I have dreamt of shooting at the State Capitol for a very long time! And it was everything I hoped it would be!! The stunning architecture and neutral color palette screams to be photographed! Any time I would see other photographers sharing their images taken at the Capitol, I would dream of the day I had my opportunity! When Jesse and Mattie said they would be able to meet us in Little Rock and everything fell into place easily, I knew this was my chance!! Even though it was not necessarily their “style” or what they would choose for themselves, they were so sweet to appease my vision for this part of their session!

It was an incredibly windy and overcast day. David and I got to Little Rock earlier than we had planned, so we were able to have lunch and drive around the area. When we drove in front of the Capitol building and saw the beautiful pink Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom, I just about died!! They were STUNNING and my mind was racing with ideas on how I would be using them! Jesse and Mattie were so kind and trusting of my vision. They let me run around giddy with excitement and ideas throughout their entire session, and were so patient with me as I kept saying, “just a few more” as what little light we had was quickly fading.

Jesse and Mattie are two of the most genuine and caring people you’ll meet. I had such a great time getting to know them better! Jesse always seems to be very serious, so it was so much fun getting to see the goofy and relaxed side of him! And boy did he has us laughing! Jesse works in student ministry and Mattie is a high school educator. They both serve selflessly and faithfully in numerous areas of our church. They have heart for young people and serving the Lord, and I’m confident He will continue to use them in incredible ways as they serve together as husband and wife so very soon!

We cannot wait to celebrate these two in just a few short months! Enjoy part one of their engagement portraits!

Thanks for reading!

(part two, more their style, coming soon!)