LOREN & JEFF’S SNOWY ENGAGEMENT SESSION | WEST VIRGINIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Loren and Jeff are a real life fairy tale. I know that just sounds like a relationship metaphor people in the wedding industry like to throw around, but really they are. The two of them grew up in Wheeling, WV, but were unaware of each other because they went to separate high schools. Their first connection would be through the Cotillion dance where they were selected to participate in the annual Wheeling Symphony Viennese Ball. Their backs met before their fronts when they bumped into each other while figuring out what these Vienna dance moves were all about. They introduced themselves after their run in, and were assigned to become dance partners because of their height. Just think…If Jeff was 4 inches shorter they may have never had the chance to fall in love. I think that’s a blinding sign that this was meant to be. They practiced gliding across the wooden dance floor over the next few months while getting personal and learning about one another’s great personalities. A week before the big event Jeff asked Loren out on a first date. He knew the connection was there and asked her to be his girlfriend so that they could dance as a new couple instead of just a ballroom pair. Loren and Jeff’s relationship started just like Cinderella ended as he escorted her down a grand staircase wearing a tux and white gloves. Loren smiled in her poofy yellow gown as they walked hand in arm to the floor. She was smitten and knew Jeff was the one.

After Loren told me this love tale I knew I wanted to shoot her wedding. How could I not after hearing such a romantic story? We chose a chilly afternoon in West Virginia for their engagement photos at Oglebay Resort. The snow was fresh in the first week of the new year, and Loren wore a killer fur coat. I couldn’t get enough images of that coat. We roamed the snow covered paths and met some animal friends along the way. Apparently deer are pretty laid back in West Virginia (you will see what I mean when you look at the images below). Loren and Jeff withstood winter’s chill (and believe me winter was bringing it). Thank you, Loren & Jeff, for a great afternoon in wild and wonderful West Virginia. Meeting you both only got me more excited to shoot your wedding this year!

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