A frigid, winter wind hastened a puffy, white cloud across the sun. The cloud seemed to settle in on top of the sun for a long, winter’s nap while the breeze tousled Jenny’s hair. She shivered. It was 39° at Longwood Gardens during their A Longwood Christmas engagement session on a Monday in December.

Cameron turned his smoldering gaze to his beautiful fiancé. He smiled down at her and shook off his jacket. With a graceful motion that shouldn’t be possible for someone of his stature he cloaked her tiny but strong frame in its warmth. His arms protectively wrapped around her — and she melted into him.

In the style guide, I provide my clients. I give them some options for surviving a frosty, winter session. One option is to dress for the weather…in style! They can wear stylish, winter coats, well-fitting gloves, cute hats and scarfs with booties to match.

Another option is to choose a location where they can stay close to their car to warm up as much as needed in between sets of photos.

The last option is to wear whatever they want but use their winter coat just for in-between sets, throwing it on and off as needed throughout the session if we can’t warm up in cars.

Jenny chose none of them! And to boot, her first outfit was the loveliest silken, sleeveless gown I’ve ever seen….with no coat! Jenny is one strong and determined girl! She said she knew it would be worth it, and I love her for that…amongst many other things! And, it totally was.

Let’s not forget Cameron here giving up his jacket regularly to the love of his life whenever he couldn’t bear for her to be cold one minute longer. He was also cold for much of the session! Somehow they managed to smile their way through the entire two hours and two outfit changes. They never once complained about the weather or the crowds and I swear their noses never turned red. I adore them.

Winter shoots can be hard for the clients and the photographer but if they could all be like this one, I would shoot throughout the winter year after year. This A Longwood Christmas engagement session was something out of a fairytale.

I hope you enjoy this little sample of photos from their gorgeous session below.

Jenny and Cameron,

I’m so honored that you chose me to be your photographer for this special session before you become man and wife. You are incredible people with huge hearts and I wish you the very best of luck in your coming marriage.

Cam, never lose the sparkle behind that dashing smile. You will go far continuing to put heart behind everything you do.

Jenny, thank you for your service. Teachers have one of the hardest jobs in the world — especially right now. The anxiety is palpable in the air in schools and you are fighting through it, supporting our youth and setting them up for success in the years to come. Fifth grade is a pivotal year and your strength and kindness have made you perfect for that job. I hope the kids who get to learn from you know just how lucky they are.

I hope you two love this sample of photos from your A Longwood Christmas engagement session as much as I do. And, because I know how hard it is to wait, there will be a surprise in your inbox later today. So, don’t forget to check!

Xo - Megan