by Chelsea Hale
White lilies and coral roses were set out. Ribbons in aqua and silver were laced around different bouquets. “It’s all beautiful,” Coco said, amazed at the amount of money Liz’s parents were willing to spend on just the flowers.
“Only the best for my baby girl,” Liz’s mom, Helen said. “Liz has exquisite taste.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Helen gave Liz and Coco a hug and left the store.
“That was record making decision time back there,” Coco said, as they headed toward Liz’s car.
“Thanks for getting me out of my funk.”
Coco smiled. “That’s what I’m here for. Should we go find something for lunch?”
“Yes, but first I want to make one more stop.” She made a right at the light.
Coco hadn’t paid attention to how they’d gotten to the floral shop, but as soon as they turned onto the street she knew where they were headed. Her mouth went dry. “What are we doing at Peter’s studio?”
Liz tilted her head. “I thought I could look at some of their backdrops while I’m here, just to get an idea of them. I’ll only be a minute. You can wait in the car if you want.”
A flutter swam through her stomach. “I’ll come. I never did see the backdrops.”
A bell rang overhead as they entered the studio. The woman at the desk greeted them. “Welcome back, Miss Montgomery. Would you like to change your bridal shoot time?” She reached for an appointment book.
“The timing is perfect, Becca, thank you,” Liz said. “I was hoping to get an idea of the indoor backdrops in case the weather isn’t nice enough to have outdoor pictures.”
“I can show you a book with a few of them.” She stood up and reached for a leather book on a shelf.
“I’d really rather see them in person, is that possible?” Liz smiled sweetly.
Coco wasn’t sure what the rush was to go to the studio. The pictures would adequately do the backdrops justice.
“I’m sorry. Peter is shooting another bridal right now,” Becca said.
Peter was here, not out. Coco’s insides did a cartwheel.
Liz looked to Coco, then back to Becca. “I see. How long will that take, do you think?”
“The studio is scheduled for the entire day.”
And just like that Coco’s insides tumbled to the floor, but she straightened her shoulders. It was silly to want to see Peter. She was here to help Liz. Stay focused. “Let’s look through the book,” Coco said, sitting down on the couch and opening to the first backdrop.
The phone rang, and Becca answered it.
“I want to see how Peter takes bridal pictures before my shoot,” Liz said, flipping through a few of the backdrops.
“Thinking of going with someone else?”
“Of course not. I just want to be prepared.”
They flipped through the pages, and Coco glanced around the studio. She should ask Peter about the Brainard product shoot. With Jeffrey gone for the next few weeks, she’d have her weekends free to help him.
A few minutes later, Peter came through the black curtain. “Liz. Coco. I didn’t know you were here. Can I help you with something?” He glanced down at his watch. “We’re taking a quick break while the bride is changing her hairstyle.”
“They want to watch your bridal photo shoot,” Becca said, as she typed away on her computer. “I told them we don’t allow it, but they’re looking at the backdrop book.”
“It’s not a hard and fast rule,” Peter said, turning to talk to Becca. “Besides, Liz is marrying one of my best friends.”
Liz stood, and Peter gave her a quick hug. “How are you holding up with all of the plans?”
Liz looked at Coco. “Better when Coco is with me. She keeps me from being a Bridezilla.”
Peter smiled at Coco. “It’s good to see you again.” He stepped forward like he might give her a hug, but at the last minute changed his mind and extended his hand for a handshake. Their hands were too close to their bodies to be able to actually shake, but Coco couldn’t step back since she was standing next to the couch.
“Hi,” Coco said.
“I’m sorry we didn’t set up an official appointment. I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” Liz said.
“Not at all. As long as the bride is okay with it, you’re welcome to come back for a few minutes.”
“If you don’t mind, that would be great. Thank you, Peter.” Liz smiled.
Coco and Liz watched for a few minutes. The shots were framed nicely, and the backdrops were unrolled from the ceiling. The lights were arranged so no shadows appeared on the bride’s face. Behind the couch was another light that lit up the backdrop, erasing any harsh shadows that might have otherwise appeared. All four walls in the room held different backdrops and various flooring to accommodate several looks in one space. It was breathtaking. Coco ran her fingers along the bench she and Liz were sitting on and watched as Peter worked.
She took out a notebook and wrote down a few notes for Liz to remember. She didn’t want to be distracting by saying her opinions out loud.
Peter did a great job, but Coco thought maybe a few hints would help Liz feel more at ease. Keeping the chin down helped to make a better picture. Also, bringing extra shoes to stand in for the pictures would keep her feet from hurting.
She hoped Peter would let her film during the bridals. If they were outside, she would be able to film no problem, but if they were in his studio, she’d need permission.
The shoot ended. “You know how to work a camera,” Liz said to Peter. “I’m so glad you’re doing our pictures.”
“The ones from Aspen turned out nice. We need to set up an appointment to go over wedding invitation styles.”
“I’ll bring Tyler for that one. I’ll call you next week about it.”
“Okay.”
Liz looked between Peter and Coco, then said, “On second thought, I’ll go figure it out right now and get it on the calendar with Becca. I’ll be right back.”
