I met Grace and Matthew in downtown Selma for their engagement session, fully expecting the same warm, spring weather we had enjoyed all week. Instead, Sunday morning showed up with a surprise cold front and a wind that had a mind of its own. The kind of wind that keeps you on your toes and makes you work a little harder for those effortless-looking photos. Thankfully, Grace and Matthew embraced it all with such ease.

These two first started dating eight years ago and it shows in the very best way. There’s a level of comfort and steadiness between them that only comes with time. Being around them feels easy. Natural. Uncomplicated. Years of shared memories have a way of settling into a relationship and photographing that kind of connection is always a gift.

They had already taken engagement photos right after Matthew proposed last month, but I convinced them to do another session with me. I love having this time before the wedding day. It gives us a chance to get to know each other, for them to see how I work, and most importantly, to realize that taking photos doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. By the end of our time together, they both said they genuinely enjoyed it and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all—which is exactly what I hope every couple walks away saying.

When I first moved to Selma over a decade ago, I met both of their moms. Getting to photograph their children now as they step into marriage is such a sweet reminder of how connected this community really is. And somehow, in just six short weeks, their moms have already planned an entire June wedding. What a gift to have mothers who jump in with that kind of love, support, and efficiency!

Grace and Matthew, thank you for choosing me to photograph your wedding. It truly means so much. I can’t wait to photograph Grace’s bridal portraits and then have you both back in front of my camera again in June. It’s going to be such a beautiful celebration!