Engagement Photos

So those of you who have heard "our proposal" story know that Austin hired a photographer to document the whole thing. Because he is truly just so awesome. I was so so grateful that he did too because I just HAVE to have pictures of EVERYTHING. And I didn't really know what was going on so it was really cool to look back on it all later. However... our nerves were so wacky and we were both just so ... so.... hmmm... a word doesn't yet exist to describe how we felt in that moment... but even though I love our pictures from that night, all I really wanted to do while she was taking them was collapse in bed and take time to calm down and comprehend that this was all really happening. Instead we were surrounded by thousands of people we didn't know, a photographer (who was very sweet) but we also didn't know, and it was all just overwhelming and uncomfortable.

Here are a few of the better shots from that night.

Photo credit Petronella Photography

"Um YEAH!" is what I meant to say...

"What? I'm not about to throw up. It's all good."

"If we get hit by a car right now...."

"TAKE THREE!"

Those are the best of us out of the 50 that she gave us. We didn't look so hot in most of them. Also, I love the dress that I'm wearing but it isn't exactly "family appropriate" in my opinion. I didn't want to send a save the date to my grandparents like "Hey Grandma! I'm getting married! Try not to look directly into my boobs." Sorry I know I know... But you see what I'm saying? I thought I was just having a night out in NYC with my boyfriend when I got dressed that night and wasn't happy about my decision later. But how could I have known? Aaaaaanywaaays... all of this to say....

I asked a very dear friend of mine who is going to be a famous photographer because she takes truly amazing photos if she would take our engagement photos, part 2.

I had my hair dyed a new color because it was turning a nasty shade of green and my sister/maid of honor curled my hair the morning of and made it look real pretty. I got my ring cleaned and spent extra time on my lipstick (thankfully because she got pretty close up a couple times).

The weather literally could not have been more perfect. Cool with a warm breeze and sunshine. We went to Jerusalem Mills Historic Village which is close to my neighborhood and is kind of the "go to" place when you need pictures taken. So I picked up my balloons (I decided I needed balloons and I'm so glad I did) and we all met up for what turned out to be an absolute blast. 

I seriously can't even tell you how happy it made me to have that time dedicated to smiling with my man. I don't think any of our smiles were fake because we were just so genuinely happy. I would strongly urge every couple to do this every few years at least. I hope we do. We walked around, held hands, kissed, sat side by side or back to back, the balloons were a lot of fun too. Forget dinner and a movie. Grab a photographer you are really comfortable with and your man (or woman) and go for a walk. There was a lot of giggling on my part because I was just so giddy. And not just because we are engaged. There is something about staring deeply into the eyes of the person you love and being held close... I just kept thinking "How am I so lucky to have you?" I think it's really important to remember daily how important your "special someone" is to you. It was almost like "Oh, hi. Remember how in love we are?" Does that sound crazy? Well... I don't really care.

I want to share them ALL! But here are just a few of my favorites. (Gotta save some for Save The Dates.)

Photo credit Cora Hopper Donelson

Making us laugh.

 "I don't know what to do with my hands..."

This is without a doubt, my favorite picture of my ring. The leaf is perfect, and the diamonds against the wood is just amazing... I've stared at this one too long already and I've only had these pictures for 2 days.

Cora was amazing. She photographed EVERYTHING that popped into my head. Even if it seemed like it wouldn't work or if it was hard to get a good angle on something. She worked so hard and I am so happy with every single picture we got back.