A Willamette University Engagement Session

February 6, 2020

I love how this Willamette University engagement session captured so much of our beautiful city! Beginning at Willamette University, we worked our way over to the steps of the Capital building. Then we ended downtown at the breathtaking bridge at the Riverfront park. Becca and Chris just popped off the scene in every location with their adroable cutness! This session was a blast from start to finish!

How we met

This super sweet couple was referred to me by an amazing family I had the pleasure of working with for MOM magazine. Becca’s mom, Christina, reached out to me on their behalf as they were looking for an engagement photographer. These two sweethearts are in college together in Idaho and would be coming to Oregon for the holidays. Although their wedding ceremony will be out of state, they were looking for a photographer to capture their engagement session and a family reception that they will be having here later that will include more of their family. Christina said they were very go-with-the-flow and very much in love. I was so excited to work with them!

The Engagement Session

I have encountered many firsts over the years of doing photography. But the way this session started on a cold, foggy morning in December included a rather embarrassing first for me. I actually don’t mind sharing at all. Some of you who know me may or may not know that I tend to lock myself out more often than most people! This would include mostly my house and my car. Well, on this cold morning as Christina and Becca pulled up behind me I tossed my keys in my camera bag. It also had my phone. I then got out to greet them. What I didn’t realize in that moment is I automatically locked my car door as I got out. Which is a reflex I always do but usually have my keys in hand.

After greeting them I went to go get my bag out of my passenger side and my heart sank as I realized my camera bag and keys were locked inside. It was a cold morning and we were ready to start their session but I had no access to my camera! After we all laughed it off as things things like this happen to everyone, I decided to call my husband at work. He was able to leave and he rushed home to grab the spare car key. Thank goodness we were within just a few miles of his work and our house. He literally drove down the street we were on, slowed down just enough to hit the unlock button, gave me a thumbs up and drove off back to work! Haha.

A Funny Mishap

This little mishap ended up working in our favor as the little bit of time we waited to start, the fog cleared perfectly for us. I couldn’t thank these two enough for being so understanding in a time like that and that we can all laugh about it! This session was then full of snuggles and giggles. I almost didn’t need to pose them as they couldn’t quit smiling at each other and holding each other so cutely! We even saw a duck flap around the water at the University, which is a sign to me from my mom that even though mistakes happen, beauty is shortly to follow.

This Willamette University engagement session was one for the books! I can’t wait for your reception, Becca + Chris!