Russell and Kate and I had a most interesting evening together during their engagement session. First you should know that Kate is the sister of Meg, who was married a couple of months ago. It is such an honor to get to work with the same family for two such wonderful events as the marriages of their only daughters. I adore these girls’ family and how well they are loved.

It might be a simple description, but Kate and Russell are fun. They just are. Our locations varied from my neighborhood to Russell’s childhood home to his grandparents’ amazing house and all afternoon we just laughed about our dogs and families and college friends from years ago. We finished the evening at Ridgewood Country Club where all four of us (including my assistant) almost stepped right on top of a water moccasin (a very poisonous snake). I have never in my life been so certain that I needed to own a better pair of shoes. Thankfully no one was injured and Kate and Russell’s good looks were not interrupted. Also it should be noted that today is Russell’s birthday – Happy Birthday, Sir! Congratulations Russell and Kate!

I laughed, I cried, I got new boots. Mark and Crystal are cause for anything and everything. I know this because I know them. Close to my heart for so many reasons, this session proved to be my undoing. You see, I have known these two separately from the moment each came to Waco. On the first night, or there abouts, of Mark’s freshman year at Baylor (my sophmore) I remember driving him back to the dorms after a welcome dinner in my ’95 Ford Taurus. They were glamorous times. Back then my speech was still thick with long a’s and Mark may well have thought my name to be Kiaaathryn. Thank you Chicago. Mark was fresh from Minnesota and I remember he smelled like mountains. Crystal. Well, Crystal. She has the voice of an angel if you didn’t know and came to Waco from some far off place called Seattle. It was while engaged in a music program of sorts that we got to know one another and worked the harmonies of my violin in between and all around her lovely melodies. Of course we talked of guys and laughed about the days ahead and one anothers’ most certain wedding days. How wonderful it was when Crystal and Mark first started dating. We all knew it would work out. But then it didn’t. Things ended as quickly as they had begun and we all still wondered at the mystery of Crystal’s wedding day. Of course, the holidays managed to come about and with them came a change of heart for Crystal. With a smile on her lips and wonder in her eyes Crystal stood with me and other gasping, sighing girls around the kitchen island as she proclaimed, “I suddenly realized I could not live without this man.” It was all any of us could do to not faint out of simple romanticism. Then Crystal and Mark fell in love. This is them, in love. I knew each before and I know them both now. Truly, they are better together than apart. Ha! I laugh, because, who knew you could find your beloved in Waco? (female college readers – I make you no promises.) The love, joy, and freedom these two have pours out of them like a great river and every moment I have spent working on their pictures I have been affected by an incurable smile. Mark and Crystal: who knew? Who knew we would be here? What a great delight. I am so glad for all of our past years and overjoyed at the weeks and months ahead. Oh, and the new boots – they were just for safety in the tall grasses. :)

Seven years ago they dated. Seven years ago it did not work out. She moved to Sri Lanka and served in the rebuilding of villages and hearts in the wake of the Tsunami. He moved to Spain, among many other adventures, to serve the nations of the world. In 2009 she found herself back stateside, while he had ventured north to Canada. And then 2010 came, bringing with it a deep stirring of love that had been put away for so many years. He was going to be in town, she had to see him. She knew how he liked her hair, got her nails done, carefully chose her outfit and he came to her door. Without knowing at all what change was in her heart, he boldly greeted her and said, “You look beautiful.” And so he and she began their story again. For good this time. In a matter of weeks he and she were engaged and at the end of this month they will wed on a mountain top in Colorado surrounded by loved ones from all over the globe. I simply can not wait. Todd and Lexia – I love your story, thank you for letting me in to the great design of your lives.

Kyle and Maddie make my heart glad. They are both so overtly delighted in having the other. She knows he will love her all her days and he knows she is almost too good to be true. The ease of love that flowed between Kyle and Maddie made my job a breeze. They know how to love one another well and public affection at the local coffee shop was no problem. Maddie has a sincere love for all things Waco. As such, we hit up the uber fabulous Common Grounds – a hallowed place for all quality locals – as well as the classic suspension bridge, taking a different angle than usual. I adore all the color from this session as well as the fact that Maddie is a native Chicagoan (like myself) and sported her Cubs tee with pride. I am so looking forward to their November wedding. Congrats you two!

Casey & Karie are engaged! Life is full for these two – Karie is in Law school and Casey is working towards a degree in engineering. Add to that a June wedding and you have a very full schedule. We took this engagement session from late afternoon into the evening and I love how it’s as if the sunset were designed just exactly to match Karie’s coloring. Have a great weekend everyone!