Portraits: A winter engagement photo session in tall grass

Really the photos say it all. But, since I'm the big sister of the bride, I get to say some things, too.

I was so honored when my sister, Mari, asked me to take her engagement photos. My whole family flew in for a jam-packed weekend, and we had one hour between Mari's bridal shower and Andy's "guys' night" to make this session happen before they hopped a plane back to Colorado.

Since January is the dreariest month in North Carolina, I wanted to find a location that remained idyllic—and perhaps even peaked—in the middle of winter. When I saw the tall grass and fence here, I knew my search was over.

We had a blast together, experimenting with sun flares and laughing way too hard when they suddenly forgot how to hold hands like normal people as we were shooting close-ups of the ring they designed. And after listening to me yell, "Kiss! Kiss!" over and over throughout the session, Andy learned how bossy I really am but is still willing to marry into the family.

But what I hope these photos reflect most is how happy Mari and Andy are together. I see in them a bright, bright future.

For more portraits by Calm Cradle Photo & Design, click here and here.