Sun & Geoffrey

Sun and Geoffrey...two people a continent away from family & friends, but together with each other. Stationed at Ramstein Air Base near Frankfurt, Germany they depend on each other daily for love, support and companionship. Both are active in the US Air Force as Imagery Analysts and seem to perfectly balance work and a relationship.

I met these two for the first time only minutes before the shoot, their schedule had them flying in from Germany to be with family and friends before the wedding. Both Geoffrey & Sun were very quite with a shy nature about them...both a little hesitate to talk. However, sometimes words are not necessary to communicate. I immediately picked up Geoffrey's gentle ways with Sun. Whether it was a hand on the base of her back...a subtle and quite kiss on her forehead...the way he was so attentive to help her down steps or simply by holding her hand as they walked. He was definitely showing signs of a true Southern Gentleman and you could tell his parents had raised him to be respectful. This was very evident throughout the entire shoot, as he was never more than a few feet away...watching Sun in admiration, almost like he was standing there saying "I am here to watch over you, protect you and love you". It was so heartwarming to see how two such quite people said more with their gestures than with words. I admit, I love to talk...and talk, but in this case, I found more pleasure in simply watching and capturing their very emotional time together...filled with love, laughter and many gentle gestures.



Geoffrey was local to Savannah, but Sun had never been here, so we took the opportunity to mix a photo shoot in with a few of Savannah's attractions. We started off at the famous fountain at Forsyth Park and then took a few pics around the Fragrance Garden, a place where many beautiful roses call home. The gate is sometimes locked and this prohibited us from shooting inside the garden. That was ok though, we could still smell the roses as we made our way around the garden...it was so refreshing.


Another favorite, I just love these iron gates at the entrance to the garden. Although I usually do not shoot toward the sun (unless I am trying some creative lens flare look), but I did love how the sun gracefully silhouetted her gown and veil.


This was a shot at the Confederate Monument in Forsyth. I love the way the spanish moss was draping from the trees.


Geoffrey was so nice to entertain us. I wonder if his military training played a part in his perfect coordination here...ha.ha. Either way, Sun was laughing and I had fun snapping these pics.


Our second location was down by the water off Riverstreet. This was definitely one of my most favorite photos of the day. I love this time of year when the trees are painted with a variety of colors and hues. This photo was taken down by the "Waving Girl" statue off the east end Riverstreet. It is a bronze statue in memorial to Florence Martus (1869-1943), the daughter of a sergeant stationed at Fort Pulaski. As the story is told, Florence lived in a cottage along the river near the entrance of the harbor. At an early age she began welcoming the ships and their sailors with a wave of her handkerchief, with her loyal collie by her side. Sailors began returning her greeting by waving back or with a blast of the ship's horn. Eventually Florence started greeting the ships arriving in the dark by waving a lantern. Florence continued her waving tradition for 44 YEARS and it is estimated that she welcomed more than 50,000 ships during her lifetime! There is alot of speculation about Florence having fallen in love with a sailor who never returned, but the actual facts remain a mystery. The statue by well renowned sculptor Felix De Weldon (also known for the Iwo Jima Memorial) sits at the east end of Riverstreet and still greets arriving ships. I found several interesting articles about Florence...Elinor DeWire's Story and one from the National Park Service.


Another favorite moment was as Geoffrey took Sun for her first walk on the cobblestones of Riverstreet...and in heels no less. It was a short adventure, but at least she can said she took the walk.


I love taking shots that can add to the story with simple details...and the cobblestones just made this perfect!


While we were shooting Geoffrey purchased a rose made of palm fronds from a local guy. I later talked to him & his wife and found them to be the nicest people. His work was simply beautiful.


I can't end my post today without giving some love to my dear & wonderfully amazing friend Traci. She came out to Fosyth Park and helped me with the first part of the shoot. Besides being wildly entertaining and making Sun & Geoffrey feel very comfortable, she was a fountain of ideas. It was so nice having a fresh pair of eyes and an extra pair of hands. So many, many THANKS to Traci. Her smiles and goofy personality kept us all laughing and made the shoot extra special and extra FUN! You are a true friend...much love to you...muah!

To see more of their shoot, CLICK HERE for the slideshow...

To Geoffrey and Sun...I thank you for trusting me to be a part of your new life. I wish you all the best as you begin your family, settle into your new home and stand together, away from friends in family, but together! May life bring you much happiness & many special memories. Thank You both for your commitment to our great military. My father was in the Air Force, so my respect for you both cannot be told with words. It is a great honor that I met you both. Hope you enjoy the photos ;)
Have a blessed day~c!