I usually have a rule of not photographing an engagement session for a couple unless I am their chosen Austin wedding photographer.  This is because there are SO many benefits to the couple and the photographer if they choose to have an engagement session before the wedding.  It lets the couple feel confident and comfortable in front of their wedding photographer’s camera before the big day.  It also lets the wedding photographer know the best poses for the couple, which is incredibly important if there is a tight timeline for the wedding.  As with any rule, this one has exceptions.  One of those exceptions is family.

Having only just begun the wedding planning process, Dylan’s sister has not yet chosen a wedding photographer, but we know it is not me.  I’m not photographing the wedding because 1) I am in the wedding.  2) I cannot shoot the family portraits AND be in the family portraits.  3) I want to celebrate with the family at the wedding, not work at it.  While my job is an absolute JOY, there is a point in time where you want to enjoy the day without trying to capture it, as well.  Since Alyssa wanted (of course – like most brides) to have her engagement session as SOON as possible, we scheduled to shoot it while we were there visiting for Christmas this past weekend.  (Yes, Dylan’s family celebrates Christmas later than most, which is great as there is no juggling of important dates or rushing around to meet other commitments.  It also lets us hit all the after-Christmas sales.  HHEEEEYYYY!)

I will encourage her – like ALL brides – to still opt for an engagement session with her actual wedding photographer, but could’t refuse her wishes to have an engagement session while we were in town.  It is an exciting time – having only been engaged for a few weeks – and I want her to remember these fun days.   

Geary – you did an AWESOME job picking out Alyssa’s ring!  It is seriously GORGEOUS!!  And red just so happens to be Alyssa’s favorite color – but I’m sure he knew that. ;)

Alyssa loves all things Fall! With this in mind, the two are planning a fall wedding AND chose to incorporate a favorite fall drink (some hot chocolate) into their session!

One of the perks of shooting your engagement session at your parents’ home is convincing your dad to let you use his Nova!  With a love for all things historical (they *ALMOST* went to a local museum for their session), this duo was quite excited to incorporate this vintage car into their photos.  Not only is it a classic, but it also plays into her parents’ love story – a beautiful couple who have been married almost 40 years.  

This shot on the right is one of my faves!!   Congratulations, you two!  I cannot wait to celebrate with you on your big day!

 – Mylah Renae

Austin Wedding Photographer

www.Eureka-Photography.com