“You have a good eye,” Coco offered.
“That means a lot, coming from you.”
“I thought about your offer to let me tag along for your product shoot.” Ugh, why did she sound so awkward?
He lifted his eyebrows, a question on his face.
“The one you’re going to do in Brainard…”
“I remember,” he said. “You’re going to come?”
“If that’s still okay. It’d be a great way to diversify.”
His eyes lit up. “I’d be happy to have you along. Would next Saturday work for you?”
Jeffrey was still out of town, and she didn’t have a wedding next week. “Yes … and could I film during Liz’s bridals? Your studio is beautiful.”
He tipped his chin down. His smile was warm and did funny things to her stomach. “I’ll give you a press pass and everything.”
Chapter Twelve
After picking up Coco, Peter headed North, driving through Boulder and then turning west and up into the mountains. Brainard Lake was close to a two-hour drive from Denver, but it was worth it. Now that the weather was warming up a little it would be nice. It was a great place to snowshoe and take pictures.
“Favorite place to take pictures?” Coco asked, once she settled into her seat.
He turned to her, raising an eyebrow. It was like asking him which grain of sand was his favorite when he appreciated the whole beach.
She didn’t wait for him to respond. “When I was younger we’d play the question game whenever my family would go for a drive.”
“That’s a broad question.”
“Don’t overthink it. Just pick a place.”
“Okay. Kauai has some amazing photo spots, but you have to work to get them. But if it’s limited to Colorado, I’d pick the mountains. We’re going to one of my favorite spots today. What about you?”
“I love the mountains,” she said. “But tropical destinations have a charm we don’t see here in Colorado. Your turn for a question. Ask me anything.”
>
If only he could ask her anything. He pretended to think hard, then said, “What animal would you be and why?”
“That’s technically two questions, but I’ll let it slide.” She giggled. “A tiger. They’re beautiful, fast, and I like their stripes.”
“An eagle. I love the idea of flying, and the views you could capture always being in the air would be hard to beat.”
“Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower?” she asked.
“Definitely Eiffel Tower.”
“Me too.”
They took turns asking and answering questions, everything from favorite desserts and amusement park rides to hardest moments growing up and greatest fears. He found they had a lot in common and the time through the mountains flew by. They stopped at a few turnouts along the way, and Coco grabbed her camera.
“I love these sweeping views,” she said in between taking pictures. “I’m so glad we’re stopping. When I go hiking with my roommates, I’m pulling their teeth every time I ask to stop and take a picture.”
“I know how that goes.” Peter was glad they shared a passion for photography and scenic views. He knew a relationship wouldn’t work out if every time he decided to stop and capture a moment his date groaned and complained. Coco was the opposite.
They made it to the Brainard Trail Head, and Peter took out a packed lunch. “I figure we should eat before we snowshoe.”
Coco’s eyes widened. “I love snowshoeing. I should have thought to bring a different camera bag. My backpack would have been much better.”
Peter liked the way he could surprise her with something, and she’d go with the flow. “I know I didn’t prep you well on details, so I brought an extra sling backpack just in case.”
Coco unloaded her bag, placing extra lenses, filters, and batteries into the new bag with her camera.
They ate, and Peter put a few granola bars and trail mix into his backpack along with two bottles of water.
She swung her backpack on her shoulder, adjusting the straps to make it fit tighter. “You need a snowshoeing model with a snow-capped mountain behind it?”
“You don’t have to wear the snowshoes for the pictures if you don’t want.” He bumped her arm playfully. “However, you’ll want to be in a few pictures once we get to Brainard Lake. The area is gorgeous this time of year, and the bright sun shining on it will be picturesque.”
“You’re bringing a tripod?” she asked, holding hers.
“I thought a few time lapse photos would be nice. I don’t trust my camera to logs. This carbon fiber tripod is lightweight.” He let her feel it for herself, then attached it to the side of his backpack. “You can use it up there if you want. We can just bring one.”
They started along the trail where it was wide enough for them to be side by side.
“It’s a good thing I know how to snowshoe already. This trail isn’t for beginners.”
“You’re doing great. I’m barely keeping up,” he said. She was fast.
“Ha. Yeah right. By the way, I still love this gear. It’s light-weight but keeps me warm enough. The hat is my favorite.”
“I still have more if you need anything else. Oh, and I have a check for you. I was going to give it to you this morning, but I left it on my desk.”
“My check?”
“The magazine always pays the modeling fee as part of our agreement.”
“Modeling fee?”
“It’s a competitive amount. Sometimes they pay more when they’re in a hurry, or when they have a specific look in mind. I don’t always know the exact amount ahead of time and didn’t want to exaggerate the number, but it’s based on the time stamps of the photos, how many photos I deliver, and how many different outfits you change into. So … surprise! Happy bonus.”
She stopped, knocking a chunk of snow from her shoe. “It’s Christmas again for me. Thanks.”
They stopped every five minutes to capture something—a snow-covered tree, the interesting peak of a mountain when the sun hit it just right. Peter put a hand on her arm, his other hand on his lips. When she looked up at him, he pointed to a small clearing inside a clump of trees. Two deer stood together. One tilted its head. They both took pictures, zooming as far as they could to get the best shot of the animals.
