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Category Archives: Engaged

Dia De Los Muertos Engagement Portraits

Celebrating Love and Heritage: A Día de los Muertos Engagement Session

When two people come together to celebrate their love, it’s a powerful, unforgettable moment. Add a touch of heritage, tradition, and a celebration of life and remembrance, and you have something truly magical. Last year, I had the honor of photographing an engagement session inspired by Día de los Muertos, and it was nothing short of incredible!

Here’s a look at how this unique session came together and why Día de los Muertos made the perfect backdrop for this couple’s engagement story.

Why Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished Mexican tradition that celebrates life, memory, and family. Rooted in vibrant colors, honoring loved ones, and joyous festivity, this holiday is a beautiful reflection of love that transcends generations. My couple wanted to incorporate these elements into their engagement session as a nod to their cultural heritage and as a way to bring deeper meaning into their love story.

Setting the Scene

To bring the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life, we chose a location rich with unique beauty and vibrant colors. We met at Smither Park on the east side of Houston, a location filled with vibrant color tiles and glass from artists around Houston.

The couple wore traditional-inspired outfits, blending modern attire with classic elements like embroidered floral designs and beautiful accessories. The couple dressed as a bride and groom bride-to-be and the groom had their faces panted. The bride wore several elaborate flower crowns. Their looks combined elegance, tradition, and personality, making each shot a true celebration of both their love and their heritage.

Capturing the Love Story

One of my favorite moments was photographing the couple by the altar, surrounded by vibrant tiles. The energy was warm, respectful, and joyful, capturing the essence of Día de los Muertos as a celebration of life and love. I used creative posing and gentle prompts to capture intimate, candid moments between them—whether it was a quiet glance, a heartfelt embrace, or a joyful laugh. Another part that I truly loved was taking their picture at Old Town Harrisburg which gave the image a more traditional feel. The sun was setting so beautifully behind the old church there.

As they shared stories of their relationship and future together, I couldn’t help but feel how perfectly Día de los Muertos symbolized their love: full of life, vibrant, and rooted in tradition. The images reflected the powerful connection they share, surrounded by symbols of family, heritage, and love.

Why This Session Was Unforgettable

This engagement session was unforgettable because it was more than just photos—it was an experience. Through every shot, this couple beautifully showcased the importance of honoring their past while celebrating their future. The vibrant colors, meaningful details, and rich symbolism of Día de los Muertos brought an incredible depth to their love story, and it was truly an honor to capture that for them.

Tips for Your Own Cultural-Inspired Engagement Session

  1. Embrace Meaningful Details: Incorporate elements that hold personal or cultural significance. Small details, like traditional flowers, candles, or clothing, can add depth and beauty to your photos.

  2. Choose the Right Location: Find a location that feels authentic to the theme or tradition you’re honoring. It can help set the tone and provide a visually stunning backdrop.

  3. Make It Personal: Use the session to tell your story! Bring in elements that reflect who you are as a couple and what matters to you. It could be honoring family members, traditions, or even a specific style that resonates with you both.

  4. Have Fun with It: This is a celebration! Whether you’re laughing, dancing, or sharing quiet moments, allow yourself to fully enjoy this special time together.

If you’re looking to create a memorable, cultural-inspired engagement session that tells your story, I’d love to work with you! Let’s capture your unique love, heritage, and future in a way that’s true to you.

Happy Día de los Muertos, and here’s to celebrating love, life, and legacy!

 

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    Capturing Love at the Orchard at Caney Creek

    A Beautiful Engagement Session with Sam & liz.

    Engagement photos are such a beautiful way to celebrate your love story before the big day, and when you pair that with a stunning location like The Orchard at Caney Creek in Wharton, TX, the result is pure magic. 🌿💍

    I had the absolute pleasure of photographing an incredible couple at this breathtaking venue—a pair of amazing women whose love for each other radiated through every shot. Their story, their connection, and the stunning surroundings made for an unforgettable session.

    What made this session even more special was the beautiful connection between these two women. Their love for each other was evident in every glance, every touch, and every laugh they shared during the session. It was a true honor to capture their bond and celebrate the diversity that makes love so unique and powerful.

    Engagement sessions are about more than just pretty pictures—they’re about telling your love story, and this couple’s story was one of strength, joy, and authenticity. Seeing their love shine in every frame reminded me of why I love what I do.

