White Rock Lake engagement sessions are some of my favorite ways to spend my weekends with future brides and grooms! I’ve mentioned in the past how White Rock Lake looks absolutely gorgeous during every season. The light is always warm and beautiful, no matter what time of year. The sunsets are absolutely breathtaking! And, it’s the perfect place for couples who want to incorporate their furbabies into their engagement sessions! That’s just what Alina and Jordan did! I was so happy to get to work with this gorgeous couple one-on-one prior to their big day AND get to meet their precious pup, Leo! How photogenic are the three of them together?! Seriously!!

Alina and Jordan made my job as a wedding and engagement photographer so EASY and enjoyable. They both have such caring and laid back personalities, but they also have a great sense of humor. Y’all know how much I love to laugh – that is so my style! This made it a breeze to capture natural photos of the two of them simply enjoying one another’s presence with the added bonus of some romantic portraits, too!

This gorgeous couple will be tying the knot at the stunning Blaine Stone Lodge next April – I haven’t visited this venue, and I am so thrilled to capture more photos of Alina and Jordan there! For now, view my favorites from these engagement photos at White Rock Lake below!

How did you both meet?

Alina: “Jordan and I met in high school in Brookfield, WI! We grew up in the same town and didn’t even know it until half way through high school! Jordan caught my eye during school football and basketball games when I was on the dance team. Jordan always found a way to make me laugh during the halftime dance!

We picked up and moved to Dallas after college graduation to start a life of our own and get out of the cold!”

How did Jordan propose?

Alina: “Jordan took me up to Reunion Tower in Downtown Dallas for a date. He had recently planned a few date nights, so I didn’t think anything of it! As we were gazing over the Dallas skyline, Jordan got down on one knee and popped the question. All I could say was “Are you serious?!?!?!” Over and over. After I said yes, he told me he had one more surprise. I turned around, and saw our best friends (MOH and Best Man) from Wisconsin running up to hug us. Turns out they were in on it the whole time and were hiding in the bathroom while we came up to the top of the viewing deck! We enjoyed a couple glasses of champagne all together, and then had a private dinner at the top of the tower which slowly spins and allows you to see all of Dallas. So romantic! The whole proposal was so well thought out, and having my best friend from childhood be there and secretly snap some pics of the moment was priceless.”

Tell me about the details you’re most excited about for your upcoming wedding!

Alina: “Besides becoming husband and wife (eek!), we are most excited to just have all of our family and friends in one place. As we get older, and our loved ones are scattered in different states, we are realizing how difficult it is to coordinate schedules to get everyone together.

Also, we are planning to have Jordans sister, one of the bridesmaids, make a little cake, and have other family members make a dessert so we can have a homemade dessert bar! Our venue has an outdoor bar and outdoor patio with a fireplace for Smores. We want our wedding to be a time for all of our guests to relax, unwind and enjoy themselves.”

Do you have any tips or advice for other couples about to have engagement photos taken?

Alina: “If you (future brides) choose to get your hair and make up done, give yourself plenty of time before the shoot just in case it takes longer than expected, or so you can make any changes if the look isn’t what you envisioned. Better yet, if hair and make up is important to you, do a trial run!

Also, just trust your photographer because she knows what she is doing and will make you look perfect no matter what! I found that communicating with Emily lots ahead of time (and reading her blogs) allowed me to know what to expect and just go with the flow!”

How was your overall session experience?

Alina: “So fun! It went by SO fast. I swear I blinked and we only had a couple minutes left!”

Tell us something fun or interesting about your future spouse!

Alina: “Jordan is the biggest softy! He tries to act tough and put his foot down, but its never for real. Ex. Jordan was super apprehensive about getting a dog in college, but now they are such pals and he couldn’t imagine life without our pup! They have such a special bond — it is too cute. That being said, Jordan definitely keeps us grounded and thinks more practically, whereas I tend to act on emotions.”

Jordan: “Alina is definitely the do-er between the two of us! I’m usually content to stay in and just hang out, but she’s always looking for something new and fun to go do. When it doesn’t involve shopping, we usually have a good time and I’m glad that she encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things!”

If you loved these engagement photos at White Rock Lake, there’s more to see on my main site! Whether your engaged and looking for a Dallas wedding photographer or just browsing around, I would love for you to stop by!