I’ve grown to love the subtle nerves and the sense of newness that ensue at the beginning of an engagement session. I assume nearly all of my couples feel it, and understandably so – most of us haven’t intentionally posed for a photo since we were in high school, let alone having to do so with your significant other for two hours straight.

I don’t love the fact that they feel uncomfortable, of course, but rather love the moments when I see that discomfort dissipate, and the challenge of figuring out who they are together, and what aspects of each other put one another at ease. I love our conversations between the photos, and seeing and hearing how they naturally bounce off of one another.

I first met Jenna through my friend Natalie a few years ago, and she’s one of those people you can’t help but immediately like. She’s kind, and funny, and has a genuine sweetness in her that feels rare to come across. I met her when she was single, and I still remember the moment when I first heard about Joe, this farm boy she had met. I didn’t know much, but I did know that he sounded like he may be her proverbial ‘one’ – and it turns out, he was.

I drove out to Avon, IL for their engagement session – the small town where Joe grew up, where his family’s farm is located, where he proposed to Jenna, and where the two of them will eventually call home, together. Those subtle nerves lessened and I watched the two of them giggle and tell me stories together and grin ear to ear, and their mutual sweetness and contentment washed over me. This gig is a good one, and it’s good because of the people and the relationships I get the chance to witness.