Kaitlyn & Cory’s Surprise Engagement | Georgetown, Texas

One random, ordinary afternoon, I ran into Cory. (We all love Kaitlyn & Cory’s past sessions!) I would not have guessed that the conversation we would have would be regarding him wanting my help on planning a surprise engagement session! I was so thrilled, not only to be asked to be a part of it, but also because I knew how excited Kaitlyn was to get married. Cory knew it was extremely hard to surprise Kaitlyn, and thought this would be the best way to catch her off guard, and also for her to get dressed up without being suspicious.

They had been together now for five years. When we first met in November, I had asked about their story of how they met and what brought them to Austin; they are so cute together! They met at a previous job they had together, back home in Louisiana. They decided that they wanted to move together, and go somewhere new. They chose Austin for Kaitlyn’s college and Cory found a fantastic job here. They’ve now been here for over a year and love it. I know they’ve worked so hard to get where they are today and to see how excited Cory was to plan this proposal for Kaitlyn, it was beyond special.

Cory and I set up the plan that I would approach Kaitlyn and ask if her and Cory would model at a new location for me. He didn’t think she would find this too odd as I had asked if they could help me out back in January when I had to do some location scouting downtown. I agreed, it was a pretty genius idea, especially since Cory is not the biggest fan of photos. When I asked her, I couldn’t help but laugh as her exact words to me were: “I’ll have to convince Cory”. Cory play his part and made a fuss about having to do another photoshoot, as he typically would, and eventually agreed. I had already started location scouting for the perfect, and a sincerely new location for this to take place. When I found this park in Georgetown I was so excited to share photos with Cory. He agreed it was perfect and we set the plan in motion! I arranged a date and time with them and off we went.

As we got into my car, Kaitlyn realized she forgot her heels in the car, as she ran to get them Cory said to me “can you put the ring box in your camera bag? It’s so obvious in my pocket!” I rushed out, trying to hide it to my side and get to the trunk to put it in my bag. Kaitlyn popped up next to me, out of nowhere, and asked what happened haha. I told her I had to check to make sure I brought the right lens (such a lie!). She accepted it and got in the car. As I started to drive she asked if she could put her makeup in my camera bag, I froze a bit and sneaked a side glance at Cory… I told her I would keep it in my pocket for her instead. She seemed confused but thankfully accepted that too. As we got to the first place in the park, Cory asked to ‘put his keys in my bag’, which I said yes to. Thankfully Kaitlyn didn’t pick up on this, haha. Cory switched his keys for the ring box and started posing again. As I took them down the trail, we came through to this beautiful field with loads of trees. I posed them together, and then asked Cory to step back behind Kaitlyn. This was our agreed upon cue. Kaitlyn asked why he was standing behind her, and I explained it would be a great ‘dramatic’ depth of field shot hahaha. I snapped a few photos of her as Cory was behind her on one knee. She had no idea…. I told her to look down and stay put, as I came around the side of her ‘snapping away’. Then I told her to come stand by Cory. As she turned around, there he was, on one knee with the box opened in his hand.

“I know you’ve been waiting for this day for a long time….”

I actually cried as he gave her his speech, and I continued snapping. She of course said yes and gave him the sweetest hug and kiss. They got to spend the rest of their session time taking ‘engagement announcement’ photos haha. This location was so beautiful, and I knew Kaitlyn would be excited to have these photos taken here, somewhere so different and not typical looking for Texas. I truly felt as though we were in a different state all together. The rocks and the water were perfect for the look I knew Kaitlyn would want. The fields of grass and trees with logs and pathways were just too gorgeous. They got a beautiful sunset to top it off with the most stunning warm golden hour light throughout.

Cory, thank you for asking me to be a part of this huge milestone in your life and relationship with Kaitlyn. I truly feel honored to have not only been a part of it, but to have been trusted to capture this moment for you both. Kaitlyn, thank you for going along with this and for going above and beyond on planning with me for this ‘location scouting session’ on what you both should wear etc. :) I’m glad I knew you were such a planner and that this would work out so well. You looked stunning, and I’m so happy for you both. Enjoy this time in your life and relationship. Being engaged is such a beautiful chapter. Cherish it, enjoy one another. Congratulations to you both!! Wishing you nothing but happiness.

Their date is set, everyone – November 16th, 2019!