I met with Hannah and James on a chilly fall evening in downtown Jefferson City for their engagement session! What a beautiful fun-filled night it was with these two in front of my camera. From the moment we began the session, I knew Hannah and James were going to be such naturals. I had the pleasure of photographing Hannah several years ago for her senior portraits. It’s wild to think she’s already getting married. Hannah and James are such a lovely little duo! It’s very evident these two are the perfect match. I love their laid back, go with the flow personalities! Hannah and James are both animal lovers. So it only made sense for them to include their two pups in the engagement session. Remi and Opal came out to impress! Their two pups were just adorable as can be.
Hannah and James picked a beautiful second location in Holts Summit for their portraits. The fall colors were really showing off on the evening of their session; especially down by the lake. Autumn foliage decorated the scenic backdrop with vibrant colors reflecting off the lake water. Hannah and James made my job so easy! Documenting their love and connection was so much fun. I cannot wait to have these two back in front of my camera again next year.
How They Met
Hannah and James were introduced to one another in 2016 by one of Hannah’s close friends who worked with James at the time. Hannah’s friend insisted that she needed to meet James because he was really cute. Hannah went along with her friend to MC Sports to meet this “Cute Boy!” From the moment the two met, they became really good friends. Hannah gained an early crush on James and couldn’t shake the feelings she had for him. James too had an instant crush on Hannah.
Their first date that led to a relationship included watching the movie “The Nun.” However, Hannah and James hung out many times before they would share a romantic first date. Early on, Hannah and James hung out together in his car and listened to Nickel Back and other music for hours when they were 17 and 18. Both Hannah and James knew early on they had found the one. No matter what, James always kept thinking about Hannah even years after he met her. Hannah would never leave his mind. Hannah remembers thinking as soon as she met James, that she would marry him one day.
How He Asked
James had a ring to propose to Hannah for about a week before he decided spur of the moment that it was the day to propose! After holding on to the ring for the week, he just couldn’t wait any longer. Hannah had a day trip to Branson planned with her friend Maci. James knew, he would have the majority of the day to come up with the perfect plan to propose to Hannah. James first went to his parents house to tell them of his plans to propose. He then tried to tell Hannah’s parents in person, but realized they were in Kansas City. So he had to ask them over the phone and tell him of his plans.
James was joined at Hobby Lobby with his brother, mom, and his friend. There, they would begin buying all the essentials needed for the most romantic proposal. James planned to decorate the entrance of the condo so that when Hannah arrived, she would be met with roses lining the walkway as she walked in. James brother informed Hannah’s friend Maci of the plan to ensure Hannah would be home at a decent hour. Hannah arrived home around 7:30pm. James heard the girls pull into the driveway and instantly became nervous and started shaking. He remembers thinking it felt like it took them an hour just to get out of the car and into the door. As soon as Hannah walked in, she was confused, but quickly figured out what was happening. She walked in and followed the rose petal path to James as one of their favorite songs played in the background. Once Hannah made her way to James, he asked for her to marry him and she said Yes!
I couldn’t be any happier for these two! They really are such a great pair. Enjoy some of my favorites from their fall engagement session!
