As promised, here’s the rest of this incredibly fun session with Bridgette and Craig! We ended up in a location where I have many fond memories of hanging out with a precious friend and her family. I love it when a the backdrop is a bit nostalgic! From the awesome red truck and balloons to antique cameras, these two pulled out all the stops. What a joy to work with a couple who are so creative and so in love! Enjoy this second installment and start counting down the days with me until their awesome November wedding!

Tomorrow, one of the neatest couples I know will say their vows and become husband and wife! We seriously couldn’t be more excited to share this day with Jill and Daniel, as the begin their exciting journey together. There is something so refreshing about their love for one another and for the Lord. I’m positive that you’ll see that reflected on their wedding day, as they give Him all the glory for their relationship and as they commit their marriage to Him.

We thought it was fitting, on the day before they say “I Do,” to reflect on their engagement story – that very moment when Jill, overcome with surprise, said, “Yes!”

Happy Almost Wedding Day you two… we love you!

This engagement session is just so awesome, I’m forced to split it up into two parts! There’s no way I could squeeze such joy and love into one post- impossible!

When Bridgette and Craig contacted me, I was thrilled- not only were they an awesome couple, but they expressed such a genuine desire to have my husband and I be a part of their day. Nothing is more humbling than to know you were hand selected by someone to participate in one of the greatest moment’s of their life! It wasn’t long before it felt as though these two were long lost friends. Pouring over wedding ideas, chatting about clothing options, dreaming up new ideas- brides like this make me so happy! And to top it off, these two have one of the most creative and amazing weddings in the works. I am seriously counting down until their big day this Fall!

Bridgette and Craig wanted a fun, colorful and unique backdrop for their session, so when the local county fair rolled in, they knew they had their location. A few calls and emails and we were set. Early one morning we met up at the fair grounds to begin what would be one of the most entertaining and delightful sessions of all time. Craig had us laughing the entire time- in fact, I’m pretty sure my face was permanently frozen with a smile on it a full week after our time together!

I learned so much about them during this time, from their love story to their dreams for the future- but what I walked away with the most was their genuine love for one another and for The One who brought their lives together!

What an awesome celebration it will be, as these two become one!

This engagement session might be one of the most adventurous of all times! Not only did we ride around in a golf cart through the woods, but we did so among cattle and deer. It was so much fun to spend some time on Kenny’s family property and to watch the beautiful sun peer through lots of nooks and crannies. Cassie totally rocked it out in her first outfit, sporting some awesome pink heels and she truly shined the entire time! She’s going to be a stunning bride!

Hiking through the woods in search of sweet light and beautiful scenery made this session not only enjoyable, but a truly fun experience as well! Briana and Dennis are precious together- his love for her evident in so many subtle ways. I am super excited for their wedding and can’t wait to capture more of their love in the months to come!

About a month ago, I shared with you some precious memories I had the privilege of capturing, when Daniel proposed to the love of his life Jill, on a blustery Florida beach. Immediately following this surprise, Jill was shocked to find another one: an impromptu engagement session in the very spot where Daniel had popped the question! This entire idea of documenting the love, excitement and joy of the very moment this new commitment is made, makes my heart happy. It truly takes capturing this season of life to a whole new level! See for yourself…

“I didn’t really understand the significance that was August 1, 2011 at the time.  I didn’t know that I was about to meet my future husband.  What I did know was that once I met Daniel, things were different.  I was the new girl in everyone’s life, but he made me feel right at home.  As we spent more and more time together, building a friendship, I knew that he was different than any man I had ever known.  After I started working at our church alongside of him, we began to spend even more time together.  I vividly remember a moment where he walked by my desk and I thought, “I’m going to fall in love with him.”  I knew I was done for.



