This photography journey has introduced us to some incredible people – and Emily and Steven are right up at the top of that list. Talk about the most humble, genuine, welcoming couple. These two treating us like royalty when we visited them in Texas for their Dallas engagement session. Not only did they pick us up from the airport (like, literally walked to the “welcome area”) they also had warm cookies waiting for us, made us coffee in the morning, let me borrow a book off their shelves that I had been meaning to read, and gifted us a board game! We won the couple jackpot with these two!

Emily and Steven met at a Rice University alumni event. What started off as small talk turned into Steven showing Emily photos of Bentley (his perfect dog) and Emily agreeing to help dog sit in the future. After a few dog dates, they acknowledged that there might be more to this relationship than a mutual love for Bentley.

After being together for four years, and surviving long distance, Steven suggested a trip to Aspen, Colorado. Their relationship had roots in Aspen, so Emily had an idea that something was up when Steven mentioned the trip to her. She packed “the dress,” got her nails done, had her hair cut – just in case. Even though she had a hunch of what was going on, she was still sobbed when Steven asked her to be his wife. The sobbing continues and they head out to dinner to celebrate. At dinner, Steve looks over to her and says “Wait, did you even say ‘Yes?'” Emily nods and says “Of course I did. I have never been more sure of anything in my life.” It is clear that these two are absolutely smitten with each other.

For their Dallas engagement session, we explored downtown and Prairie Creek Park and made a quick pitstop on the SMU campus (because the light was so good we had to stop!). Bentley, their Australian shepherd, joined us for the photos and I’m so glad he did! He is literally the best behaved dog that I’ve met – and he even smiles for photos! Too sweet!

Steven and Emily are getting married in Kiawah Island off of the South Carolina coast and Thomas and I can’t wait to be a part of the celebration. We had the opportunity to spend even more time with these two, as they were generous enough to open their home to us (and our dogs!) on our trek across the country during our move. Between board games, tacos, and Overwatch – we’ve quickly become close!

Emily and Steven – thank you, thank you for your endless generosity and positive attitudes. You two were so flexible when the weather told us to make other plans. We loved hanging out with you both! I’m so excited about seeing you both again in October! Hugs!