Michler's Greenhouse Engagement Session

Last year Micaha & Austin introduced me to one of my favorite places in the world: Michler's. Their engagement sessions is still one of my favorites, and Michler's now holds a special place in my heart. I've been *literally* every single time I've been to Lexington since... I just love it that much. So when Stephanie & Brandon suggested doing their couple's session in the greenhouses I was over the moon. 

Not only did we get to use all their gorgeous plants as a backdrop, but Native Cafe was open so we got to talk Harry Potter & Star Trek over beers as well. My favorite engagement sessions are the ones where I get to basically be a (welcome and fun!) third wheel on a date. Stephanie & Brandon plan to elope on their anniversary this year in Pennsylvania— it seems like the perfect fit for them.

If you are wanting more greenhouse goodness try Micaha & Austin's engagement session or Chris & Cassie's anniversary session in Chicago's Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Adventurous Hiking & Bookstore Engagement Session

Maggie and Corey met as English majors and are self-proclaimed book nerds. They also love hiking and exploring the outdoors, so naturally, we decided that Carmichael's and Cherokee Park would be the perfect locations to visually represent their relationship. It was so nice getting the chance to talk about favorite books and favorite hikes— both are topics I love. Maggie is a high school English teacher (note to self: have someone proofread this before posting 😂) so it made me smile that she picked up the same Rupi Kaur book of poetry I was reading before they arrived. 

When we got to Cherokee, I was pleased to see they were both wearing hiking boots. After all the recent rain there was quite a bit of mud on our path and if they had worn dress shoes we wouldn't have been able to get to many of the best spots. Maggie also brought a jean jacket so we could mix up her look a bit. For any of you that are planning your engagement session outfits—  comfortable, practical shoes and layers are your two best friends. 

Maggie's parents brought their two adorable dogs to join us after we had a chance to take photos of just the two of them exploring. I love getting the opportunity to include your pups in your photos, but it can be stressful for you to have them there the whole time— especially while we are trying to get photos of just the two of you. I always recommend that a friend or family member bring them for the last twenty minutes of our session to cut back on stress while still allowing them to be part of your engagement session. 

Another great way to include pets in your photos is to do an in-home session— just like Alex and Collin did with their very good boy Sirius for their anniversary photos. 

Aica & Marcos // Brooklyn In-Home Session

I've been looking forward to my trip to New York for about a million reasons, but getting to photograph Aica and Marcos was really high up on my list. They are such a genuine and fun couple — I loved getting to hear about their travels, their art, and getting the inside scoop of their neighborhood in Brooklyn. They met in Louisville (where they're both from) when Marcos was visiting from NYC. From Aica, "After he left to go back to NYC I thought I would never see him again. A week later he came to Louisville and did freelance from Kentucky for a month and then I eventually moved to New York."

They took their first road trip together after knowing each other for a week (it was an ELEVEN HOUR drive to Philly) which I feel like is a perfect way to really get to know someone quickly....and it also sounds like the plot of an adorable indie flick. "I liked his adventurous spirit and he liked that I was down for whatever," Aica said about their spontaneous trip together. Marcos shared more about their explorations over the past six years, "We've been to Peru, island hopping in Greece as well as the Philippines, lived in Barcelona for a month, drove around the rest of Spain and the south of France, hiked the Pyrenees, Germany, Puerto Rico, Amsterdam, Mexico, Canada, and Columbia. We lived in Portland, Oregon for a year (drove across the country for a month camping everywhere to get there and we also drove across again to move back.) We plan on settling in New Mexico one day because we both love it."

We went out for beers after the session and shared stories from Peru— turns out the rug in the living room is from the Cuszo region and it was quite the struggle to get it home. Also that gorgeous painting over their bed? Marcos painted it. Oh yeah, as if they aren't already all of our couple goals, Aica is an art director at Steve Madden and Marcos is an art director for Speedo. Double art directors. I don't think it gets better than that. Okay, enough from me, here are some images!

Also if you're looking for more in-home sessions Alex & Collin's is one of my favorites and I've also been sharing a ton over on Instagram lately!