This engagement session!  Leaves, color, and a SUPER fun couple!! I was SO excited to meet Amber and Justin. I had been in touch with them for a long time, and we had been rained out once.  Justin’s mom is a photographer that I know and respect, and I was just so thrilled to get to meet them and photograph them. And our time together did NOT disappoint!  Amber hardly ever stops smiling, and is absolutely beautiful.  Justin adores her, and when he is really looking at her, in the eyes, gets such a genuine look of happiness.  They are playful and fun together.  They know each other so well.  They have gone through a lot together, done the long distance thing, and are finally in the same place the same time.  The story of them getting together involves long late night conversations at neighboring tents during their Armed Forces training.  Both of them have made their careers of serving our country, and are very passionate about caring for and helping others.   They are just an amazing couple to be around. Meet Amber and Justin:

Look at those smiles! And Amber- as I told you that night- the styling is WONDERFUL! 🙂Can I just tell you about this?! Justin LOVES Abraham Lincoln…so much that they came with costumes for a few fun shots! Cracked me up…being in the Land of Lincoln and all (and at Lincoln’s New Salem!), I thought it so appropriate!I HAVE to take a moment to gush about this location change.  We took these next few photos, and more than half of the photos in their slideshow, at the stunning Starhill Forest Arboretum.  It was absolutely lovely, and full of a huge variety of locations(hence this gorgeous open field, obviously there was tons of trees, a pond…it was just lovely). Our session was just a little past their leaf prime but you will see such GORGEOUS colors even so late in the season! It is an absolute must see for all nature lovers, and I cannot wait to photograph there again! Amber and Justin, I LOVED my time with you!  I hope you love these favorites of mine in the slideshow below- can’t wait for your wedding next year!!!