Surrounded by hundreds of blooming roses and a sweet summer breeze, they wrapped each other tight. Nose to nose and staring into each other’s eyes, nothing but silence filling the air. Their serious expressions lasting only a second before the involuntary smiles crossed their faces.

Love.

One of my favorite parts of photographing my couple’s engagement session is seeing the nerves just wash away once they are actually interacting with each other. Their love for each other making the stress of the day a distant memory. I have said it before but I’ll say it again. I love love. I love the kind of love where you can’t help but smile when you look each other in the eyes. I love the kind of love where laughter constantly fills the air. I love the kind of love that grows not just with each passing day but each passing minute. And Saturday’s session with RJ and Alessandra was filled with my kind of love by the buckets.

We met at the Vander Veer Botanical Park in Cedar Rapids. The wind was wild at times but that just means we had a little Beyonce wind to add a little magic to every shot. RJ and Alessandra stepped out of their car and not only did they come dressed to impress but they felt like friends within moments. Alessandra and I have been talking for a long time about their session and their upcoming wedding so it was crazy to think that this was the first time we actually talked in person! We found the most perfect backdrop even when that meant squeezing our way through high school students all taking photos before heading off to the Homecoming dance later that night. Seriously, you won’t believe that we were surrounded on every side and still got images that looked like we had the place to ourselves.

We were even able to take a few shots by the somewhat overflowing Riverfront, which was filled with stunning river views, lots of historic brick buildings and one of their favorite craft beer establishments. Then to top it off we posed next to a very busy street in front of a YELLOW TRAIN CAR! My photographer heart skipped a beat or three because the day just kept getting better and better.

RJ and Alessandra, thank you for showing my around Davenport and putting up with all of my crazy ideas even if it meant stealing a kiss in front of strangers. I had such a great time, even though we were assaulted by mysterious limes falling from the sky. (I would try to explain this to everyone else, but it was so crazy that I don’t think anyone would believe me!) I can’t wait to share your entire gallery with you real soon, but in the meantime enjoy a few of my favorites – preferably over a glass or two 😉