It had truly only been a matter of hours (give or take 36) since Christian had arrived in the States from the other side of the pond. I don’t know how long it had been since Caroline and Christian had seen each other, but any looming concerns of jet lag were completely gone when Caroline told me they would still be “lovey-dovey” for at least another day while the spark of just seeing each other was still new.
Taking their portraits felt like one of those candles on top of a birthday cake that as soon as it blew out lit right back up (not that I was trying to blow out the spark!). We would go from one location or pose to another, and as soon as they looked at each other the spark came back and they seemed blissful.
All of these locations were significant to me as well in photographing them. Caroline’s home, Davis Park near the Highland Park Pool, and Highland Park United Methodist Church hold significant memories that made those surroundings all the more fun sharing the time with a childhood friend and her soon to be husband.
I want to include a two-sentence excerpt from a kind e-mail that Caroline’s mom sent to me after sending her the very first image above via e-mail as a quick preview: “I can’t tell you how much Ike [Caroline's dad] and I enjoyed seeing you on Saturday and watching you, Caroline and Christian interact. It is so fulfilling to see how you’ve all grown up, matured, used your gifts, and seized the opportunities of life.”
I hadn’t thought of our parents’ perspective as we approach the young ventures that we’re beginning. It’s bizarre for me to think of myself and Caroline as 8 yr. olds and going over to Caroline’s house to play, and Mr. & Mrs. Robb now seeing Caroline about to be married. I’m very familiar with the sentiments felt by the parents of the bride, but it hits closer to home when you’ve known those parents since some of your earliest memories. I wish I could retain this perspective more often, for how exciting these years are.
Even more exciting to me is the prospect of where these two will be in five, ten, twenty years. Although Caroline has picked up some cultural cues from her studies in Scotland, Christian is the genuine article. When we hung up the phone the day before their engagement session, he ended the conversation with, “Alright, we’ll see you then. Cheers!” and it sounded completely normal. I felt like I should say “Cheers!” back to him in agreement that the conversation was over. But, the call ended promptly and when I put my phone down for some reason it was then that I had the epiphany that Caroline was marrying a man from the U.K. 
In addition to their obvious excitement to be wed and love for each other, these two have an international story, and the style and class to match it. Although I dress professionally, Christian made me want to invest in a few more bow ties (let alone learn how to tie one) and Caroline’s style matches her naturally elegant personality. Their traditional background contrasted by their casualness and comfort of being as Caroline described, “lovey-dovey” together resulted in some really fun portraits. Y’all, if this is what transpired from our time together I cannot wait to photograph your Dallas reception at Arlington Hall and capture the celebration surrounded by friends and family. Until then, cheers! 
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Who is that gorgeous couple?? Fantastic photos…very romantic. See you soon! Love the (Little Eaton)Stones xxxx