“We just parked and we’re heading in!” Caitlin texted right on time. I had spent the previous 45 minutes walking the expanse of Longwood Gardens on the first Saturday of Spring Tulips, drinking in the sun as I strolled amongst the smiling crowds and waking blooms surrounding me, yawning awake with color. Conditions were perfect for Caitlin and Donald’s engagement shoot though I couldn’t help but notice the dark mass of clouds bearing down on the sky’s joy in the distance.

I walked to the entrance to greet them, standing just outside of the shade of the building’s entrance to soak in the last of the sun’s rays as their welcomed warmth came and went with the line of the encroaching storm.

Glancing at the doors, I spotted a flowing blue dress and bouncing curls gaining on the entrance to the gardens even through the tinted windows…it had to be them. I chanced a wave and was relived to see Caitlin and Donald emerge smiling and excited from the darkness within. Big hugs and we were off!

I steered them towards the spring blossoms waving happily down on the fountain gardens below. Caitlin indulged my questions about how they met as we entered a sea of blue and white blooms. — He’s a police officer and she’s an attorney. They worked together a few times until one case where she had to give him her phone number for one reason or another…I glanced at Donald to see a winning smile spread across his face…the rest is history as they say!

As the magic was happening through my lens, we entertained the other garden guests as they stopped to watch. Continuing on through the gardens, we passed fellow garden goers as they exited like a flood with the threat of a hail storm reaching their ears. Us? We hadn’t a care in the world as we danced around the property the sun teasing us as it came and went.

It wasn’t until we were reminded nicely by a staff member that the Gardens closed in 10 minutes that I realized the storm never came! Donald kept us amazed with his stories from back in the day when he worked at Longwood and they both kindly entertained my stories of my own life and family. It was a session I wished never had to end. It is rare to have Longwood Gardens almost to yourselves as it was for the final homestretch of their time with me until close. They walked me to my car and we said, “see ya in 5 months!”

Caitlin and Donald will married in September at Cameron Estate Inn and I cannot wait to see them again and to meet all of their people! If their people are anything like them, we are all going to have a blast on their wedding day!

Caitlin and Donald, it was so fun meeting you! Your session was not only amazing for the photography aspect of it, I had the BEST time with you two. I love your kind, caring, fun personalities. I’m so glad that case brought you two together so I got the chance to meet you. Here’s hoping that couple going the wrong way eventually made it out! Maybe they didn’t speak English?!?! LOL Well, I hope you love this little sample of highlight photos from your beautiful shoot and because I know how hard it is to wait, check your email a little later for a surprise!

XO - Megan