Stacey & Jordan

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I had the chance to go to Plum Island Beach and meet a couple who clearly know how to make a relationship last. They have been together for 16 years(married 8 this summer), are raising 3 beautiful children and running a successful business, Port Living Co. (http://portlivingco.com/) together. 


As with all my couples, I like to ask a few questions before we meet, to help me get to know them better. I also thinks it helps me to write their story as accurately as I can. I asked Stacey what she felt makes a relationship work/last. I loved her answer so much, I need to paraphrase it, it's "the ability to understand where your partner is coming from and trying to accept their viewpoint".  Well said.


Here we are, heading down to the rocks for some "formals". I couldn't help but notice that Jordan was looking(and walking) like JFK from this angle. I decided to snap away and then transform this into a "vintage" photo. 

Sometimes it can take awhile for a couple to warm up to the idea that a camera is following them around everywhere. So, I just let them be for a little bit and talk to each other privately. This is when I notice the little details, like doing  a little "ballet" in the sand or cute hand holding. It makes me think of two teenagers with butterflies just getting to know each other. And to have that same effect on each other after 16 years is lovely.

Here, we take the chance to get my version of a "formal" shot. 

And what's this? Another little model wanted to join the shoot!

I love a good black and white beach picture.

Stacey and Jordan met on Halloween. The two were in Salem at the time with their friends. Jordan was a bouncer for a bar called Roosevelt's(which they say was haunted). Stacey was introduced to Jordan and he was dressed....in drag. According to Stacey, he does not make for a very attractive woman, but she was still smitten. I can tell, that she still is. 

There are little posing tricks photographers have and I'm not sure if they are meant to be serious or just to see how the couple will react to the ridiculous requests. I like to think it's the latter.  I had Jordan "smell" Stacey's hair. I think the two of them thought I was nuts, but their reactions made for great shots!

A chance for a little quiet time. 

As we were finishing our session, I let these two walk off, unaware that I was still shooting. I caught Stacey being a little playful. I wasn't quick enough to catch it the first time, so jokingly I asked her to do it again. She was more than happy too!

Thank you Stacey and Jordan for the chance to work with you and for sharing your wisdom on love(and small business ownership!).  

To dedicate these two, check out my Soundtrack page for their wedding song.