It’s not often that you get to tell the love story of a couple living a world apart who met by happenstance, but I just so happen to be one lucky photographer! When Vanessa emailed me about engagement photos, I was elated to read about how they met and was so excited to learn more about them. The couple was actually referred to me through a recent couple whose wedding I photographed last November, so I knew that we’d get along wonderfully. The three of us had a blast laughing, talking, and getting to know one another as we took their Highland Park engagement photos. It’s my privilege to finally get to share the resulting engagement photos in Dallas on my blog!

Vanessa and Jacob met me for engagement photos at Prather Park in the Highland Park area of Dallas to start. We captured some romantic photos in the greenery and early spring blossoms at Prather Park and then ventured out for engagement photos at the Winspear Opera House. Gorgeous Vanessa brought multiple outfits with beautiful spring colors that coordinated perfectly with Jacob. (Side note, Vanessa does a bit of fashion blogging, which truly shows in her feminine style and love for clothing!) Jacob is definitely a bit more casual in his style, but rocks a t-shirt and jeans with a hat that is truly HIM. He later changed into a crisp white shirt with light stripes and looked just as comfortable. Vanessa and Jacob did such a great job relaxing in front of the camera and enjoying some time together as a couple – that’s just what engagement photos are all about!

By now, I’ll bet you are wondering why I built up their love story without sharing the details! I thought I’d let this beautiful couple tell you in their own words the story about how they met and how Jacob proposed – after all, it’s always more fun to read it first hand! Enjoy learning more about Vanessa and Jacob while viewing their Highland Park engagement photos and Winspear Opera House engagement session!

We all want to know – how did you two meet?

Vanessa: Jacob’s uncle was working for a DOD contractor company at a position in Wiesbaden, Germany. The family rented a house that ended up being next door to me and my family. Many years later I came to America to visit and our old friends took me on a cross country trip to meet the rest of the family. Along the way we picked up Jacob’s mother and grandmother who were supposed to attend a funeral in California. Knowing a funeral of a unknown stranger would not be very entertaining for a me, Jacob’s mother called him up. She asked Jacob to come spend the weekend with them and to hang out with me during the day as a diversion. A quick look at my Facebook profile was apparently all it took for Jacob to enthusiastically agree! We hit it off right away and had a wonderful day at Huntington Beach. I actually had a boyfriend at the time, but Jacob knew persistance was key and eventually we started dating!

How did he propose?

Vanessa: Jacob and I went on a little trip to visit the Neuschwainstein Castle in Germany. Jacob had big plans for a lavish and romantic proposal on the bridge overlooking the castle. Knowing it would be busy later in the day, he decided we should make the trip to the bridge early and quickly. I had no idea about any of these plans and was confused the whole time as Jacob pulled me around at top speed on the several mile hike. Jacob’s plans came to a grinding halt when he realized the ultimate success of his plan to be the first people there left them with no one to hold the camera! In a last ditch effort of wit and cunning Jacob decided to tie his expensive camera to the rail of the bridge and hit record. On December 27th, 2016 on the Marienbrücke with the sun rise lighting the facade of Neuschwainstein Castle, Jacob proposed. Of course, I said yes – a great example of how not everything has to go right for a moment to still be perfect! He even got the video, despite our heads being cut off in the frame!

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

Vanessa: The process is really fun and easy – all you have to do is get dressed up and show up! Emily will make the rest happen. She is wonderful at her craft and makes you feel good about yourselves and the pictures.

How was your overall session experience?

Vanessa: Our engagment session was so amazing! Emily made us feel very comfortable, which helped us open up and fully enjoy ourselves.

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

Jacob: Vanessa acts like such a girl sometimes – like she needs my help to open jars and packages. But then I will tickle her somewhere and she will kick/punch/lash out with the strength of an Amazonian warrior! I can’t decide if she is hiding her true strength, or if being tickled activates her super powers – but I am pretty positive it’s the second one. More testing is required, but for the safety of mankind , I will countine to risk my life to figure it out!

Vanessa: It’s hard for me to come up with just one thing about Jacob. Jacob is the most amazing person I know. He is so kind, generous, supportive and loving. He always knows how to make me laugh. I am truly thankful that he is such an perfect shopping partner as well. I absolutely love shopping and I know it’s typically not a man’s favorite thing to do. But Jacob will spend hours with me at the mall helping me find the perfect outfits. He is always so patient. I think he even likes going shopping now almost as much as I do! Ha! I am so thankful that we found each other and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

Jacob and Vanessa – thank you so much for the honor of being your engagement photographer in Dallas! I am thrilled to have met you two and loved spending time telling your love story!