A Grand Hotel Engagement

Cara and Austin make being in front of the camera look effortless. From the first shot to the last, these two were a dream to photograph! I always love meeting my couples for the first time at their engagement session. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know one another and for me to get a feel for their personality as a couple. After the first five minutes of this session, I knew that we were in for a fun shoot!

Instead of driving to Point Clear just for an afternoon of pictures, Cara and Austin decided to turn their engagement session into a weekend getaway at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. I love that they made the whole weekend a special time for just the two of them. We had the best time roaming the grounds at the hotel, beginning under the majestic oaks and ending the shoot down by the water.

The property was pretty crowded on this day, but somehow we had the rocks area on the beach to ourselves. It was amazing! I love that Cara saved her long, flowy dress for her second outfit. It was the perfect dress for those beachside portraits!

Cara’s engagement ring was actually designed by her friend’s company, with Austin’s input. I love that she also wore her grandmother’s wedding band for the session and that I was able to include it in some of the ring shots. The stories behind the jewelry we choose to wear are the things that make portraits even more unique and personalized. I love when my couples share little details like this with me!

Cara and Austin have selected two of my favorite venues for their fall wedding – St. Mary’s Catholic Church and The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. I can already imagine these two dancing the night away under the massive oaks on the front lawn and I can’t wait to capture all those fun memories!

Y’all, in an impromptu moment, Austin picked this camellia bloom and put it in Cara’s hair. I loved these portraits with her wearing the flower so much!