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Tag Archives: Engagement

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!

     

    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!

     

    Galveston Engagement Portraits

    It was a beautiful day in Galveston when I met up with Lukas & Tori for their engagement portraits.

    We decided to start on the Strand first. We wondered the streets walked up stairs and found a cute alley to take engagement portraits.

    Some of my favorite photos from the strand were reflected photos and photos on the old brick.

    After the Strand, we headed to the beach to take a couple of photos as the sun set. We met up near the Pleasure pier and started under the pier of another property taking engagement photos with the pleasure pier in the background. The sky was weirdly foggy for a sunset, but it gave the photos this ethereal vibe.

     

    Midtown Houston Engagement Photos

    Caleb & Taylor’s Midtown Houston Engagement Portraits.

    It was a warm December day when I met Caleb & Taylor at the old Black Labrador location which(I didn’t know until I got there) is now a part of the University of St. Thomas. We wondered around the location, sad that the colorful doors were all a bold black against the brick. There was a puddle in the parking lot that I was excited to use for some creative ideas.

    After taking photos around the building, we headed over a block or two to the Menil collection park. Caleb and Taylor attempted a swing attached to an old oak tree and hid in the old oak tree.

    Check out their engagement portraits below!

     

    Moody Clay Family Eastern Glade Engagement Photos

    Lorenzo & Blanca’s Early Morning Clay Family Eastern Glade Engagement Portraits.

    It was just before sunrise when I met Lorenzo and Blanca at the Clay Family Eastern Glade park. At that time in the morning, the track was filled with runners trying to get some exercise in before the heat took over.

    Lorenzo and Blanca wanted a more moody style, which isn’t my norm. Blanca had seen my post from cemetery engagement shoot and had fallen in love. Who am I to deny anyone art? Plus, I love messing around in Photoshop trying new things.

    Lorenzo wanted some shots with his motorcycle so we started there before the sun had fully risen. After their motorcycle portraits, the couple put the bike back into a parking spot then did a quick outfit change before we walked around the park.

    The sun rise was GORGEOUS, and their photos were breath taking! Again, I’m not usually a moody styled photographer, but these photos made me double guess myself. Check out the photos below!

     

    Ansen & Kacy’s Houston Zoo Engagement Portraits

    Ansen & Kacy’s Houston Zoo Engagement Portraits

    If there’s one thing my family and I LOVE, it’s the zoo. My kid has been to the zoo so many times, he could give a tour. In fact, he’s given me a tour before. When I found out that Ansen & Kacey are going to have their wedding reception at the zoo next year, I knew exactly where they should take their engagement photos.

    We met in the early afternoon at the front gate and proceeded to wonder around. Ansen and Kacy showed me where they were going to have their cocktail hour, at the elephant’s pool. We joked about how we’ve never seen the elephants swim in their pool. One day (fingers crossed).

    The zoo was preparing for ZooBoo when we got there so some of their decorations were up. They had hanging bats in the cave near the chimpanzies and hanging orange, green, black and purple umbrellas. It was a lot of fun to incorporate those elements that are only there a short while.

    My favorite place for Ansen & Kacy’s portraits was the Pantheon. It was gorgeous. Check out their 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