As Daniel began to pursue me, I was blown away by his love for the Lord and his willingness to do whatever God asked of him.  To this day, he constantly challenges me to draw closer to God and to seek Him first.  He consistently puts God’s glory at the forefront of every step he takes.  Daniel was intentional in every step of our relationship.  I never had to doubt or question how he felt about me or what the future held.  While still
guarding my heart, I was immediately able to trust this man God had brought into my life and dream of what the future might hold.



The future took a quick turn when my boyfriend of six days told me why he had just flown to Texas – he was interviewing for a job – 1000 miles away.  I don’t know how to explain it other than God-given peace.  I knew immediately that he was supposed to go, that God had called him there.  I knew this meant our road would be a little more difficult than we anticipated and certainly different, but there was no doubt in my mind that God had called Daniel and we both needed to respond in obedience.  There was also no doubt in my mind that I wanted him to be my husband and that God had brought us together for a purpose.  After many weeks of prayer, decisions were made, plans laid out, and after dating for about two and a half months we hopped into a moving truck and moved him halfway across the country.  
We knew that we were committed to God’s plan and committed to each other.



As always, God has proven himself faithful.  While it was never easy to be apart, we communicated every day and each traveled many miles to spend time together.  God drew us together in a way that I think only long-distance couples can attest to.  A part of our communication was alway Monday night “Skype dates.”  While we made plans to see each other the weekend after our one year anniversary, Daniel, always the romantic, still wanted to make our anniversary special.  We planned to watch the sunset together – I would be at the beach, he would be at a park in Texas, and we would video call one another.  He told me that he arranged a special “set-up” for when I arrived.  While a part of me thought maybe, just maybe, he might surprise me on this special weekend, too many details were falling into place for that to be the case.  I completely believed that we would sit in our respective states and watch the sunset together through our phones.  Little did I know how much planning was going on behind the scenes.

I arrived at the beach to a beautiful set-up of mason jars filled with sand, candles, and a blanket.  Well, the candles weren’t exactly lit you see because it was a very windy day.  As I think every girl will understand, this affected my hair as well.  I sat on the blanket and began to turn to find the best “angle” for my hair – we were after all about to have our one year anniversary date!  At one point, I had turned completely around to where the water was at my back.  As I looked up, I saw Daniel.





I was completely shocked and a little confused!  He had covered every detail so well that I had a hard time believing he was really in front of me!  After some of the shock wore off, he got down on one knee.  I had been in love with him for so long and at that moment, he told me he loved me for the first time and I was finally able to say it back.  This proved to be such a beautiful guard and protection of my heart – to save those words until that moment when he was making the biggest commitment to guard my heart forever.  He then asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.  Without hesitation, I said yes!







It was the perfect moment between just the two of us that we were then able to share with many of our closest friends and family that same night!  I cannot wait to experience the adventure God has set before us as we pursue being a force for His glory as husband and wife!”

 So super excited to see where God takes this precious couple and of course, for their upcoming wedding!

Rebecca and Matt drove up from Miami for a whirlwind of an engagement session. Leaving the big city behind, we decided to find areas that seemed a bit more quaint and relaxed. As soon as I brought out my camera, it was easy to see that this session was going to be a blast. Their love was so natural, easily seen and felt as they chatted, laughed and interacted with one another.  And their love was comfortable, they way you feel when you slip under a flannel blanket on a cold winter’s night sipping hot cocoa… warm and cozy. After spending these hours watching them together, I’m anticipating their lovely wedding celebration even more!

Thanks Rebecca and Matt for trusting me with your sweet memories! See you in Miami soon!

There is something so precious about two people in love. I can’t even put into words how exciting it is to capture unrehearsed, genuine adoration between two individuals…mix in superior creativity, a surprise proposal and unexplainable joy and you might as well hand me a box of tissues, because I’m going to be standing in a puddle of my own tears.

Insert Daniel and Jill.

Two individuals my husband and I both love and respect. Two individuals who passionately love and serve the Lord first;  then each other. Two people, who have waited for one another their whole lives; and who through obedience to the Father have found themselves walking a journey together hand in hand.

Two individuals that after this incredible evening, will soon become husband and wife. 

