The gardens are in full bloom out here in the country, and it was a perfect day on Saturday for Anais and Jamaal’s engagement session.  We started the afternoon with a meet and greet over a few tasty snacks and relaxing Bob Marley tunes in the background.  We’ll talk more about Bob Marley later. I love the meet and greet time to just chat and hang out before we start taking pictures.  These two are so much fun to be around, and they are that couple that you look at and just say yeah, they’re just meant to be together forever!  Their laughter, joy, and love is simply contagious.

Their first date was in January 2012 at PF Changs one entire year after they first exchanged numbers.  Anais was intrigued by Jamaal and wanted to learn more about him. Jamaal was happy to be going out with Anais and knew there was something special. There was not one moment of awkward silence during dinner, they enjoyed each other’s company very much and knew this wouldn’t be the last time they’d see each other.

Although their first date was at PF Changs, their best date together was at The Bob Marley Cafe in City Walk. They had a great time listening to live Bob Marley music,  eating delicious Jamaican food, singing, and dancing.

They both love their families and enjoy family get togethers, so the day after Jamaal’s birthday in March of this year they were all together to celebrate.  As they sang  happy birthday to Jamaal, he said a speech about being thankful for everyone.  A “special” cake was placed on the table and Anais was asked to open it. She knew something was up, and when she opened the box she saw the words “Will You Marry Me?”  In shock, she turned around to see Jamaal on one knee. He then asked her, “Will you marry me?”  With tear filled eyes, she could barely get yes out.  Anais wanted to bury her face into his chest and never let that moment end.

You can not be around these two and not smile!  Their engagement pictures are filled with love, joy, laughing out loud, and of course dancing!!  I am so excited for them and their future together as husband and wife, and I can’t wait for their wedding in October.  Here are a few favorites from their engagement photos.  I promise you’re going to have a big smile on your face for these two!!

We talked about what to wear during their engagement session consultation, and I knew that they were going to look great. Of course, they did! I love these colors of red, white, and navy blue done right!

Find the light, give some direction, step back and let things happen naturally.

Who do you think won the dance off? See their video below to find out.

See their engagement session video here: