Texas Two Step

At the University of Texas & McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, Texas with Chris + Rebekah

Okay y'all! The University of Texas campus is simply stunning! The day of our Engagement session, it was a bit on the chilly side, but my goodness, the sun was shining bright & highlighted the campus in the most beautiful way possible - the grass cut to perfection and the architecture had me in awe, looking up and gawking in a mesmerizing stare. Insert Rebekah & her fiance, Chris and let me tell you-magic! These two just portray goodness all around with the warmth of their smiles and their fun personalities. As I got to know them a bit more throughout our session, I could just tell-they are perfect for each other! They've been together for a little over seven years y'all, so you already know their wedding will be the celebration of the century with their closest friends and family in April! 

I asked them how they met and their answers weren't too far off from one another. This is a story of love at first sight-they make me believe it's a real thing!

Rebekah: "Chris and I met at a college frat party on September 3rd 2010. I was a junior to his freshman and I always said Id NEVER date a frat guy but he was different. He actually walked my best friend and I out of this party holding my hand the entire time and nervously asking for my number at the very end. We went on one official date where he thought he was doing good by ordering my favorite dessert, carrot cake, but it had nuts in it which I didn't care for so he took a fork and picked out all the nuts for me!!! On September 16th 2010 he asked me to be his girlfriend outside the nursing school building and its been a beautiful yet sometimes messy road ever since!"

Chris: "We were both attending UT Austin and we met at a frat party. I was hanging out with friends and suddenly saw her walk into the party. I mustered up the courage to talk to her and am very thankful that I got to meet her that day! This might sound like a cliché, but I knew that I liked her from the moment I first saw her."

I asked them each what they like most about the other person:

Rebekah: "Chris' patience and genuine kindness is by far what makes me fall in love with him over and over again. He is never in a rush or anxious (which can sometimes be frustrating) but to me, the one who is always rushing, he calms me. His kindness to everyone, not just those he knows is so refreshing. It's almost like going back to when we were kids and no one was a stranger and no one had ulterior motives. We just smiled and played and everyone was a friend- that is Chris! He is actually younger than me, but he helps make 'adulting' not as scary as the world makes it."  

Chris: "he best thing that I like about Rebekah is that she is very compassionate towards others. She is always willing to lend out a helping hand and is very thoughtful. She makes me a better person and is a beautiful woman inside and out."

I could tell what they liked about each other, because we all gravitate towards certain qualities that outwardly portray genuine goodness and I absolutely enjoyed Rebekah's joyful poise & I greatly appreciated Chris' patient disposition throughout our session. If the sun would've allowed, I would've just continued walking with them and taking photos without looking at the time, because I had a great time. time flies when you're having fun & our time went fast-these two are simply a breath of fresh air to be around! If you are blessed to know these two personally, I'm sure you're reading this with an understanding smile because you get the same feeling being around these two as I did.  

This time being engaged is extraordinary, and I'm positive their wedding day will be absolutely perfect. I had to ask if after they were married, they were planning on starting a family right away or taking it easy for a while as two lovebirds for a few years. These two had me laughing almost to tears when Rebekah quickly informed me that Chris wants several children, which Chris chimed in saying he would be happy with four children!  Rebekah seems to be on board for having multiple children and start a beautiful family, but she says she would be happy with two children & they'll have to take one day at a time. 

I asked where they see themselves in 5 years:

Rebekah: "Chris and I have done things a little backwards as we already have a house. I believe, in five years, we will be right here in Pearland, me still working at the job I love, (maybe part time) and Chris at a job he loves. We would have two beautiful children that we would raise the right way, by taking them to all the UT Longhorn and San Antonio Spurs games!! But in seriousness and in all the chaos that life may bring, I believe we will genuinely be able to say we are truly happy and still as much in love that day as we are today!"

Chris: "In five years, I see ourselves having kids and enjoying our time together as a married couple. I also see our family strengthening our relationship with God and influencing others in a positive way."

I love both of their responses, but I especially admire Chris' will to lead his new family with the guidance of the Lord and also wanting to influence other people in their daily life. This, right here, ladies & gentlemen, is truly what love is all about. 

