Brie and Brock: Chadron, NE Engagement Photography

Brie was my roommate at Chadron State College our sophomore year, and we became fast friends. Not only the kind of friends that listened to music and went to movies, but the kind of friends that were present for laughter and boredom and heartache. We hadn't known each other for long when I realized that Brie would always be on my side, and I loved her for it.

It was a fall weekend—two years after she moved away to Lincoln—when Brie was back in Chadron. She and a group of friends were downtown for drinks and karaoke, when Brock danced his way into the picture. She liked him, so they ended up speaking regularly on the phone, and then dated for a few years long distance. By the time they lived in the same town, he had gained her trust and completely stolen her heart.

 

It's no wonder. He is handsome, hardworking, and looks at her like she is all he has ever wanted. He cares deeply about her happiness. He loves making her laugh loudly in spontaneous bursts, and does so often. But the thing I love most about him? He'll always be on Brie's side.

Brie and Brock, I hope you know how much I adore you. Thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding photos, and most of all for your friendship. Hope you like my favorites!

Yolanda & Wyatt: Black Hills Engagement Photography

I'm sure those of you who know Wyatt and Yolanda won't be at all surprised to learn that I instantly fell in love with their outlook. They were relaxed, cheerful, and up for any idea I may have had.  Typically, I have my clients meet me where we're going, or I drive them so that I can pull over if I get inspired by something on the way. It didn't work like that this time, because their adorable weimaraner, Meise, joined us for the session. (Side note: Brett, if you're reading this, please take notice of how well behaved Meise is in the pictures below. And beautiful... And smart...) Rather than drive separate vehicles, they let me tag along with the three of them. I warned Wyatt that I may ask him to pull over if the above stated inspiration should hit. He was willing to comply, and suggested we wear our seat belts.

The purpose of an engagement session (in addition to beautiful photos, of course), is to get to know the bride and groom.  Oftentimes, the drive serves this purpose perfectly, and this outing was no different. We got to chat about Yolanda's school year coming to an end, and Wyatt's daily commute through the hills for work. We talked about the wedding planning and dog collars, student teachers and the hectic May they've had. 

But most importantly, I got to see them together - discussing and laughing and tossing around ideas. I couldn't help but notice how hard he made her laugh (reverse dancing?) and how completely comfortable they are with one another. It seemed only right that soon they'll officially be a family.

Wyatt and Yolanda, thank you so much for the Sunday drive. I loved getting to know you better, and appreciate your patience with my backseat navigation. Enjoy my favorites!

Dan & Alexa: Black Hills Engagement Photography

Eggs Benedict. How could she not love it...and him? His plan went awry when he found out she was sick with the flu, and unable to enjoy the first meal he ever made for her. That was almost three years ago. Dan smiled as he recalled the memory. He was at the stove, preparing Eggs Benedict for a second time.

Alexa stood near him, taking in the memory for herself. She was proud of her chef, and pleased to have a reason to use her Mom's china. Alexa's love for antiques—and her heart—was poured all over the table she set for Dan's brunch. Each place setting boasted china from his family and hers—creating a meaningful medley of generations, last names, and heirlooms. Dan told her how beautiful she was in her heels and apron, and said he thought it possible she'd been born in the wrong era. She thanked him, and knew it made him happy to have her there, looking gorgeous and helping where she could with the meal. 

Each of them content with the part they played, they finished brunch sipping coffee from delicate porcelain cups, waiting out the rain for round two of engagement pictures. And even though this meal happened a bit later than he intended, it was obvious she loved it. And him.

Dan and Alexa, what a perfect day! Thank you so much for being you, and for putting so much of yourselves into this session. I hope you enjoy my favorites! 

Nick & Sara: Black Hills Engagement Photography

I liked Sara right away. I liked her excitement, her joy, her good attitude.  On the other end of our second phone conversation was a girl who was thrilled to be getting married, who couldn't wait to meet up to talk about photography, and who was obviously smitten with the man she would soon call husband.

I hadn't met Nick before this weekend's engagement pictures, but at the end of our first phone conversation, he thanked me and told me to have a good day. I knew I would like him, too. I was not surprised to see him help Sara cross the creek, hold her hand, and laugh out loud.

It didn't hurt that she couldn't stop telling him how handsome he was, or that he seemed to like the kissing photos best.

Sara and Nick, thank you for the fun afternoon. I am so thrilled that you chose me to be your  photographer, and am looking forward to your wedding in May.  Hope you enjoy my favorites!