Howdy! Happy 2017, all! Took a little break there for a couple of weeks! Now, I'm back and I have a lot to say! Well, I have a lot to SHOW!

Most of you have followed me since I decided to 'go public' with my photography as something to do on the side almost 3 years ago! It's been amazing, and every year it blows me away. I keep starting earlier and earlier and 99% of my business? Word of mouth and all thanks to so many of you sharing my blog, or my posts. It's so incredible to see how many people have started to become so interested in my work and I am truly grateful! 

Let's get down to business, shall we?! You aren't here to listen to me go on and on about how pumped I am! Let's see some engagement photos, yeah?!

This is a prime example of what I mentioned above. The lovely Ashley, was actually the college roommate of one of my closest friends, Alyssa! Ashley saw shared posts and decided to message me. Just out of curiosity and it turned out to be a great matchup! 
She already knew she wanted to meet at Franklin Park Conservatory, which is one of my favorite places in Columbus (hadn't been there in years)! This was my first engagement shoot at such an awesome place, and I truly hope to make it back there soon. I always pull towards black and white - but with a place like this. I think the color photos may win this round!

I had never met these two, except chatting through Facebook. So, when I saw a couple walking towards me with huge smiles and looking their best - I had hoped it was Ashley and Chris, because I had started walking before even thinking! I walked right up and stuck my hand out to introduce myself haha. (Don't worry, it was them, I didn't make a fool out of myself... yet!) 

We started in the South Conservatory and they were naturals right off the bat! It usually takes a little bit to warm up to each other - photographer and client - so I was expecting to do a lot of talking to help them feel more at home. TOTALLY not true with these guys! They were super into the day, open with any information about their wedding day and everyday lives. OH! By the way, they have pretty dang close to every detail planned out already! How awesome is that?! Their wedding is closer to the end of this year and I am sure it will be here in no time! 
 

I had asked them the usual questions - how long have you been together? The answer was 5 years. How did you meet? Through mutual friends. How did you propose? Let me tell you guys - Chris thought of everything!! They usually do a photo for their Christmas card with their dog and he had set everything up at the park - even the photographer was in on it! He got down on one knee and the rest is history! As they were telling me this story, they both kind of giggled just remembering that awesome day. She said she couldn't stop covering her smile because she was totally surprised! 
 

So, a little something like the one above. 

I've done over 20 engagement sessions over the last couple of years, and it will never get boring listening to all of the incredible stories that each unique couple has to offer. 

My favorites stick out because you know it's right. When you go back through the photos of the day, and you get excited just seeing how they look each other. There was never tension, only love. Only excitement that they were going to be making a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together and they couldn't be happier. I will leave you with a few of my favorites from the shoot. You let me know if you agree - when it's right... you know it's right! 

Thanks for stopping by - be sure to like my page on Facebook and follow me on Instagram - @PortiasPhotography 

And to Ashley and Chris -- thank you so very much for spending an hour of your day with me. It was absolutely lovely and I wish only the best for both of you! I'm thrilled you love these as much as I do, now it's time to share them with the world!