This playful lgbtq+ engagement session in Austin was so much fun with Mary and Claire! They enjoy trying new restaurants, seeing live music, and dancing with their friends at Rain. Naturally, we photographed their engagement session in downtown and East Austin around these locations to connect with them. Mary and Claire brought their dog, Penny, to East Austin as we walked around for some photos to include her. We always welcome dogs to sessions as we understand they are family and it’s so special to have them celebrate your engagement with you too! Afterward, we photographed them around East Austin, and we went over to Downtown. We photographed them at the rainbow crosswalk as well as around Rain for playful images by the neon lighting as it got dark. It was so fun connecting with Claire and Mary during their session; they both have such a deep love for each other and a sense of adventure.

Their Proposal Story

Mary and Claire lived in Boston for a year during Mary’s research year. They had been in Austin for 4 years before that. Mary proposed to Claire in the Boston Public Garden, as it was a special place to them while they lived there. It was a complete surprise to Claire with a multitude of surprises. Mary had all of their families fly into Boston, as well as Claire’s three best friends. Claire walked through the garden to get to a “dinner reservation” that Mary had made for a friend. While walking, her best friends came up to her and told her, “get ready for the best day of your life.” Both of these friends lived across the country and didn’t know each other, so she was so confused. Afterwards, Mary’s brother was on the path and handed her a rose. She immediately broke down crying as she put together what was happening.

The Proposal

Every member of their family, including friends, handed her a rose along the path to Mary and their pup Penny. At the end of the path in the grass was a blanket surrounded by flowers at the pond in the Public Garden. It was truly something out of a Fairy Tale. A violinist was playing one of their favorite songs from the musical, Hamilton. Mary had a poem by Emily Dickinson that she altered to fit their love story, along with many other wonderful things to say. She asked her to marry her, and of course, Claire said yes! A photographer was there to photograph everything as well as some portraits around the garden.

Finally, when Claire thought that was all the surprises, there was a dinner afterwards to celebrate. Mary rented out the bottom of a restaurant where 20 of their closest friends, who flew in town, celebrated with them. They partied the night away and had the most incredible weekend of their lives. To this date, it’s still one of their favorite memories!

We love wandering around Austin to photograph our couples engagement sessions. This playful lgbtq+ engagement session in Austin is one we will always remember. If you’re looking to create a personal engagement session that feels like you, reach out to us today! You can also view another amazing Austin engagement session HERE.