Rebekah & Chris, 

 I am truly overjoyed for you two being brought together & are going to be married in just a few short months. I truly hope that you love your engagement photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Coming from a bride who been there and know how fast it goes by, cherish the next few months together as an engaged couple and do everything you can to slow down and enjoy being each others' fiances. You’ll only get to be fiancees for a short while longer, and then it’s husband and wife. You’ll be able to enjoy marriage for a lifetime. I'm honored to be the one to capture this special time for you - I have so many favorites from our time together during your Engagement Session & I am looking forward to creating new favorites at your wedding in April!

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

— Psalm 62:2

Roxanne & Ben Zedler Mill Engagement Session - Luling, Texas

At Zedler Mill Engagement Session in Luling, Texas with Ben + Roxanne

As I stepped out of the car, I realized this was no ordinary Engagement Session. I drove one hour from Austin to Luling and not quite knowing what to expect because I had never been to this location. It always is a bit of a challenge going to a place I'm unfamiliar with, but I also really enjoy challenging myself to explore new places and chase the light to capture the love between each couple. I could tell Roxanne was very excited about her and her fiance's venue, Zedler Mill & as I got out of the car, I began to understand why. The property seemed to be a few acres and rested along the beautifully clear waters of the San Marcos River. Wooden bridges, an amazing old mill and the limestone seating for the ceremony site that faced the river were all parts of this venue that made me agree with Roxanne's love for the place. The crisp air was a bit chilly, but the warmth of Ben & Roxanne's love and energy made that a fleeting thought in the back of my mind as I focused in on the two. Ben wore a dapper suit & Roxanne looked absolutely stunning in her red lacy dress. They really nailed their style for this photo shoot & of course the photographer in me made me smile from ear to ear!

I wanted to know more about their love story and I asked how they met. As they say, there are always two sides to every story and there is no difference with these two. They each shared their own details of how they met.

“The night that started it all for Rox and I was a plethora of events leading to a long relationship, and a much awaited marriage. It was the end of another school year and spirits were high. Summer was about to kick off and the graduation for the class of 2009 had just released another crop of young adults from the binds of finals and school stress. My little brother Jon wanted to have a big party to celebrate, I helped him get things together like bon fire piles and other party set up. We knew it would be a big night, but I could never imagine how life changing that night would. As more and more people would show up, the bigger and louder the party got eventually it started to slow down. we had crossed paths a few times out there, I couldn’t not notice her, she was so pretty, and the smile that she gave me could have melted the ice caps. Much later once we were dating she actually told me she didn’t even want to go to the party and her friend talked her into it. I’m so thankful her mind was swayed that night.”

— Ben's side of the story

“Ben and I met at his brother Jon’s graduation party. Jon was in my grade but him and I were not close friends. One of my best friends, Christina, begged and begged me to go to the party with her but I just didn’t think it would be fun. I finally agreed to go with her as long as we didn’t have to stay long. They lived so far out in the middle of nowhere we got lost trying to get there and we almost gave up!! We ended up finding it and making our way down to the bonfire area. Jon hung out with a lot of people I didn’t really know that well so it was awkward at first. Christina and I found some older friends that had graduated before us and just hung out with them, luckily Ben was in that crowd. I didn’t know much about Ben but I quickly found out he loves to be the center of attention and is the life of the party! I always think meeting him was just fate because I am literally the complete opposite of that and usually am very shy but for some reason I just gravitated toward Ben. We hung out all night until the party died down and my friend and I left. I was so shy I didn’t even think to give him my number or anything! The next couple of days I just couldn’t stop thinking about him and how dumb I was to not give out my number so I reached out to a few mutual friends and got it and I texted him first!!! Now you can ask any of my friends and they would tell you I have never done something like that! It was so unlike me. We have been together now for 8 years!”

— Roxanne's side of the story

Roxanne & Ben, I really enjoyed getting to know you both a bit more during our session and I love that you compliment each other so well. You make a great pair and I cannot wait for your wedding next September! Thank you for choosing me to capture this amazing chapter in your lives. Cheers!

