Strangely enough, I hadn’t met Anna & Bryan in person before their summer engagement session at Holden Arboretum. They originally found me through a recommendation from their wedding planner, so we hadn’t had the opportunity to meet yet. As their car pulled down the drive at Holden, I saw Anna’s hand wave from the window.
I stood on the sidewalk and Anna approached. She was wearing this gorgeous, lacy white top with jeans – the perfect casual outfit. I think she asked “Is this OK,” gesturing to her outfit. “It’s perfect,” I replied. Before long, we were joined by Bryan, and we set off into Holden Arboretum.
“Nervous,” I asked? Both Anna and Bryan were unusually relaxed. They were clearly comfortable with each other and quickly became comfortable in front of the camera. The whole time we were working, Bryan did a great job of making Anna laugh. He even kept me laughing as well.
As we walked around Holden, one of my favorite locations, we would shoot a little and chat a little. We chatted about work, weather and wedding planning. We also chatted about their actual engagement. Anna & Bryan live in Shaker Heights, not far from the Shaker Lakes (ponds really). Frequently they take walks together around the ponds.
As Anna tells it, they walk together around the ponds nearly every weekend. Their consistent path always takes them over a little stone bridge. Anyone familiar with the area would know this exact bridge. On this particular weekend, they stopped at the bridge to enjoy the scenery. Anna, glancing quickly over to Bryan, noticed he had taken a knee, rink in hand.
By the end of their engagement session, everything had gone perfectly. The sun beamed through the entire session, as we paced the grounds at Holden. Below are just a few highlights from this sunny, loving session. I certainly hope you enjoy!
