The moment I started reading Meghan’s email, I knew she was my kinda girl.  The love of her life had just proposed to her, and they wanted to capture their story in a genuine, joyful, true-to-them kinda way.  I believe with all my heart that crafting photographs for people should never be about perfect poses and forced smiles and “pretending to laugh.”  When people invite me into their life to tell their story in the truest way possible, I want it to be filled with their personality, and authentic laughter, and telling of stories, and embracing the connection between the people in the photos.  Meghan has been following the blog here for several years, and she knew that this was what was important to her and Gene, what they wanted to reflect in their engagement photos.  So they invited me over to their new home, and we kicked off our shoes, poured some wine, and had the best evening together sharing stories and making memories.  She and Gene just purchased their first home last year out in Champion, and every inch of this space is comfy, cozy, and totally them.  Their love story began over 20 years ago, which is just amazing!  Meghan and Gene grew up just a few houses from each other, and their first memories include fishing in the lake together and running around their parents’ backyards.  The story takes some twists and turns over the years, but you’ll have to sit down with them some time to hear the full version :)  After spending the evening hanging out at their home (wait til you see their backyard!), we drove down the road a couple miles to Mosquito Lake just in time for sunset – the perfect ending to our perfect day together!

Meghan and Gene, there are no words for how thankful I am that you asked me to be the one to capture this amazing chapter of your story.  I love your willingness to be authentic, even with a camera in the room, the importance to you of family and heritage, and your focus on the things that really matter.  Still pinching myself that I get to capture your best day ever next year in JAMAICA!!!  We are going to have the best time, you guys!  Enjoy some of my favorites from your engagement session, I can’t wait to see which ones you add to your album :)

 Backyard + Mosquito Lake Engagement Session | Meghan + Gene

Gene proposed last year on Christmas Eve, and hearing them re-tell the story was so fun!  Meghan had no idea what he had planned!  This is the album that Gene gave to Meghan to open, get ready to have your heart melt!

How cool is it that they have photos of themselves together way back when they were kids?!  That photo on the left is from a school pageant when they were in elementary school!

“Inset Engagement Photo Here!”

This little detail is just so special.  Meghan and her Grandma Shively were very close, and when she passed away, Meghan kept this brooch from her jewelry box.  Looking back through a memory book that her Grandma gave her when she was little, Meghan found this picture of her Grandma on the Christmas Eve that her Grandpa proposed, wearing the exact brooch that Meghan kept!

Homeowners!  You two have got this whole adulting thing down!

Can this be MY backyard?  So beautiful!!

Lots of hours logged out here fishing on Mosquito Lake!  The perfect end to our evening <3

Want to see more engagement sessions?  Click here!