    The Orchard at Caney Creek in Wharton, TX, is truly a hidden gem, and it was the perfect place to capture the love between these two wonderful women. Their engagement session was full of laughter, joy, and tender moments, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

    Tips for Your Own Engagement Session at The Orchard at Caney Creek

    1. Time it Right: The golden hour (just before sunset) is perfect for capturing those warm, glowing shots. The light filtering through the orchard trees during this time is pure magic! ✨
    2. Bring Your Personality: This couple brought along some personal touches that made their session unique, and it really showed in the photos. Whether it’s a favorite jacket, a meaningful prop, or just your vibrant personalities, let your love shine through!
    3. Relax and Have Fun: The best photos happen when you’re having a good time. Don’t stress about posing—just focus on each other, and the rest will fall into place. Trust me, your love will do all the work!

    About the Venue

    Nestled in the heart of Wharton, TX, The Orchard at Caney Creek offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and charm. The venue is surrounded by acres of lush trees, serene creeks, and gorgeous open spaces that create a dreamy backdrop for any engagement session. Whether you’re looking for a rustic vibe or something a bit more elegant, this location has it all.

    If you’re looking for a photographer who understands the importance of telling your unique love story, I’d love to chat with you. Whether you’re planning a session at The Orchard or another beautiful location, let’s create something unforgettable together! 📸

    Remember—your love is worth celebrating, and I’m here to help you do just that! 💕

     

     

    Engagement Photos at Eleanor Tinsley Park

    What I love about Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston

    Eleanor Tinsley Park, located along the scenic Buffalo Bayou in Houston, is a fantastic location for engagement photos. With its stunning views of the Houston skyline, lush greenery, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a perfect backdrop for capturing your love story. Here’s why you should consider taking your engagement photos with me at this beautiful park, along with a glimpse into a bright, fun, and unique session I had with Kriti and Rohan in April.

    The Beauty of Eleanor Tinsley Park

    1. Iconic Houston Skyline: The park offers breathtaking views of the downtown Houston skyline, providing a stunning urban backdrop that adds a modern touch to your engagement photos.

    2. Lush Greenery and Open Spaces: With its expansive lawns, beautiful trees, and well-maintained gardens, Eleanor Tinsley Park offers plenty of green spaces perfect for romantic and intimate shots.

    3. Diverse Scenery: From the picturesque Sabine Street Bridge to the tranquil waters of Buffalo Bayou, the park features a variety of scenic spots that add depth and variety to your photos.

    4. Vibrant Atmosphere: The park is often buzzing with life, offering opportunities for candid shots that capture the vibrant energy of Houston. Whether it’s joggers, families, or couples enjoying the outdoors, the lively atmosphere can add a dynamic element to your session.

    5. Unique Photo Opportunities: The park’s various landmarks, such as the impressive Eleanor Tinsley Park Pavilion and the beautifully designed trails, provide unique settings that can make your engagement photos stand out.

    A Memorable Session with Kriti & Rohan

    In April, I had the pleasure of photographing Kriti and Rohan’s engagement session at Eleanor Tinsley Park. Their session was filled with bright, fun, and unique moments that truly showcased their love and personalities.

    Bright and Colorful Shots: Kriti and Rohan chose outfits that popped against the park’s greenery and skyline. Their vibrant attire, combined with the park’s natural beauty, resulted in photos that were both lively and visually striking.

    Fun and Playful Moments: From playful whispers to candid laughter, Kriti and Rohan’s session was full of joy. The open spaces of the park allowed them to move freely, creating genuine and spontaneous moments that I captured through my lens.

    Unique Locations: We took advantage of the park’s diverse scenery, from the dramatic skyline views to the serene waters of the bayou. Each location provided a different backdrop, adding variety and uniqueness to their engagement album.

    Personal Touches: Kriti and Rohan brought along a few personal items, like a colorful picnic blanket and their favorite drinks, to incorporate into their photos. These personal touches added a special and intimate element to the session, making the photos even more meaningful.

     

    Eleanor Tinsley Park offers an idyllic setting for your engagement photos, and with my expertise, we can create a beautiful and unique photo session that you’ll treasure forever. Contact me today to schedule your engagement session and let’s capture your love story at this incredible Houston gem!

     

    Why I Host an Engagement Portrait Giveaway and How to Enter

    Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, filled with countless decisions and unforgettable moments. One of the most cherished parts of this journey is the engagement period—a time to celebrate your love and look forward to your future together. To help couples capture this special time, I run an engagement portrait giveaway. Here’s why I do it and how you can enter for a chance to win!

