It was a bit nippy Saturday afternoon for Austin and Taylor’s engagement session, but we were blessed with clean, beautiful light, and fiery trees so stunning it took my breath. It was seriously a photographer’s dream, and Taylor and Austin were awesome to photograph. They were up for anything I suggested, and were just as happy as I was about the trees and beauty around us.
It’s fun to plan a session, but when the day arrives, we have to work with what Mother Nature dictates, and on this day, it was cloudy and cool. Taylor was laughing and rubbing goosebumps when she told me she had bought her dress with this session in mind when it was over 100 degrees outside. 50 degrees cooler, we still made it work, and the results I hope capture the sweet relationship and love shared by these two.
It was fitting that we do Taylor and Austin’s engagement session at the lake, because they both love the water and Taylor has grown up there. She’s watched those trees come alive with color every fall, and celebrating the love of her life with them as the backdrop was the perfect choice. At our second location down at the Spillway, she showed me where she was baptized, just right below where we did the “Forever and Ever, Amen” shots. Sometimes photos get all intertwined with every type of emotion, and that was the case with these. I can’t think of a sweeter tribute to how our lives take amazing turns from time to time, and it’s no coincidence. I’m sure no one predicted an engagement session when these two started dating three years ago, but here they are, and it’s just as it should be.
Because Taylor is James and Angel’s sister, I’ve watched her grow up at family gatherings, and of course at school. She’s always been beautiful, but there’s something about the glow of love that just adds that sweet sparkle in her blue eyes. And Austin left the football field to come and do this engagement session, so that says all there is to say about how he feels. But there definitely is more to say. He was smiles the whole time, did everything I asked with no hesitation, and even came up with an idea or two himself. There was no doubt that Austin also wanted these to reflect their love and their personalities as much as Taylor did. I think he’s a keeper, and Taylor’s happiness is obvious. Being in love is one of the sweetest gifts in life, and I’m so thankful that this couple has found each other and that gift.
I can’t end this blog without mentioning that I do have one concern about Taylor and Austin, and I’m not sure if it can be resolved. They are moving forward with this engagement even though they know their house will be divided. We all know that it’s against all odds that a dedicated UK fan and and equally die hard Florida Gator fan can get along, let alone fall in love. I predict that there will be some interesting discussions when their teams play. I’ve always heard that opposites attract, and I guess this couple is proof. LOL
Taylor and Austin, I was honored to do your engagement session, and I can’t wait to photograph your wedding. You are a beautiful couple and I can’t say enough about how obvious it is that you are so in love. We all know that life can be tough, but the gift of being in love and sharing the same dreams, goals, and happiness is a blessing above anything life will throw at you. Take in every moment of this time in your journey and enjoy the craziness of all the events that will happen this next year. Before you know it, you will be putting rings on your fingers and another new and beautiful time will unfold. I wish you smiles, and hugs, and happiness through it all and for your lifetime together.
Love and blessings,
Pat
