulled out ……. a hand made wooden acorn. Inside of it, was Allison’s engagement ring (also made by Peter).

He said that there’s never been a doubt that he wanted to be with her. And now, they’ll be married on the anniversary of their 5th year together.

I feel like I could go ON and ON and ON…about these two. They are just such a perfect fit: like best friends but in love. They even created their own business together: Makemade. Allison and Peter (in addition to being SUCH wonderful people who have been fortunate enough to find their soulmate), are also both incredibly gifted artistically. 🙂 

We held the engagement session at Allison’s home, and their future home once their wed. It was a really awesome experience for me to photograph their session for so many reasons.

1. Allison and Peter allowed me into their lives. They let me know them, and what they were looking for in their images.

2. They did their homework (ie: thinking about their relationship and what makes them unique). They chose outfits that represent their individual style…and thought of things that they love to do together.

3. They trusted me. I really felt the ability to be creative and to express the visions I had without fear. Allison is an artist (in fact, she is responsible for my video in the about section on my website)….so I know that she and Peter can appreciate artistic freedom.

Below are the framed drawings that Peter has created for Allison. Starting from left to right there’s one for each year they’ve been together, with the objects representing both a message and the months.

This is the drawing that Peter gave to Allison when he proposed. In the background, Peter was trying on the wax mold for his wedding ring.

Part of what makes Allison + Peter’s relationship especially unique is their ability to work together. We talked about how they both admire Charles and Ray Eames and the way that you can tell they’re a couple…even when their only side by side. Allison and Peter are most definitely this way. They have such a special connection…..

While I was in Allison’s home, she made the comment about how everything within was placed with intention. The objects that she has spread throughout represent so many things about her…and about her relationship with Peter. For example, they love to travel and this globe was one of the objects that she specifically pointed out to me as being sentimental to her relationship with Peter.

I went around the house to grab a different perspective of the “ring making” …. and I could only think of how adorable they are. I felt like I really was looking in on them…and they fun they have together.

This is the same or similar process that Peter went through to make Allison’s engagement ring, so I thought it was really neat to be able to witness them creating his ring.

Peter + Allison decided to settle in for a game of pixie sticks. And I, had the opportunity to experiment a bit with my shooting style.

It rained……NO, it POURED the day of their engagements (thankfully we shot the majority of it indoors). However, when the rain subsided, we were able to grab some beautiful shots of these two outdoors!

The area surrounding Allison’s home is very whimsical and I LOVED the light at this time of day.

In my head, this is so Allison + Peter.

Allison, You are STUNNING! 🙂

Adding on to their list of talents, is music. In fact, Allison + Peter play together! 🙂 We had a short jam session in the living room….and I captured the way they really just understand each other. Even musically.

I’m in LOVE with Allison’s ring. It’s SO Simply. Modern. 😉

Allison + Peter work together in the studio located in the back of Allison’s home. So, we spent some time shooting within….

The name of their business is Makemade and they specialize in creation as a whole. They can make, record, draw you name it…they can do it.

Again, during the session Allison + Peter gave me the chance to think outside of the box and to do things I wouldn’t do typically. I think this shot below is so …. peaceful. Love.

This is another of my favorites from the day.

While in the studio, I was able to witness Allison + Peter working a bit. The session was so interesting because I was able to see the fun and the serious sides of them as a couple.

Speaking of the FUN side…Allison + Peter LOVE to dress up for parties and social events. I LAUGHED. SO. HARD. at these two….Oh my goodness!!!

Seriously, this is hilarious.

Allison + Peter,

I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to use my talents and creativity for your session. I feel like we were really able to capture you as a couple…and to create images that are really unique and beautiful.

You guys are so special and have such a deep connection that allows you to work as a couple…and as business partners.

Like I said to you during the session, you’re the type of couple that without a doubt will grow old, laughing and enjoying life together. I am truly truly honored and flattered to be your photographer. 🙂

Catherine