I love engagement sessions. There is just something about them- probably the excitement of starting a new chapter in life together- that always seems to translate so well onto film and digitals. They are my favorite kind of session that I offer; the beginning of a true love story with so many hopes and dreams, so much happiness and love.
I first met Melissa about eight years ago during college. We have a few mutual friends, and often ending up at the same social functions we quickly realized we had "friend-potential." From there a genuine friendship blossomed and we managed to keep in touch as time passed, always just picking up where pause had been hit last.
I was so thrilled when she contacted me about engagement photos, as she is the exact type of client I LOVE working with. She has a clear vision and defined look in mind that we were able to hone in on for this semi-styled session that took place at Star Hill Ranch just outside of Austin, Texas.
Rustic and romantic was the goal.
Melissa met Mike met by chance on a late September evening during 2012 at The Draught House- the old, dank and dark authentic public house and brewery in Rosedale that we all love so much for the free pint glasses on Wednesdays and free sausages on Saturdays. After parting ways with a friend, she decided to stay just a bit longer which is when she crossed paths with Mike, who had moved his life to Austin from Portland after visiting his brother who was already living here. What began as a conversation over beer turned into so much more and within the first few days of meeting, Melissa somehow knew that Mike was the one she would eventually marry.
One year into dating, they added on a furbaby family member, a shaggy dark pup that they named Wyalon. He is their pride and joy. Naturally we HAD to include him in their photos and luckily we had the venue grounds to ourselves that afternoon, so he was able to roam a bit and pop into some shots here and there. That spotted tongue just cracks me up!
Mike proposed three years to the date after meeting Melissa. He spent months stalking her Pinterest account looking for the perfect ring that she had already pinned and finally found it- a phenomenal choice from Heidi Gibson Designs. After a several hour hike to the top of Angel's Rest in the Colombia River Gorge outside of Portland, he bent on one knee and popped the question.
After lots of planning during last fall and winter, life took a slight detour with a tragic loss in Melissa's family which caused a need to rethink the plans a bit. While they loved Star Hill Ranch so much and had already locked in their date for October 1, 2016, the Bride and Groom-to-be decided that it might not be a bad idea to downsize a bit. They chose to switch the venue to Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon. I have no doubt that it will be an absolutely gorgeous intimate woodland wedding.
Congratulations Mike and Melissa! Wishing you nothing but the utmost happiness in your years to come together! We all can't wait to see where life and marriage takes you!