Kristen and Shane met when they were five years old.  They were both on the same soccer team.  In their team photo, Kristen and Shane were next to each other, which they normally were.  Both being more on the quiet side, they tended to gravitate towards each other, as friends, at such an early age.  Later, Shane’s family moved down the street from Kristen’s family.  The two families were fast friends and would take a vacation together each year to celebrate Independence Day at the lake.  One year, just before the annual family trip, Shane texted Kristen to find out who she liked.  Her answer was Shane – she liked Shane and wasn’t afraid to admit it to him.  The two started dating that day.  Eight years later, to the day, they celebrated their anniversary by taking their Lake Travis engagement photos.

Their faith is something that is very important to both of them.  As a gift to Shane on their 8 year anniversary, Kristen presented Shane with a Bible.  I can only imagine that this very Bible will be the family Bible in decades to come, well loved and well studied.

Since their family trips revolved around the lake and they’re both self-proclaimed lovers of all things water, it only made sense to take their engagement photos at one of their favorite lakes.  It was also a pretty sweet way to celebrate their anniversary.

These two can laugh so effortlessly together.  It is a contagious joy!  Seriously – just look at Shane’s smile!

When it came time to propose, Shane knew he wanted it to be photographed.  He asked his sister and Kristen’s little sister for help.  His sister was going to take Kristen’s sister senior portraits over Spring Break.  She also wanted to practice couple’s photography with Kristen and Shane as her subjects.  At least that’s what they told Kristen.  When it was their turn, Shane took Kristen on the dock of the lake at Laguna Gloria.  He got down on one knee and asked Kristen to spend the rest of their lives together.  She’s already spent almost a third of her life as his girlfriend and less than a quarter of her life without him in it.  Of course, she said yes!  The two went home to celebrate with their two families, who have watched them grow as a couple for eight years!

Dylan and I actually had the joy of meeting these two last year at Kristen’s sister’s Cranberry wedding at The Springs in Georgetown.  At that wedding, Kristen and Shane were the Maid of Honor and Best Man.  At their wedding, those roles will be reversed with Kristen’s sister, Katelynn, and her husband, Joseph.  It really is such a blessing that their family is so close and supports them whole-heartedly!

Kristen and Shane – thank you so much for spending part of your anniversary with me!  I love that y’all were able to capture such a beautiful time in y’all’s relationship on such a special day for y’all!  I can’t wait for your wedding next year!  It’s so special that it will be on your nine year dating anniversary!

– Mylah Renae

Lake Travis Engagement Photos