Here we go, folks! Another Friday… Another fabulous engagement shoot! This one done by the equally fabulous duo behind Jonathan Ivy Photography!

Pam met Mike at the University of Texas at Dallas at a Welcome Week event her first night on campus. Pam’s roommate introduced the two… at rather an awkward moment. Mike, at the time,  was going by the nickname, Parm, and was also in the middle of a wacky dance when the two first said hello. He used a line that night that would forever seal their fate: “Hi, I’m Parm… that’s like Pam with an ‘r’…” (Luckily for him, it worked.)

Mike was very shy to begin with. It was some time before he worked up the courage to even ask for her number. And another two years before the two finally started hanging out. But he wasn’t the only one. Pam was a bit shy and rather hesitant of the budding relationship between the two herself. It was December of 2005, at a party Pam hosted at her apartment, that Mike and Pam shared their first kiss. But instead of being excited, Pam was left more confused. Pam remembers standing in the kitchen with her roommate who asked her why she was so hesitant to date him. She simply replied: “If I date him, I’m going to marry him. That’s a big commitment.” (Talk about stating your intentions…)

Even at the time of their first kiss, Pam knew that agreeing to date such a close friend and wonderful man would end in forever. Still, it was another four months before she was ready to jump in fully. But the moment they made it official, they were inseparable. (Finally! Smile.)

After four and a half years of dating, they began talking about their future. After a series of discussions, and one very exciting ring shopping adventure later, Pam knew the time was near.

Pam is a big, BIG fan of the Texas State Fair. Fried food, crazy carnies, pig races… (What’s not to like, right?) As she looks forward to this event all year, Pam had this crazy idea that he might propose while there. She woke early on the day of in anticipation of both the fair and a possible proposal. Her hopes were quickly dashed when Mike appeared in the living room wearing shorts. “No one wears shorts to propose,” she thought. “Today’s not the day.” (No one proposes in shorts. Hahaha! I love it.)

Pam, Mike, and a dozen of their closest friends headed to Fair Park where Pam knew a corn dog there had her name on it. They met up with Pam’s best friend at Big Tex for pictures (while everyone still looked cute and not grease-stained). Mike asked if their friends would mind taking a photo of him and Pam together. They all immediately agreed, which surprised Pam. It was just a picture. But then Mike got down on one knee and opened a box to the most beautiful ring Pam had ever seen. Mike somehow managed to propose exactly when she expected him to and still make it a surprise at the same time! (Points to the man!)

After congratulatory hugs and many congratulations, reality set in. That’s when Pam said, “Can we get a corn dog now?” (Love. it.)

They make a beautifully, authentic couple don’t they? So simple, yet very sweet. And obviously very much in love.

{Behind the Lens with the über talented Samantha Foster of Jonathan Ivy Photography} First, we were so excited to have the opportunity to travel down to Austin for their photo shoot, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! Pam and Mike are simply adorable together. We had a blast implementing the little pieces of each  of them that created the life they now have together.

When you first approach a destination photo shoot, it can be rather daunting, but not with Pam and Mike. We knew they would be the perfect couple to work with on this. A huge shout out to Rachel of Rachel Events for introducing us! She knew we would be a great match, and boy, was she right! We love this couple!

We walked into this photo shoot wanting to capture each of their personalities at locations that were special to them. Take the rustic, indoor photos, for example. These were taken at their favorite bar, Icenhauers, just down the road from where they live. It’s their favorite hot spot! Next, we went to iconic Austin locations like 6th street and the Austin postcard. These places make up the town where they have lived for some time now. Next, we visited the State Capital where Mike worked for a while. Then we finished things just outside their home with their adorable dog. All of their locations were an integral part of their love and lives!

A big thank you and congratulations to Pam and Mike who will tie the knot this November! Your wedding will be just beautiful with the love you two share! We wish you so much happiness in the years to come! Thank you for sharing your love story with us today! And a big thank you to the lovely Samantha Foster of Jonathan Ivy Photography for sharing her and her husband’s work with us once again! It’s always a pleasure to feature you on our blog!

Happy Friday!

xoxo