Booking your wedding photographer is a huge undertaking. Something to consider, when looking for the perfect wedding photographer, is booking engagement pictures first. Getting your engagement pictures done before reserving your wedding photographer, gives you time to get to know the person who will take pictures of your forever! Sarah and Bryan did just this, with their private estate engagement session in Melrose, Florida.

Melrose is a small town that junctions between four counties in North Florida. This quaint community is part of “Old Florida,” and is home to Brian’s parents’ house and barn.

Sarah and Brian met at a restaurant they both worked at. After about nine months of being coworkers, the couple realized they were meant to be together and started dating. They hiked on their first official date at the La Chua Trail in Payne’s Prairie. On January 5th, 2020, Sarah and Brian made their way back to the trail for another hike. However, this time Brian got down on one knee and asked Sarah to marry him. Speechless, she took a moment before she could physically respond! Eventually, Sarah said yes, and thus began their hunt for a wedding photographer.

After finding me and learning about my packages, Sarah and Brian decided to book an engagement shoot. We talked a little bit about location, and quickly landed on Brian’s parent’s private estate. This location is also the venue for their 2023 wedding! Sarah and Brian were eager to use their engagement session as a trial-run for their big day.

Their pictures turned out amazing. Surrounded by the most beautiful green trees, and bringing their dogs along for a few shots are truly what made this session so unique. I especially enjoy that I was able to capture their family’s breathtaking barn on the private estate. Sarah wore a beautiful green sun dress, and Brian was in an adorable button up and jeans.