5:45am. 26 degrees. Sunday morning. Blevins Gap, Huntsville, Al. In the pitch black, I sat in my car sipping the my last drop of coffee and giving myself a pep talk. A pep talk about the hike that would prove to be one of the most memorable engagement sessions (for several reasons) I had had so far. The hike started out pretty uneventful and pretty flat, but about 15 minutes in—my lungs and legs were burning. I was having the hardest time keeping up with Shaylee and Ryan, but I just kept telling myself it was going to be worth it. And man, was I right?! Once we found the clearing, I could hardly breathe (and not just because I was soooo out of shape.) The sun had just started to reveal itself over the horizon, bringing life to everything in its path. Even the briars (which were literally attacking us), looked as though Midas himself had touched them. It was literally breathtaking!

And yes, the backdrop was absolutely gorgeous, but Shaylee and Ryan really made the session. They are complete naturals when it comes to being in front of the camera. Knowing exactly how to just relax and enjoy our two hours together. Just by looking at them, you could never tell that it was 26 degrees with freezing winds whipping around them. (Except by maybe their hair.) All I see when I look back at their engagement photos is Shaylee’s laugh when Ryan tells one of his stories or how comfortable they look in each others arms or even just the way they walk hand in hand with no words needing to describe how much they love one another. Oh man, just thinking back to the session gets me so excited for their wedding day, because I know that is going to be one for the books— full of laughter and lots of stories.

I must admit though that their engagement session wasn’t all golden sunrises and butterfly kisses. Several other things happened that make for some good inside jokes and a pretty fun session. Just to list a few: we got “kinda” lost on the hike up; I ripped one of my three pairs of pants that I was wearing; Shaylee lost her phone in the tall grass, when it was actually in her pocket the entire time; and my fear of heights took over when we got to the edge, so I crawled around on my knees. (As I write these out, I realize they may not be that funny to you as a reader, but at the time, we thought it was pretty comical.) I will say this session had the three of us saying our goodbyes being more than just clients and a photographer. I would even venture to say, it’s the beginning of a friendship.

Shaylee and Ryan, thank you for asking me to take part in such a fun session and to be apart of these important memories. I pray that the wedding planning is going as planned and that you two are enjoying the last few months of being engaged! I am counting down to your wedding and can’t wait to see what stories the day will hold. See you in a few months!

***Also, if you are reading this and you want me to hike for a session. LET’S DO IT! but can I have at least a month to prepare:) but seriously….