I am so happy I was introduced to Liz and Ian! These two beautiful people are planning a New Year’s Eve wedding that I will be lucky enough to document, and we recently got together in Sioux Falls for a glam + tea-drinking + Bananagrams playing + scone eating + library kissing engagement session that was beyond fun.

Liz and Ian are actually the product of a match on eHarmony.com! HOW COOL IS THAT!? I just love their story; a modern romance.

We started our April afternoon at the Old Courthouse Museum in downtown Sioux Falls. I hadn’t shot in here before, but I knew it would be just glamorous enough for the dress Liz rented from Rent the Runway. How fabulous is she?! I’ve never had a bride rent dresses for an engagement session before, and now I’m totally going to recommend it. I love how she looks so beautiful and at home in such a lovely gown, but at the same time, it really elevates the photos and takes their outfits to the next level. Plus…emerald green. I mean…can you even?! She’s so fierce.

I love the way these two look at each other. They’re pretty obviously soul mates.

Engagement sessions and weddings are quickly becoming my favorite shoots because they’re so effortless when the couple is this in love. Sure, we cover a lot of ground and it can be exhausting for all of us…but the emotions that can be captured are so natural and easy. A few suggestions and prompts and it’s like I’m not even there and these two are just loving each other while I get to document it. Sigh…

With Liz and Ian looking so fabulous/dapper, you know I had to get a few solo portraits, too. They looked too wonderful not to!

I’m obsessed with how these two can go from sultry one second to fun-loving the next. That’s a real relationship right there!

After leaving the Old Courthouse Museum, Liz and Ian changed into their next outfit (Liz also rented this crazy cute colorblock dress) and we headed down the street to Queen City Bakery. I love this coffee shop, and Liz and Ian are huge tea drinkers, so we thought it would be fun to hang out here for a bit.

I’m mildly obsessed with Liz’s engagement ring, which is an heirloom from her grandmother. Ian actually surprised her with it when he proposed, which totally makes my heart flutter.

This part of the shoot was arguably my favorite, because while we got some great images, it was so fun to chat with these two about their upcoming wedding. You guys…it’s gonna be legit. I can’t wait to share more after these two are hitched but just know…they know how to plan a party.

Our last stop had these two changing out of their fancy clothes and into their typical uniforms. I loved all their outfits, but there’s something about getting your photos taken in outfits that you usually live in that just feels so genuine. Plus, these two are both teachers and total book worms, so what is more perfect than a library!?

I can’t. So cute.

And last but not least…a few outdoor images to finish out the day! It was super bright and sunny out (although craaaazy cold!) but we ducked under a bridge on the Big Sioux Rive to snag a couple more shots. Thank goodness these guys were able to cuddle to keep warm – I had a coat, but they didn’t have anything! Body heat is good for something, though 😉

Liz and Ian, thank you so much for driving up to Sioux Falls for your photos, and for choosing me to document your love! I can’t wait to hear more about your wedding day as you plan your giant celebration, and I REALLY can’t wait for NYE 2016!