With Love,

Lyndsay

Love is Brewing

At Salado, Texas with Jerry + Erin

When I met Erin, she came up to me with her sweet mother to my booth at the Bridal Extravaganza a few months back. Her demeanor was joyous & her smile was gorgeous. I was so happy to talk with because they were both smiling ear to ear and expressed they enjoyed the work I had out on display. She explained her fiance's name was Jerry & their wedding was at a venue called La Rio Mansion in Belton, Texas. I have photographed weddings at dozens of venues over the years & I remember telling myself put a star next to her name & look up her venue when you get home. This was my way of telling myself I really enjoyed their conversation & was intrigued about learning more about the venue as well by how they were describing the setting. I looked up her venue & fell in love with the online images & I can honestly say, this will be one of my most anticipated venues I will look forward to photographing in 2018. 

Fast forward to Erin  & Jerry's Engagement session on an evening in mid-July. I had a 12 hour wedding the day before & I had learned a valuable lesson on which shoes NOT to wear (post coming later). I put on a sun hat, put on the Dr. Scholl's for my my poor feet in my short wedges & took a mini road trip up to Salado, Texas to meet the couple. I was feeling exhausted from the day before & also from photographing another Engagement session in the 104 degree Texas heat for two hours earlier in the day. I drove in to town and starting to immediately fall in love with the old town architecture and quaint feel of the town. I was 'downtown' Salado & a car would pass down Main Street every two minutes. It was nice to get out of the fast hustle and bustle of the hurried Austin scene for a while actually. When I saw Erin & Jerry, I was all smiles because I could tell they had read through my Style Guide & really prepared for their session. Oh & did I mention the sunlight was heavenly?  We scoped out the area a bit and out of nowhere, as if it were out of a Hawaiian landscape, a mini forest of green bamboo appeared & I immediately knew we should start there for location #1! The entire session was a blast. We talked, we walked and we laughed. This couple has a very amazing proposal story that actually takes place here in Salado. 

We found this wonderful all white painted wood building called The Stagecoach Inn. They explained it had recently had a makeover & might I say, I absolutely loved having a crisp white deck to capture this couple.

We drove about half a mile down Main St. because Jerry had told us about a small greenhouse he had seen & it was gorgeous. They danced like no one was watching & that skirt of hers twirled just perfectly! We had fun acting like the Beatles while crossing the street and stumbled across this cute brick sidewalk that the light was hitting just perfectly. 

We drove back to our original locatin just behind the brewery a little ways down & I saw a little bit of brush and a creek that caught my eye.  As Jerry & Erin told me the story of their proposal, they explained he actually proposed to her on his birthday because her family was in town. They were on their way to the town's Brewery, called Barrow Brewing Company to celebrate his birthday...or so Erin thought! What actually happened is Jerry pulled over on the side of the road, walked her down near the creek & proposed. She said she was so surprised and thrown off because it was his birthday.

They met up with friends an family after she said yes of course & had a great nights together at the brewery. It was a great night & a story that will go down in their family history for a lifetime. When it's Mid-July in Texas, and you're doing an Engagement session outside and then at a brewery, you get a beer! That's just what we did. I took a few photos of the two enjoying their cold drink as we relaxed and got to know each other a bit better. Perfect lighting, a great couple, client's who have a great outfit selection and being able to share stories over a beer-what more can a girl ask for?! the answer is nothing. It was perfect, they were perfect & so in love. 

It was just about time to head back, but as we talked more, I let them know I had seen a very large mural of the Texas flag painted on the side of an old building. It was on the side of the highway on my way up to Salado about 15 minutes south. I asked them if they wanted to go check it out & take a few photos in front of the building to end our session & they said yes! Check it out for yourself!

Once we found the building, we found not one, but TWO Texas murals, which are currently now my absolute favorite Texas backdrops.

 I figured out a few things that day-

1) Traveling to a place really makes me even more passionate about my photography.

2.) I am even more eager in my efforts scoping out my surroundings, finding good lighting, utilizing the gorgeous scenery and capturing the perfect frame.

3.) Most of all, I learned that by asking Jerry & Erin questions about their love story, it gave me a window in to what makes the connection between the two spark. Their story is unique and hearing more about the behind the scenes details really makes me excited to be their photographer for their big day next spring. I can try, but I can't promise that I won't be emotional during their wedding ceremony, that is for sure.  

“And now these remain: Faith, Hope & Love. But the greatest of these is Love.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:13