Country Lakeside Engagement Session | Hannah Barlow Photography | WV Wedding Photography

Hey Hey, everyone!  It’s been a busy month already and it’s just now half way over! EEKKKK! This couple was a big part of the beginning of my October and I’d love for you to all meet them!  Say “Hello” to Emily and Stephanie (Steph)! These two found me through a few mutual friends!  Do you all remember my VERY first wedding EVER?!  Well, that family (Hi, Audrey and Caitlin!) recommended me and then the D. family (look back on my most recent blog right before this one to meet them) pushed them my way, as well!!  We first met up and talked about their Deep Creek wedding over a few cocktails.  I KNEW…just KNEW this would be an amazing couple to not only photograph but spend time with!  We talked for well over an hour and all decided we were a great match.  So, they asked me to be their wedding photographer! YAY!  They make me laugh constantly and Emily and I have very similar personalities (the two of us together are probably A LOT to handle but Steph would have to confirm, of course!).

Now, sit back, relax, and check out the two most recent ladies to put up with my shenanigans!

Enjoy!

Emily is in a red top…..Steph is in red pants….AHHHH!  Let’s talk about this for a second.  I frequently get asked, “What should I wear?!”.  These two did NOT ask and showed up in these coordinating outfits! I would have NEVER thought to pair colors like this and it makes my photographer heart so so so so happy!  Not only does red (especially in the fall) make my eyes and heart and brain so happy, but it also works with the environment because it makes the subjects “POP” right out of the frame!  THIS will be another recommendation on my list when future couples ask! It’s BRILLIANT!

Of course, there was walking and snuggling and I think they threw in a little bit of dancing there without me even asking!

There were also lots of snuggles and dancing on this deck!  UGH! Check out the red again!  I can’t get enough!  These two were meant for each other!  They met on social media and realized it truly is a small world!  They had many friends in common but had somehow never met!  One thing led to another and a little over a year after starting to date, Emily proposed to Steph in Disney.  Apparently, Steph has been there over 15 times now! Jeesh!  The engagement didn’t turn out exactly like Emily had planned but Steph said “YES” and that’s all that really matters, right?!  You’ll get to see their pretty rings here in a bit!

These pictures below are how I will always remember this session!  These two are undeniably in love and have a genuine bond.  As I mentioned above, Emily is very much like me.  She’s louder than Steph (you are….you know it, girl!).  Emily is spunky like me and laughs constantly!  Steph was probably thinking “Why….WHY did I think putting these two together would be a good idea?!”  But then you have Steph who is so laid back and quieter and so sweet.  She’s always smiling.  She’s the one I interacted with first when they first reached out for more information on my wedding photography options.  She was so easy to talk to and correspond with!  There were no awkward moments and conversation was easy.  Although I don’t know for sure, I have a good feeling that these two balance each other.  When they were together and in front of my camera, their different personalities were evident but there was this pull that definitely drew them together and I think these photos below make that very obvious!

Shoulder sniff for the win…AGAIN!  My couples are nailing it lately!  We had some hilarious discussions on who was more cuddly and who would be the shoulder sniffer and who would be the hair sniffer!  This is for real people.  These are the conversations we have at Hannah Barlow Photography engagement sessions! HA! I giggled the whole way home thinking about it!

Before their outfit change, we moved this picnic table so we could get a good sitting shot with the fountain in the background!

They then headed off to change clothes and I borrowed their rings for a good macro shot!  A picture full of diamonds and flowers makes me happy!

They proclaimed these outfits were very much “them”.  I’m not sure if they were just more used to my nonsense at this point or if the outfits made more of their personalities come out but I  really love this set!

I also love that I can tell my couples “go stand in those dead weeds” and they don’t look at me like I’ve lost my mind!  Dead foliage has become my “thing” apparently! HA!

Then, we did some more walking and snuggling and we did a new take on the dip!  Steph’s leg placement was PERRRRRFECT!

…and then Steph spun Emily and I was jumping up and down inside!  This was the first time during the session that Steph took the reigns for a bit and I loved seeing it and capturing it! AHHHH!!! It’s perfect! Look at the joy on Emily’s face! Perfection!

…and one more because, for whatever reason, I just love this one!  It was the very last one I took and they were just walking back towards me and I loved how genuine it looked and felt!

So, now….say “CONGRATS” to Emily and Stephanie!  They’ll be getting married exactly one year from the day we did this session.  We did not plan that intentionally and I didn’t  even realize it until the day of the session!  It’s meant to be, I tell ya!

These two will be united and celebrate with lots of family and friends at their destination wedding in Deep Creek, Maryland next fall!  They both love the outdoors so that location couldn’t be more perfect!! They also found me a beautiful stone building….because they already know me so well!! EEEKKK!!! Don’t forget to come back because I hear they’re both going to wear fabulous dresses and I can’t even begin to think of anything more pretty to photograph! GAH! It’s going to be amazing!  Congrats, ladies!  I’m so happy for you both!