I have so many favorites from Huyen and Marla’s Shelter Gardens engagement photography session last weekend! This was a mini-session and was perfect for Huyen and Marla to have a smaller set of photos of just the two of them. Mini sessions last 30 minutes and include a download link of roughly 20-30 edited images. I was so happy when Huyen suggested we meet early in the morning. The weather was cool and beautiful in the gardens. We even re-created Huyen and Marla’s prom photo from 10 years ago!

Here are some of my favorites from this mini engagement session at Shelter Gardens in Columbia, MO…

Shelter Gardens engagement photography with couple under an arbor of wisteria in Columbia, MO.Fine art style Shelter Gardens engagement photography in black and white.Happy couple during Shelter Gardens engagement photography session outside in summer.Create engagement photos at Shelter Gardens in Columbia, MO.Nature engagement photos of the ring and a butterfly at Shelter Gardens.Beautiful engagement photos of this asian couple at Shelter Gardens.Detail of Canna leaves at Shelter Gardens during outdoor engagement photo session.Koi fish swim during a mini-engagement session at Shelter Gardens.Engagement photos at the botanical Shelter Gardens in Columbia, MO.Relaxed and candid engagement photography in Columbia at Shelter Gardens.Historic Newcome School building at Shelter Gardens in Columbia.Close up black and white photo of asian couple during a mini engagement session at Shelter Gardens.Shelter Gardens is the perfect outdoor location for mini engagement sessions.Couple kisses under an arbor of wisteria vines during their summer mini engagement session at Shelter Gardens.

Huyen contacted me two weeks ago about setting up a time for some outdoor photos of he and Marla. These two weren’t engaged at that point, but the day before our session, Huyen popped the question! Avid bicyclists, Huyen and Marla love to ride the Katy Trail out to the big Burr Oak tree. It seemed like the perfect place to get engaged. Huyen distracted Marla once they arrived at the big tree, and then got down on one knee! Marla was completely surprised! They have been together for fourteen years, and seemed so excited and happy for their future married life. Being around Huyen and Marla made me realize how lucky I am to spend such a magically happy time in people’s lives, documenting the little moments that tell the story of their love.

Congrats to these newly engaged folks, and thank you for being willing to get up a little early for this mini engagement session!