I met Amanda and Austin in Columbia for a rare winter engagement session! It was important for Amanda and Austin to send out save the dates, so we had to squeeze in a later winter session, and I’m so glad we did! It may be late December, but you’d never guess with yesterdays temperatures in the mid 50s. I had a lovely time strolling around downtown Columbia while getting to know this lovely pair. Amanda and Austin came dressed to impress with their dressier outfit first. These two were naturals from the start, always smiling and giddy as can be. I loved documenting their sweet connection. Before we ended our time in the downtown area, Amanda and Austin wanted to make a stop at a meaningful location. The place that started it all, Broadway Brewery where the two went on their first date!
Next, we ventured to south Columbia for the second location. Amanda and Austin were granted access to a beautiful 10 acre property on a lake, owned by on of Amanda’s longtime family friends. There was still signs of the wintery weather from last week, as the lake glistened with beautiful sheets of ice and snow. It created the most beautiful backdrop for their portraits. I know winter may not seem like the most ideal time for photos, but there was just something so gorgeous about the wintery scenery and pastel skies as the sun began to set. We ended the session on a high note as their sweet pup, Gunner joined in on the fun. He has the most beautiful reddish-brown coat of fur. Gunner tried so hard to pay attention during the photos, as the family dog’s were barking at him. He sure was handsome as can be!
The First Date
Austin had planned their first date to be at one of his favorite local restaurants downtown, Broadway Brewery. He picked Amanda up at her house which she thought was really sweet, although she was really nervous the entire car ride. Once Austin picked up Amanda, the conversation in the car was easy going and Austin knew he was in for a good night. After dinner, they headed for 9th street to have a few drinks. The whole night was full of great conversation. Austin was easy to talk to and Amanda knew there was definitely going to be a second date. Austin was already planning for a second date as well after the fun nigh of good food and drinks. He was excited what was potentially to come in the future!
The One
Amanda: “I remember walking on the trail with my best friend, Madison, and she asked me if I could see myself marrying Austin. I said yes without really thinking and realized after what I said was real. I have always admired how laid back he is, how respectful he is of me, and how he makes me feel loved every day. It has always felt natural and easy.”
Austin: “During the first couple of dates, I knew Amanda was thinking about moving and starting a career elsewhere. That didn’t slow me down from still wanting to date her. Eventually, when she let me know she wasn’t going to move and was going to stay was when I knew she was the one.”
How He Asked
Amanda’s friend’s birthday was the weekend before the proposal. Amanda couldn’t celebrate her birthday so she asked if they could do brunch the following weekend. Amanda is always down for brunch and mimosas! A few days before they went to brunch Amanda’s friends asked if she and Austin could show them the land they had bought. Amanda and Austin planned to show them the land after the brunch. When the day came, Amanda was so excited to celebrate her friend’s birthday. They went and picked her friend’s up and had such a fun morning! Austin kept wanting to get the bill and at the time, Amanda didn’t understand why there was any rush.
After everyone was done with brunch, they went out to their land and next thing Amanda sees is Austin down on one knee. She of course said, “YES!” and they popped champagne and celebrated. It was so special to have her best friend there. Little did Amanda know, Austin also planned a surprise party back at their house. Amanda walked in and instantly started tearing up to see the room full of all the people they love. Austin made sure to have both of her sisters there, who came in from New York and Arkansas. It was so special! They ended the night at the Roof dancing with all of their friends and family!
