Cindy and Everett graciously traveled to Austin for their engagement portraits, and I couldn't have had a better time with them. Their love story is so unique, and their bright spirit was utterly infectious. It almost felt like we laughed throughout the whole shoot. Everett always knew how to make Cindy giggle, and all the sweet moments in between were just adorable and endearing. One thing I absolutely appreciated was how much trust they had in me and was always open to anything. They made my job way too easy, and it only makes me more excited to photograph their wedding in September. 

Jessica, Kevin, and their little puppy, Milo...

This was one of my favorite days. I was so excited when George reached out about doing their engagement photos here in Texas. It was even more special because he, Stephanie, and their friends all flew in from Chicago for vacation so it worked out perfectly! When Stephanie and George told me that they wanted to find scenery that was different from the Chicago skyline, Enchanted Rock State Park was the first idea that came into my mind! From open fields to the vast mountain range, the park encompassed everything that they were looking for!

Texas winters are very fickle so we weren't sure what the weather would be like. It had been raining all week, and even the morning of our shoot was a bit damp and cold. But somehow, as we drove to the park, it started getting warmer and eventually the sun came out! It was such a joy photographing these two. They have such a sweet and relaxing energy around them. In between shooting, I'd see them giggle and goof off as if no one else was watching. Even the way they look at each other warms my heart. I started off the session with some portraits in their casual attire, but deep down, I was excitedly waiting to photograph Stephanie in her red dress. When we were planning this session, I had suggested that she'd be daring with her dress, especially for such a majestic setting such as the Texas mountains, and boy, did she surprise me! It was a total bonus that there was a light breeze throughout the afternoon, and the lighting was magical in the golden fields. I really couldn't have asked for a better couple to work with, and I'm excited to finally share these frames with everyone! 

Stephanie and George, thank you with all my heart for this amazing opportunity. Sending you lots of love and care for your wedding in Chicago! 

Is this even real life? 2016 flew by way too quickly, and I'm sad that it's ended. As we prepare for our next season and transition into 2017, I'd like to recap with you my journey and celebrate the love that you all have extended towards me. 

2016 has truly been a year of celebration. As I've shared before, I want this blog to be a place where my readers can truly know me and my growth as a photographer and in my personal life. So if you've been following me for a while, I'd love to extend a word of thanks for your love and support. I seriously can't wait for all that awaits me in 2017, but in the meantime, let's take a walk down memory lane. 
 

a season of proposals
 

As you can recall from the summer, I photographed quite a few proposals within 3 months. It was an incredible feeling to receive inquiry after inquiry to capture these joyful occasions, and I even got the chance to travel a bit throughout Texas for these moments. 

First one up, Sean & Joseph. And man, what a start! If you haven't read their story yet, you are missing out. Who knew you could still propose to the love of your life after a crazy monster downpour?!  (Click here to read more)

Next, we have Tian & Joseph at the McGovern Centennial Gardens in Houston, TX. Joseph used a fun way with geocaching to ask his bride-to-be for her hand. (Click here to read more)

Then, we had Ashley & Joon, who also got engaged at the Centennial Gardens. Joon knew exactly how to woo his lovely lady so you'll definitely want to read their story. (Click here to read more)

Fourth, back in Austin, we had Emily & Nathan, who shared a simple, yet intimate engagement that could tug anyone's heart. (Click here to read more)

And finishing up my summer season, Kayla & Leo. Theirs felt so romantic and dreamy, with Leo dancing away with Kayla and proposing to her under a vintage gazebo. Need I say anymore? (Click here to read more)

travels
 

J and I took some time off in the summer as well to do some traveling for our friends and family. We took our first road-trip to West Texas for a wedding that I got to attend as a guest! I always say I prefer being on the shooting end more, but it's nice to take a break once in a while. (Click here to read more.)

Then in late August, J and I flew up to Toronto for his cousin's wedding so we had quite a week exploring and befriending those who were a part of the occasion. (Click here to read more.) 

favorites

And to wrap up this post, here are my favorite frames. 

Where do I even begin to describe Linda and Jonathan? To start off, these two are some of my favorite people in the world. With Jonathan's humor and Linda's sweetness, our session couldn't have been more enjoyable. They brought such a bright energy to their session and had me laughing from start to finish. The cherry-on-top for this session was that I got to work with their tuxedo pup, Shadow, who's just hands down the sweetest dog in the world. In addition to that, the sun was finally out. It had been raining in Austin for two weeks straight, and while I personally enjoy the rain, I was looking forward to the post-rain sun light. You know what I mean? That beautiful, soft and ethereal glow. After chasing the last 30 minutes of that glorious sunset, we ended at the dock where the the air grew crisp and the water reflected a breath-taking palette. 

It's been incredibly fun getting to know Linda and Jonathan. Their relationship epitomizes the joy and beauty that marriage provides, and I'm so glad I got to capture that in these photos. I still can't stop obsessing how pretty these images turned out! 

As if I haven't said it enough, fall is absolutely my favorite season. What makes it even better is when I get to photograph sweet couples like Chelsea and David. Just think... a stunning sunset, a romantic setting, and a gorgeous couple. It couldn't have been more perfect. The cherry-on-top was how beautiful that afternoon was. We had actually rescheduled multiple times due to inclement weather, and I just wasn't sure what to expect the day of our session. Thankfully, not only the did the gloomy clouds stay away, we were blessed with a lighting that was to die for! Chelsea and I have been exchanging emails for a few months now, but I couldn't have been more excited to meet her and David. They are such a fun couple, and I loved how friendly they are. Throughout our session, we'd walk around the park, laughing and getting to know each other. By the end of the session, I almost felt like we've been friends for years! I also love how natural these images are. I had such a great time editing this session, and what made it funny was how sad I was when I was done. It was so satisfying when I got to relive their romance through each frame and see how they transform during post-processing. With that said, I hope you'll enjoy these photos as much as I did. I will be shooting their wedding next March so you'll definitely want to check back here for what's yet to come. Cheers!