———————————————————————————————-

The sun was glowing, all of our nerves seemed to be bundled together in knots and the anticipation of what was to come seemed comparable to that excitement you feel when you go to bed on Christmas Eve as a child… you know something amazing is going to happen, but you just don’t know quite how it will all unfold.

Last minute preparations were made. Plans were finalized. 

With a sweet and simple set up, we each dashed to our places. A man, about to propose; 2 photographers, hiding behind the protective covering of sea oats and a friend, strategically positioned to make sure the evening went off as planned.

And then there was Jill…

“It was not long after meeting Jill at a get-together, that our mutual friends invited us to, that I realized I was in trouble. I was head over heels for this incredible young woman, who exuded so much of the love of Christ to everyone she came in contact with. I knew that I wanted to be more than her friend, and before she even said yes to being my girlfriend, I knew I wanted her to be my wife. To say that God orchestrated our story would be an understatement. In just two short months, I felt like I had know this amazing person for my entire life. We shared the same passions, the same heart for people, the same desire to do whatever the Lord asked of us.” 

“Just a few days after I asked Jill’s father for permission to date his daughter and she said “yes”, I flew out to Texas for an interview at a church. At this point, I thought that I would go, thank the church for their time, and politely decline their offer. Instead, God began to give me vision for ministry and life in this East Texas town. Upon returning to Tampa, I told Jill why I had been out of town. With the grace that flows from her continually, she told me that whatever the Lord called me too, she was committed to our relationship and to seeking God. After many weeks of prayer, God made it clear that I was to move to Lufkin, Texas. As I began to break the news to family and co-workers, God continued to confirm this move, and strengthen the bond between Jill and me. Many may think that the “friendship stage” of our relationship went by too fast, but God knew that in a short time, I would be moving away. He drew our hearts together in His timing for His purpose.”

“Ever since January, Monday nights have been “Skype date” nights, with us communicating through other means every other day during the week. We have both traveled for visits and have soaked up every minute that we get to be together. It hasn’t been easy, but we both know that God has had us work through this for His glory. I decided long ago that I wanted to propose to Jill on our one year anniversary, October 20th. I knew that I wanted to surprise her and I knew that I wanted to do it in Tampa.
After working through obstacles that seemed to stand in the way, I suggested that I come into town for the FSU Homecoming game. She was excited, even though that meant I would not be in town for our actual Anniversary. I told her that to make up for it, I wanted to watch the sunset over Skype with her on October 20th. I told her to go to a certain spot on the beach, and I would go to a local park in Lufkin, where we would video call each other to watch the sunset. After much planning and throwing Jill off of the trail, the beach scene was set.”

“After Jill was situated, I walked up on the beach access, and was greeted by a look of surprise and extreme confusion. It had worked! She had no idea I was coming! After we talked for a bit and some of the shock wore off, I dropped to one knee. I can’t remember everything I said, but I do know that I said one thing and asked another. I had decided long ago that the first time I told my girlfriend “I love you” would be right before I proposed. So, on one knee, I said, “Jill Shelton, I love you, will you spend the rest of your life with me?” She said yes! Afterward, we laughed, took lots of photos, and celebrated with some of our closest friends and family.”

Congratulations to the one who said “yes!” and to her blessed fiance’ who gets to spend the rest of his life with this precious girl!

Part 2 Coming Soon…

Just wanted to share a sweet sneak of Robert and Rosemary from our fun time together this weekend.

When I shot Hannah and Emilio’s wedding, Laura was one of the lovely bridesmaids, and though beautiful on that day, was unassuming, quiet…reserved. On the afternoon of her engagement session with Mark; however, Laura completely wowed me. She lit up the camera with her eyes and her genuine smile. Though, still the same girl from Hannah’s wedding, with her sweet spirit and thoughtful personality, during our time together, I watched her shine as she basked in the beauty of being with the one she loves.

Enjoy these images from our precious time together!