When they arrived at Brainard Lake, Peter offered her a water bottle. “This looks like a nice area.” He pulled out his tripod.
Coco switched her lens from a 50 mm to a longer one. “I think you planned the perfect weather for this. Sunny with a few clouds against the blue sky is going to make for a striking landscape.”
They took pictures of each other and together. Peter could get a decent selfie with his 18 mm lens. He checked it, and it was much better than pulling out the small camera on a cell phone.
Coco used video mode for several minutes. Peter played with the time lapse.
“What ISO are you at?”
“100,” she answered. “What was your aperture on your landscape?”
“I kept it at 11.” He moved his ISO down from 200 to 100. It let in less light, leaving the white less blinding in his photo. He adjusted the lens cover to block the sun’s glaring rays. With any luck he could create the effect of a darker tree against the snow.
“Nice. It already sounds perfect.”
Peter smiled at the easy way they each focused on their own pictures, without filling the artistic moment with conversation.
Coco spun in a circle. “This really is a beautiful location. I bet it’s pretty in the summer.”
“Summer, spring, and fall … it’s all breathtaking.”
“We’ll have to come back,” Coco said, then ducked her head.
Peter’s heart thrummed at the implication of them visiting this place in all seasons. He was falling for Coco. Hard.
They took several panoramic pictures and changed to different filters, comparing the look of their photos on the display screen between each of their cameras. Then Peter set up the product shots with Coco’s help. An hour flew by, and Peter loaded up his gear. “We’d better head back.”
“Just one more,” Coco said. “This next one is going to be even better.” Her eyes sparkled, the snow reflecting in her eyes, bringing out the yellow specks.
They spent another twenty minutes as Coco played with different angles. Peter joined in the fun, capturing pictures of her as she worked. She looked in her element, pure joy radiating from her as she cradled her telephoto lens in her palm. She loved this, just like he did.
“Did you need any more product shots?” She smiled.
They’d taken more photos than he needed already. “Maybe a few more together.”
Peter set up the tripod, and they took several pictures together. Goofy pictures, smiling pictures, completely blank faces. Peter put his arm around her, feeling her heat even through the layers.
He packed up the equipment and looked through the final shots. “These are some good shots,” he said, showing her the LCD screen.
“I agree. Send them to me.” They started back. “This was so fun! I’m glad we did this.”
“Me too. I’ve been meaning to come up here for a few weeks.”
Once back at Peter’s SUV, they drove to the closest restaurant. “This is festive,” Peter said as they entered the small diner nestled back from the road surrounded by trees. It connected to a small bed and breakfast.
“It has great potential,” Coco said. “Sometimes the best food is found in dives. Today could be the day we discover a gold mine menu.”
He opened the door for her. “Let’s go find out.”
The teenage waiter took their soup and sandwich combo orders. They warmed up with hot chocolate, bringing back the memories of being in Aspen together. Peter liked being with her. A lot.
They compared shots, passing their cameras back and forth and commenting on the lighting and angles.
“Pick your top five favorites, and let’s play around with them in Photoshop,” she said. “It’s always fun to see what com
es out of the favorites pile.”
“That’s a great idea.”
The food came out, and the waiter refilled their hot chocolate mugs.
“What’s your goal in your videography?” he asked, wondering if she’d be interested in doing more product shoots with him.
“My goal is to be good—so good that I can make it big somewhere. Maybe filming at the Olympics or in Hollywood.”
The idea deflated Peter. Those were big dreams. Major dreams. Colorado life wouldn’t hold a dream like that. “Have you thought about running your own studio or doing wedding videos full-time?”
She took a deep breath, tilting her head back, and looked through his sunroof. “Wedding videos full-time … what would that look like? I mean, I loved going to the Elegance Bridal Show with you. I love doing weddings. It’s paying for college, and I don’t have to get a part-time job serving food on campus.
“All of that is a plus. I guess I’ve mostly looked at it as a means to an end. It’s fun to do, and I like using my skills as a hobby on the side, but I hadn’t really considered making it a career. I mean, there are no repeat customers in wedding videography. At least I hope not. I mean, some word of mouth to other family members, but it’s a lot to drum up just a few weddings a month. If I did that full-time? Hmm … I don’t know. I’d really have to think about it.”
Peter nodded, trying to keep his smile on his face. She was bound for great things, and with her skills he didn’t doubt she’d be successful and in demand. “Did you always want to film the Olympics? Is that what you came to school thinking you’d do?”
She laughed. “Not even close. I always had an interest in photography, but it was just a hobby. I took a few classes in high school and had a knack for it.” She shrugged. “It’s not something my family wanted to send me to school for. It wasn’t a very … Well, my parents had really strong opinions about what they wanted for me. I went to school thinking I was supposed to become an accountant.”
“Really? Did you love accounting?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t even make it through the pre-reqs. I hated school. Almost quit four times my first year. I felt physically sick in my classes, like the inside of me knew this wasn’t my passion in life. So, I called my parents about it. The fifth time we talked on the phone, I finally got through to them.”