Since moving to Texas and becoming a Dallas wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to explore some fabulous new places for engagement photos in Dallas. Seriously, I am so lucky to live in a place where there is so much variety! I can photograph a romantic, outdoor engagement session one day, and the next get to take modern, colorful engagement photos in a spot like Bishop Arts – just like this engagement session featuring Nina and Chip!

I clicked with Nina and Chip from the day we met for their wedding consult at Mexican Sugar in the Shops at Legacy. They are fun, laid back, and so very easy to hang with! I felt like I could have spent all day getting to know them better. (Let’s get dinner soon you two, cool?) We discussed how they met, the proposal, and the vision for their big day in November. I also learned that Nina’s father is an amazing photographer whom has worked extensively in the fashion industry – no pressure, right? We also tossed around ideas for their engagement session, which they definitely wanted to be a reflection of their personalities as a couple. They love spending time exploring the more active parts of Dallas, so Bishop Arts was the perfect choice!

We had such a blast walking around the Bishop Arts neighborhood looking for spots that would provide a great backdrop. I loved the vibrant colors, the murals, and how lively and spirited everything felt. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! Chip and Nina were so easy to photograph in their natural element, and look amazing on camera. The pair are head over heels in love, but even more special to observe was that they are truly best friends.

In the meantime, I also asked Nina and Chip to share some fun details about themselves, their session, and their wedding, which will take place at the Carlisle Room in Dallas this coming November! Enjoy learning more about this wonderful couple and looking through their Bishop Arts engagement photos!

How did you two meet?

Nina: “We met while we were both working for the same PR agency right out of college. We were both dating other people at the time, so just started out as friends and the occasional running buddies. It wasn’t until two years later that we started looking at each other differently. No one – including us – saw that coming!”

How did he propose?

Nina: “It was at home – we had just cooked an incredible “date night in” dinner – something we do pretty regularly. Chip told me that he “bought something ridiculous on Amazon” and that it was set up outside. (This is completely something he would do, by the way. Random Amazon purchases are a regular occurrence in our house, so I wasn’t suspicious at all.) Outside, he had strung a bunch of lights up in the trees over our backyard and had a fire burning in the fire pit. It wasn’t until I saw the rose petals all over the ground that I realized what was happening!”

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

Nina: “This is tough because I really see all the details and vendors coming together to create this one great, cohesive day (wedding pipe dream, I know). If I’m being honest, I think I’m most excited about our venue. We’re having our ceremony and reception at The Carlisle Room in Downtown Dallas – I love its Art Deco details. We’re definitely city people, so I think it really compliments our personal style. And the location is great – staying as centrally located as possible was an absolute must for us.”

Chip: “I think that the venue looks really cool and definitely can’t wait to be there and see Nina in her dress. And I can’t wait for us to see all of our friends there together.”

What did you each wear to your session?

Nina: “We took Emily’s advice and each had a formal outfit (cocktail dress and heels for me, jacket and slacks for Chip) and then a more casual outfit (floral shift dress and boots for me, chambray button-down and khakis for Chip). Looking back, we probably could have gone a little less formal with our first outfit – we definitely loosened up after we changed into more comfortable clothes!”

What kind of look were you going for?

Nina: “Overall, this was about showing who we are as a couple, so we wanted a healthy mix of journalistic candids and portraits. We picked Bishop Arts because of its cool shopfronts, alleys and murals. It had that city vibe we wanted, but still is fairly laid-back – kind of like us.”

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

Nina: “Relax, tune out any distractions and focus on each other. This is about you – not the people walking past. And get there early! Give yourself some time to hang out and get comfortable in the location before the session begins.”

How was your overall session experience?

Nina: “Emily was great! She really helped both of us feel comfortable during the whole process. Even Chip, who was a little uncomfortable being on camera at first, was feeling more relaxed by the end. Emily didn’t over-direct us, so we were able to capture some of those more spontaneous moments that happened throughout the shoot. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!”

Tell me one interesting/unique/funny thing about one another!

Nina: “Chip is an incredible cook. I’d love to say that it’s a joint effort, but I realized long ago that I’m absolutely the sous chef in our household. Not sure if it’s his Italian heritage, but he can whip up some pretty amazing meals without referencing a recipe. Like gnocchi in butter cream sauce, garnished with sliced New York strip and roasted asparagus – who does that?! :)”

Chip: “Nina is a ridiculous athlete. This girl wakes up almost every day at 5 a.m. to go run several miles, spin at Soul Cycle or take another intense workout class. I love working out too, but she is capable of things I could never do. It’s also pretty amazing that she’ll just sit down and pour a glass of straight whiskey with you… That’s how I knew she was a keeper!”

Nina and Chip, thank you so much for sharing your story, and for the honor of photographing your love story! I can’t wait for your big day at the Carlisle Room this November!