Well, what better way to enjoy a Virginia snow day than to be sharing one of my favorite engagement sessions to date?!  This was one of those sessions that I’ve almost been nervous to share only because I love it so much that I wanted to make sure that my post did it justice!!

Stephanie and Troy are one of my 2018 couples and will be married in September at Alturia Farms. Alturia was at the top of my list as a dream venue to photograph and I had been hoping for an opportunity to shoot there since I first discovered it!  When the GPS instructed my final turn that afternoon, I was a little in disbelief to be there!!  The beauty of the property was even better in person and I was filled with anticipation.

Little did I know, that the venue was only the beginning of an amazing afternoon because Stephanie and Troy are one of the sweetest couples I’ve had the honor to work with!!  I had loved talking with Stephanie through email, but this would be the first time meeting her in person and her friendly smile spread warmth from the moment that I walked in the door.  Troy is a professional firefighter, so that gave us plenty to relate to!  In being married to a professional firefighter, having family and friends that are also professional firefighters, and serving so many clients that are firefighters- it just felt like these two were old friends that I could immediately connect with!

Stephanie and Troy’s love story is one that started as acquaintances at the same college that soon transitioned into friendship.  Friends turned into an occasional text and then a date.  That date turned into braving long distance for the sake of being together and Stephanie later made the official move to be with Troy and start her career in the same city.

Their history started at JMU, so it only seemed fitting that he proposed there as well at the Kissing Rock!!  Stephanie tells me that legend says you’ll marry who ever you kiss there, so we’ll call that good planning on Troy’s behalf!

Each love story is different and each one shines through the camera in its own light.  Stephanie and Troy’s love showed itself in the tender moments.  The ones where they were hand in hand swaying back and forth or snuggled together in the grass.  Those tender moments were then very quickly followed by moments of utter joy and laughter and whole hearted contentment.  A love like that is beautiful to witness no matter what, but the beauty of Alturia Farms certainly was a bonus.

Without further ado, my favorites from their engagement session are below!!

Stephanie and Troy- I can not wait to be a part of your wedding celebration and capture your special day!!