It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2015. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till midnight and the winners will be announced Monday. The winning entries will each receive a 16×20 print.

Today’s category: Engagement Sessions

Take a look at the entries then vote at the bottom of this post.

1. Fishing

2. Billiards

3. Hug

4. Waders

5. Reflection

6. Lines

7. Coffee

8. Sunset

9. Posters

10. Shadows

I’ve been slammed this past week with 6 different shoots.  Each of theses couples was so great and it just didn’t feel right to not give them at least a little bit of blog love.

First up, Sarah & Caleb.  I adore their story about how they met and will share it with you soon when their July 4th wedding rolls around.  I don’t often end up in a field at sunset but this tree near Sarah’s home was too great to pass up.

Tory & Brett are super perfect for each other.  They are both first year high school teachers & coaches.  They met at the start of school this year and are getting married at the start of summer. :)  They coach baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, track, football, and who knows what else.  Brett played a bit of college ball at DBU as well as some minor league ball for the Normal Cornbelters. (click the link to see their AMAZING mascot.)

And finally we end our post with Jaime & Alan.  The only thing Jaime loves more than barrel racing is her fireman.  The only thing Alan loves more than fighting fires is his Jaime.  I am ALWAYS a fan when a guy seems big and strong enough to snap me in half, yet is tender and soft spoken to his bride to be.  (Nice find Jaime.)  Look for Alan in the 2015 Centerville Firefighters Calendar.  ;)

Hey look.  It’s beautiful people.  In beautiful light.  Looking beautiful….

I get it.  You are engaged.  You wanna look engaged.  You wanna look like all those beautiful Pinterestable people that smile in the evening light and show off their love and diamond ring in one timeless golden photo.

Here’s the thing though, you are not everybody else.  You are you.

You may not be able to do this pose.

You may be taller than him.

He may be WAY taller than you.

Maybe he likes to wear a hat.

There are thousands of reasons why this may not work for you. You know what…. that’s ok.

Maybe when you look at those beautiful people in the golden light you think…

I hate those people.  I don’t like that photo.  Those people suck.

Here’s the thing.  You don’t have to like those photos.  You don’t have to be everyone.

You can be yourself.

Maybe you hate “fancy” clothes.  Maybe you don’t like to hug.

Maybe you would rather put on camo and go into the woods with 4 rifles, 2 bows, 1 pistol, and a knife.

Cuz you know… that’s who you are.  That’s what you do.

If that’s the case… Do it.

Be yourself.

Why would you want to copy someone else when you two are one of a kind?

I get it.  You want to have a great wedding.  So you look to everyone for ideas, inspiration, and what to do.

But, when you look at everyone else, just remember.

This is the first time you two are getting married in the history of marriages.

Your wedding is an original.

Your story is unique.

Tell it on your terms.

I love doing these rewind posts.  It’s a little reminded for me that my couples still exists before and after my shoots. :)  I love the 18 month window that I get to look into my couples lives.  I usually meet them at the height of their giddy-ness and love and get to walk along with them till their wedding day and the months right after.  Hip hip hooray to all of my March 2010 couples.  I hope married life is as fun for you as it is for me.  (Really really fun.)

I hope all of you had a great Christmas weekend.  I know many of us have to get back to the rat race today so I thought I’d cheer you up with some fancy looking photos.  I somehow forgot to do a rewind last month so you get a double dose today!  Here are some of my favorite images from November & December of last year.  Enjoy.