    Why I Run an Engagement Portrait Giveaway

    1. Celebrating Love Stories:
    Every couple has a unique love story, and I’m passionate about capturing these stories through my lens. By offering a giveaway, I get to meet and photograph diverse couples, each with their own special journey.

    2. Making Memories Accessible:
    Professional photography can be a significant investment, and not everyone has the budget for it. This giveaway helps couples who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get beautiful, professional engagement photos.

    3. Building Connections:
    I love connecting with new people and hearing their stories. This giveaway is a fantastic way to build relationships with like-minded couples, many of whom I continue to work with for their wedding and beyond.

    4. Spreading Joy:
    There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the joy on a couple’s faces when they receive their engagement photos. These images become cherished memories, and knowing I played a part in that is priceless.

    How to Enter the Engagement Portrait Giveaway

    Entering the giveaway is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can participate:

    1. Follow Me on Instagram:
    Make sure you’re following my Instagram account @kellyurbanphotography. This way, you’ll stay updated on all the latest news, tips, and announcements.

    2. Like the Giveaway Post:
    Find the giveaway announcement post on my Instagram feed. Like the post to show your interest.

    3. Share Your Love Story:
    In the comments section of the giveaway post, share a brief version of your love story. Tell me what makes your relationship unique and why you’d love to win an engagement portrait session.

    4. Tag Friends:
    Tag at least two friends who are engaged or might be interested in the giveaway. The more people you tag, the higher your chances of winning!

    5. Optional: Share the Post:
    For an extra entry, share the giveaway post on your Instagram story and tag me so I can see it. This helps spread the word and increases your chances of winning.

    6. Fill out the form:
    Don’t forget to fill out the form on my website (Engagement Giveaway entry page) to complete your entry. This is the most important part of the giveaway.

    What You’ll Win

    The winning couple will receive:

    • A one-hour engagement portrait session at a location we decide on together.
    • A digital gallery of professionally edited images.
    • Full print rights to all your photos.
    • A fun and memorable experience capturing your love story.

    I can’t wait to read your stories and meet the lucky couple! Whether you’ve just started your engagement journey or are well on your way to planning your wedding, this giveaway is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your love and create lasting memories.

    Giveaway ends on August the 15th, so don’t dilly dally!

    May the odds be ever in your favor!

    Past winners:

    Houston engagement photography rock wall gym

    Brazos Bend State Park Engagement

    Phillip & Erica’s Brazos Bend State Park Engagement portraits.

    one of my ALL TIME favorite locations to take any sort of photos is the Brazos Bend State Park. I grew up in the area and have vivid memories of trekking through the trails hoping (or not hoping) to spot alligators. On several occasions, I have dragged The Spawn through the trails (and will probably hit it up again this Spring Break).

    Phillip and Erica are one of my adventure couples. They enjoy hiking and the great outdoors. In fact, their wedding was held at the end of last year at Enchanted rock (blog to come), a 424 foot hike up the rock.

    I enjoyed getting to know the couple during our hike through the woods and onto docks at Brazos Bend. Check out some of their engagement portraits below!

     

    Houston Field Engagement

    Victor & Jordyn’s spring field engagement in Houston.

    Close to the end of spring flower season last year, Victor and Jordyn met me at Memorial Park to take some photos in a cute little field just beyond the regular running/walking paths. Luckily there were still some wildflowers in the field, including thistle (which I love!). I enjoyed walking through the small paths made by human or animal as we chatted about all things wedding and life in general.

    Take a look at the engagement photos below!

     

    Downtown Houston Engagement

    Andres & Leticia’s Eleanor Tinsley Park Engagement Portraits.

    Eleanor Tinsley is such a versatile place to take your engagement photos. I love that you can see both the city skyline as well as ancient oak trees and unique statues and water features in the park.

    I met Andrew & Leticia near Waugh bridge on a beautiful day in spring last year. We walked a bit of a circle around Buffalo Bayou trying out parts of the park I hadn’t visited yet. I didn’t know there was a dog park there or so many awesome bridges.

    Check out the engagement photos below.

     

    A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
    Richmond, TX
    kelly@kellyurbanphotography.com    Kelly Urban Photography

    A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
    Richmond, TX

    A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
    Richmond, TX
    kelly@kellyurbanphotography.com    Kelly Urban Photography

    A Houston wedding photographer