A Springtime Country Estate Engagement in the South
Kat and Brad met through a mutual friend and had their first date on May 11, 2013 — your typical awkward first date to the movies — though Kat realized later she had been hearing about Brad for the past 10 years from her hairdresser, who is Brad’s sister! That’s how it works in small towns, after all, and these two grew up only minutes apart from each other in Newberry, SC.
Two and a half years after their first date, they took a trip to New York City. It was Kat’s first plane ride, and she was scared to death, but Brad kept her feeling safe their entire plane ride. As it turns out, he was the one battling nerves! He came prepared for their trip, and proposed to her at Rockefeller Center during the height of Christmas tourism in NYC.
Katherine and I began planning her wedding almost immediately after their engagement. By February, we had checked bloom schedules and weather charts (we are both type A, what can I say), and set aside April 9 for this session. We couldn’t have planned better, because the day was perfect! Not only did the weather cooperate, but Kat’s cousin’s boyfriend was able to offer his grandmother’s country estate for our session location — and don’t laugh at that roundabout way of securing a session location. It pays to know people who know people who know people! ;)
Spirea and Wisteria vines bless us with their fragrance all spring here in South Carolina, and they were lovely additions to Kat and Brad’s engagement session!
When I pulled into this “place in the country” (as Kat described it to me), I immediately realized this was no ordinary field. Mature pecan trees line the winding driveway down to the main house, and this driveway is where we began the session.
Their dog Kilo joined us to remind guests to “save the date” for October 2016! He was such a good boy (shout out to Eva for rustling a bag of treats behind me for these photos)!
Seriously, how nice is this tree-lined drive? I love it for showing off the colorful outfits they started out with!
If you’ve followed my blog for any time at all, you know I love to follow up a few serious shots with some laughter! Thank goodness for my awful (but perfectly timed) jokes!
As we walked further down the drive towards the main house and pastures, I had to stop Kat and Brad next to this pond for a reflection photo.
I love how the late afternoon sun coming through the trees frames the couple in this shot. It’s one of my favorites!
Among spring’s blessings are the Dogwood blossoms, and I love how Kat’s ring sparkles perched on this Dogwood branch.
Past the first set of pastures, Kat and Brad changed outfits, and we photographed them resting for a bit in a gorgeous shady, wooded area.
Kilo joined us again for more portraits, but he was much more content to supervise the cows on the other side of the fence! He’s such a handsome pup, though, and I love how he cooperated for us!
By this time, the light was beyond gorgeous. I probably shot 50% of their session in this 30 minute period of time just to get as much out of the gorgeous early evening light as possible!
These guys are just perfectly meant to be, can’t you tell? I love these close up shots with her beautiful ring, and them relaxing together.
I adore this shot. Kat, you are so lovely!
The sun, the wildflowers, their outfits (inspired by my style guide)…it all came together beautifully.
This last set of photos was the ideal way to end Kat and Brad’s session.
I was wrong before, THIS is my favorite shot from the day!
And with that, our fun day on a country estate was over! Brad and Kat, thank you for the wonderful afternoon, and I can’t wait for bridal portraits coming up very soon!
Beautiful work, Melissa! I love these photos and that location is amazing!
Thank you so much, Kelly!
Such incredible light!! Where “in the country” is this, Melissa??
Lorin, this was up in Gray Court, which is literally a one-stoplight town past Clinton. I love that my couple had this area available for us to use!
Gorgeous! love the colors and your use of light!
Thank you so much, Megan!
Just lovely!
Thank you, Sarah!
Wow. Awesome location. I’m starting to just love the look of good ole country. Great job.
Thanks, Bill! It takes a great location like this to fall in love with the country, I think. I definitely want to shoot here again!
Goodness, this light is SO dreamy! I love how she wore such a stunning dress for this. Great work, Mel.
Thanks, JHunt! It’s so awesome when clients follow the style guide I send them :)
Great pictures and lovely couple!
Thank you!