It’s always special getting to shoot at new places for engagement sessions for the first time. Although I definitely do my research to see what other Dallas wedding photographers have done in similar locations, I find that I’m pleasantly surprised each time at how my work looks decidedly my own no matter where we go! I guess that’s the beauty of being an artist – everyone has their own different take on the same location, which is such a beautiful thing! With that in mind, I’m just so excited to be sharing Kristan and Justin’s rustic engagement photos at Penn Farms on the blog today!

My experience photographing these two was so fun and uplifting. Not only was the light PERFECT, but their interactions together were stinking adorable! Kristan and Justin are full of joy and just bubble over constantly with delight. They love to laugh together and genuinely care about the well being of one another. This is no surprise, as their foundation as a couple is deeply rooted in their identity as a son and daughter of Christ. It was refreshing to watch them serve one another as we moved from location to location. We managed to capture such a variety of looks, but the overwhelming feel of their engagement session was JOY. How privileged am I to get to preserve these moments for this bride and groom to be?

As always, it is super important for me to not just share beautiful Dallas engagement photos, but also to provide an opportunity for my readers to learn more about each couple I work with. With that in mind, I thought I’d let them provide a little insight! Enjoy reading more about Kristan and Justin while viewing their engagement photos at Penn Farms!

How did you two meet?

Justin: “We met a couple of times at a church we were going to at the time. A good friend of mine from college was going there had invited me to church and had told me a little about Kristan. We had talked a little at a German Christmas festival at Globe Life Park and we had a fun time. After, a mutual friend helped set us up.”

Kristan: “I had only met Justin a couple times at church. His friend wanted to set us up but I was sure if I was ready to be in a relationship. After spending a semester in Germany for college, I was excited to hear about the German Christmas Market in Arlington. I invited a group from the church and asked his friend to invite Justin too. A couple weeks later Justin called and asked me to go on a date with him. It was kind of a blind date but Justin did an excellent job. He took me to the outdoor ice skating rink at Coyote Drive-in in Fort Worth. Then he took me to eat in downtown and finished the evening with a walk in Sundance Square. I am pretty sure if someone was filming our first date, it would have been a Hallmark movie.”

How did he propose?

Justin: “I tried to keep it as secret as possible. I had actually planned to proposed the week before a major exam for my career (the professional engineer’s exam) in hopes that she would least expect it. I took Kristan to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and proposed on top of the lookout at the Gardens. After the gardens, we went downtown and ate at the Cheesecake Factory and then hung out around Sundance Square.”

Kristan: “I had a date picked out on when Justin would propose. Since he was about the take his P.E. exam I knew he would not propose before the exam. I had told Justin that I wanted my nails done when he propose. The week before Justin started to act funny and joke around about getting my nails done. Something was up when he told me I couldn’t work late on Friday. Come Friday evening, Justin turned into the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and insisted on carrying his backpack with him. I was trying to stay calm and not over react. Once, we got to the lookout next to the rose garden he popped the question with a Tardis ring box. Justin knew that I enjoyed watching Dr. Who with my dad. Apparently, I told Justin I would say yes if he proposed with a Tardis ring box. After He proposed we spent the rest of the evening in downtown. But the celebration wasn’t over. Justin had cancelled all my weekend plans and had a surprise celebration at my parent’s house.”

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

Justin: “The cake, location, and just seeing everything come together.”

Kristan: “I would have to say the ambiance. Celebrating this special moment with our closest friends and family.”

What did you each wear to your session?

Justin: “For the dressy look I wore a western shirt and blue jeans, then a blue polo and jeans for the second look.”

Kristan: “A floral printed shift dress for my dressy look, and for the second look awhite shirt with a floral kimono and jeans with my boots.”

What kind of look were you going for?

Justin: “Rustic and romantic!”

Kristan: “We had our engagement photos at Penn Farms in Cedar Hill State Park. We knew the farms have a rustic look, which we loved. We wanted to kept it informal and fun.”

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

Justin: “Don’t take it too seriously and don’t be afraid about certain poses. The photographer will help you ease into everything and help with the look.”

Kristan: “Don’t stress about having the right props or not enough. We brought a blanket, letters, and a bible.”

How was your overall session experience?

Justin: “Amazing. Emily was great! She was funny, helped us stay on track, and found such good spots for photos.”

Kristan: “Emily was fabulous! I was concerned about how Justin and I would pose but Emily help guide us. We are so blessed to have found her.”

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

Justin: “Traveling with Kristan is always very interesting since she struggles with directions. She mixes her lefts and rights very easily so I have to ask her the same directions several times to make sure she got it correctly.”

Kristan: “Justin loves to serenade me. Anytime a good song comes on the radio, Justin has to sing it no matter if we are in the car, at a restaurant, or in the grocery store.”

Did you enjoy these rustic engagement photos at Penn Farms, and now want to see more of my work? Feel free to view my website with galleries of more Dallas engagement photography! Whether you’re planning a wedding in Dallas or elsewhere in the DFW metroplex, I would love to hear about your special day and all of the moments leading up to it. Contact Emily Chappell Photography and let me treat you to coffee. I can’t wait to hear from you!