Happy Monday, lovelies! Starting a new week here with this fun couple and their Austin engagement portrait session.

I recently met with this talented designer and bride-to-be, Suzanne, and we hit off so well {at least in my book} that she booked me right on the spot for her upcoming fall wedding. {For the record: these types of brides are always my favorites.} It will be my first time covering a wedding at Springdale Farm in East Austin and after hearing this savvy bride and groom’s creative ideas and plans, I’m really looking forward to being a part of their big day.  I captured this smile-inducing fest straight from our very own shores of Town Lake. The lake, a dog, and a happy couple at sunrise – all out magic makers for fabulous Austin photographs.

“These pictures are great…looking forward to seeing the rest of them! You are soooo talented and we had so much fun with you! Thank you for the thoughtful blog posting…you are a sweetheart! Looking forward to our big day in March and happy you are a part of it. “

As is so often the case with most blog postings, I have to start on the topic of weather. I know – it’s almost ad nauseum – but would you believe. Of all days for torrential downpour. Mother nature chose a day that I procured vintage furniture from Georgetown for the should-have-been outdoor half of an engagement session.

Kif and I met over coffee and the relationship budded over Kendra Scott jewelry and Michael Kors shoes {though not generally given to cliche, I must say this relationship was one made in heaven}. We sat at Lola Savannah and after talking at length about the big day and about ourselves, she decided to book me on the spot. We would later run into each other at a birthday party and then meet for engagement photos on the fifth anniversary of their meeting. It also happened to be UT vs OU game day and let me tell you after the woe that was the Red River Shoot Out, this was just the “whoa” Austin needed.

Matt and Kif – I cannot put into words how excited I am to be a part of something this wonderful. You guys are fabulous and I am thrilled to be documenting the lives of two people who are beautiful both together and individually.

Looking forward to your wedding day!
xo, Z

Jewelry by {my favorite!!} Kendra Scott

Hair by bloAustin

See more austin engagement photography and follow me on Facebook.

Literally, I mean, and figuratively -  Liz and Brian are too cool and hot for Texas. Unless you’ve been napping under a rock or busy following Kim K’s Un-Royal Wedding {did I just give away my celebrity gossip know how??} you, too, have been dying for cool in any shape or form in these parts all June, July, August and September long. As luck would have it, a cold front {read: high 80′s} came through and brought on pleasing lighting and strong 3mph winds for a fun-filled engagement session.

Liz and I had been exchanging emails for a about a week or two leading up to the shoot, carefully planning location and wardrobe, so when we met in the hotel lobby I greeted her with a big, unabashed hug. We began shooting almost immediately and as evidenced by the stunning photos below she was a natural in front of my camera. Sometimes grooms need guidance on posing, smiling, and relaxing the face more than brides do. Such was not the case with Brian. He was easy going and laid back. It was quite evident he was comfortable with a camera document their love story while he naturally doted on his beautiful fiance.

Thank you Liz and Brian for the opportunity and for taking the time from your graduate studies to let me do what I love!

xo, Z

Hair by Ricky Hodge Salon
Makeup by Mirror Mirror

See more austin engagement photography and follow me on Facebook.

Human alarms don’t believe in weekends. And they she expects no less, spare no mercy when the husband is away. I attempted to hit the snooze at 5:00AM by putting her in my bed then I was abruptly roused from sleep when I overheard her in the bathroom using the only available light for reading. I think that act officially stripped me from “Mother of the Year”.

Nothing gets between my baby and her books. Or me and my baby. Not even sleep! We did what girls do at 5:00AM; we hung out. She eventually succumbed to tiredness and I snuck in a little work before the YWA breakfast followed by another downtown engagement session later today. Cannot wait!!

Speaking of early mornings and Austin engagement sessions, I met this fun, adorable, vivacious couple on a very early morning several days ago. I have known Sang and Jessi for quite some time but I never got to really hang out with them until recently. So glad I did. Super delightful couple. No caffeine required.

Have a wonderful weekend! I hope it is full of rest.

xo Zzzz’s

See more austin engagement photography and follow me on Facebook.

“Wow Ziem! These look incredible and could not have turned out more perfect! You did such an amazing job and we are so grateful. We will be in contact with you for wedding day photos soon ”

I had the great pleasure of doing Michelle and Will’s downtown engagement portrait session last weekend. We met a little over a month ago {just days before Will would propose} at a function where I was commissioned by her {super cool} dad. Engagement sessions are my absolute favorite – nothing like capturing the story of two people in love. Such was the case with Michelle and Will – they are so laid back and easy going, fun to be around and should I just state the obvious- too hot for Texas?! The heat that day was too unbearable for May, I tell you, but they were all smiles and laughs, albeit sweaty smiles and laughs, rocking it out the entire session all the while keeping it fabulous. And I couldn’t help but notice how natural they were together, and in front of my camera. I guess history helps- Will’s Mom was Michelle’s 8th grade teacher so they have known each other for quite some time. I could go on about this fantastic couple but let’s get on with the photos.

Michelle and Will, I hope you all enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed creating the memories {and of course spending time with your family at Fortune Restaurant}. Look forward to working with you again soon. Here are a few of my favorite images. You can see more by clicking on the slideshow below.

See more austin engagement portraits and follow me on Facebook.

“Ziem, these photos are absolutely amazing! I’m blown away with the number of incredible shots!!! We cannot wait to share the video with our friends and family. Thank you!!!”

I received an email from this soon to be bride who attempted for many months tracking down my name and contact info. She finally managed to succeed only weeks after booking her wedding photographer. I must admit I was quite disappointed to learn I missed the opportunity to be the austin photographer capturing the union of such a fabulous pair. But I am so glad to have had the great pleasure of meeting Ashley and Neil for their engagement photos.

Ashley has a smile that could melt any heart like ice-cream on a sunny day and Neil has a likeability factor that can be spotted from a mile away. (Side note: anyone notice Neil slightly resembling the young James Taylor on the record cover or did I edit the slideshow far too many times?) Really- could I have dreamt up a more ideal couple’s story to capture..no or probably not? Ditto. And to say they look great together is an understatement.

We chose the location W hotel since this is where they will wed. And their story began back in September of 2007 during a Dave Matthews Band concert at ACL so it was great we could snap a photo in front of Moody Theatre.

Ashley and Neil- Congratulations and all the best on this very special occasion. May the years ahead of you be filled with the joy and love. I hope these photos will be shared for generations to come.

See my latest work at www.ziemphotography.com and follow me on Facebook.