Meet Jean & Melissa {A Surprise Couples Session, A 1 Year Anniversary & A Beautiful Sunset}
Hi everyone!
Let's all give it up for one of the sweetest couples I've ever met: Jean and Melissa!
When Jean contacted me to tell me that it was his 1 Year Dating Anniversary and that he was wanting to surprise Melissa with 'an experience she'll never forget,' it gave me all the feels and I was hooked! Secret Spy 007 - another secret mission in the name of love!
Our session started on a Sunday afternoon, at Melissa's apartment, where Jean had convinced Melissa that they should just take it easy and perhaps even take an afternoon nap. Little did Melissa know that she was about to be surprised by one of our favourite makeup artists, Michelle (from Beauty Couture by Michelle), at her door!
Oh how I wish I could show you Melissa's surprise and delight when she realized what Jean had planned! It is moments like these that make life great!
How did the two of you meet?
We actually met way back in 2011 - Melissa was in Matric and I was still a student. One of my close friends kept going on about how she wanted me to meet her boyfriend's little sister.
One night I finally relented and we all went out partying together. I wish I could say we hit it off right away and the rest is history, but in reality, things didn't go so well!
We slowly became friends over the following year, but lost contact when I started working full time and she went off to university.
Fast forward to 2018 - after Melissa had spent a few years abroad, finishing her Masters Degree, we went out for some drinks and this time, we hit it off right from the start!
Since then its been nothing but laughter and cuddles!
How did the Surprise Couples Session go?
It was absolutely amazing! Karien was so incredibly talented and helpful! Helping us feel super comfortable during the entire event. Who knew you can draw a blank in front of a camera?
Thankfully she had us sorted! We felt so special and we got every moment captured in such beautiful photographs, celebrating our time together.
Our makeup artist, Michelle, was also incredible. She really made Melissa feel comfortable with the whole event and made her look so beautiful!
Jean were you nervous? How long had you been planning the surprise? Were you scared that Melissa would find out ahead of time? Tell us what went through your mind and especially what went through your mind when the make up artist knocked on the door.
I was sweating bullets! Trying to organise a photographer and makeup artist all while trying to keep it a secret wasn't going to be easy. What made it even better was that the Springboks were playing the rugby world final on our actual anniversary date! I'd been planning it for about 2 weeks before meeting with Karien, who simply offered everything I wanted in one package, which took so much of the stress off my shoulders.
(You are so very welcome, Jean!)
Keeping things secret from Melissa was crucial to me.
I was constantly thinking of how I'm going to get her ready and in the right place, on the day, all while not giving the game away. Once Michelle knocked on the door, it was both a moment of extreme relief and such joy! We had made it all the way without Melissa catching on and she just couldn't stop smiling!
Melissa did you have any idea? Were you surprised? Tell us what went through your mind when the make up artist knocked and you realized what was planned for your anniversary celebrations.
I was completely caught off guard! I was ready for an afternoon nap, jammy's on, chilling on the couch, then all of a sudden there is a knock at the door and a random girl is at my apartment introducing herself to me. Jean is laughing and I awkwardly introduce myself and ask what is going on and she says she is my makeup and hair artist!
It was an amazing, awesome, wonderful surprise that left me feeling so happy and loved and at the same time in awe of how my man can be so sneaky and plan a whole event like this without me finding out. I know I have a keeper!
What did you each wear to your couples session and why?
Melissa: My first outfit was a blue and white summer floral dress. I bought it for our first weekend away and Jean asked that I wear it as it is his favourite dress on me.
It was not ironed so he ironed it while I was having my hair and make up done!
My second outfit was a black and grey long formal dress. I imagined wearing the dress in heels somewhere. Little did I know, a few hours later I was wearing the dress, my Steve Madden heels on the rocks at Boulder's beach.
Jean: I had packed a few dress shirts and Jeans, trying to anticipate what Melissa would pick to wear. True to form, I got it completely wrong! I then had to Rush home, get some different colour shirts and only barely got back in time!
What kind of look were you going for?
Since it was a SURPRISE, we went for something simple and fun. We wanted photos capturing the beauty of Camps Bay and the essence of our happiness.
We did not pose, we cuddled, joked with each other and danced on boulders.
Do you have any tips or advice for other couples about to have their photos taken?
Just be yourself. Its cheesy but true. Something special is captured when you are just you and that`s important.
What was your favorite part of our session together and why?
Our secret moments that felt so private, but were captured (amazingly) forever: Dipping our feet in the water, walking into the perfect sunset and dancing on the rocks! Also, when my eyes watered and Jean held a handkerchief out for me, sooooo cute!
Was this your first time with Just Frame Me Photography? How was your overall session experience?
It was our first time with Just Frame Me Photography, but definitely not our last! We absolutely loved it and couldn't get tired of telling all our friends about it! Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to create something memorable... maybe just tell your significant other beforehand ;)
Jean and Melissa, thank you again for choosing Just Frame Me Photography © to capture such special memories for you!
It was so lovely meeting you and getting to know you both, and an absolute honour to be a part of such a special anniversary memory! Thank you for sharing your moment with us. We look forward to many more future sessions together! xx
We just want to give a special shout-out thank you to Michelle from Beauty Couture by Michelle. If you're looking for a makeup artist, just give Michelle a call or follow her at https://www.facebook.com/beautycouturebymichelle/
Want to learn more about our Couples/Engagement Sessions? Check out all the details here: http://justframemephotography.com/newborn-lifestyle-sessions/couplesengagement-sessions
E-mail us at justframemephotography@gmail.com to BOOK your very own Couples/Engagement Session TODAY! We look forward to hearing from you! xx
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