Spencer and Megan's engagement session at Hotel Ella was one of those evenings that felt effortless. We explored the historic property in the heart of Austin, Texas, photographing a mix of digital and 35mm film while letting the session unfold naturally. It was my second time getting to be around them, the first being when Spencer did a surprise proposal the previous fall.



Hotel Ella is one of my favorite engagement session locations in Austin, with its timeless architecture, beautiful grounds, and plenty of variety all in one place.


Spencer and Megan will be getting married this October at Addison Grove in Dripping Springs, and after spending the evening with them, I'm even more excited for their wedding day. They have such a calm, joyful presence together, and it's easy to see how comfortable they make each other feel.


One of my favorite parts of engagement sessions is that they give us a chance to slow down before the wedding day. By the time October arrives, we'll already know how we work together, making the wedding day feel even more relaxed and familiar.


Location: Hotel Ella | Austin, Texas

Photographed on: Digital + 35mm Film

Wedding Venue: Addison Grove | Dripping Springs, Texas

 

A couple shares a romantic moment embracing near white columns outside an elegant building on a sunny day.
Black and white photo of couple holding hands outdoors, woman in white dress, romantic candid shot.
Happy couple embracing on the porch of a grand white columned Southern mansion at golden hour.
Engaged couple admiring a historic columned mansion, woman showing off her engagement ring.
Couple embracing near a pool with lush tropical greenery and ivy-covered building backdrop.
Black and white portrait of couple, woman in spaghetti strap dress leaning on mans shoulder tenderly.
Joyful couple holding hands and laughing while walking on grass in front of columned estate.
Close-up of lush purple flowering bushes climbing white balustrade of a classic mansion.
Couple sitting closely on curved stone steps of elegant columned building, sharing a tender moment.
Engaged couple holding hands walking on green lawn before grand white columned mansion at golden hour.
Silhouette of a couple holding hands facing each other in front of French doors with soft backlight.
Smiling blonde woman embraces man in sage green shirt outside columned building in golden light.
Couple posing on elegant white columned porch with city skyline backdrop, woman in white dress, man in green shirt.
Black and white photo of man lifting woman in white dress outdoors, joyful romantic couple portrait.
A couple sits at a wooden table on a grand columned porch with wicker chairs and warm lighting.
Couple holding hands on grand staircase of elegant historic mansion with white columns and balcony.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple embracing outdoors, woman wearing white dress and ring, man in button-up shirt.
Couple holding hands on green lawn with woman spinning in white dress near hedged garden.
Black and white photo of two people embracing in front of a grand Southern mansion with white columns.
Couple holding hands walking toward a grand white mansion with tall columns on a lush green lawn.
Couple sitting on stone steps of elegant columned building, woman in white dress, man in green shirt, engagement photo.
Black and white photo of couple standing between ornate columns on a classic porch with skyline view.
Smiling couple holding hands across a wooden table on a sunlit columned porch with city views.
Man in sage shirt embracing woman in white dress from behind, showing engagement ring, near columns.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing outdoors near a historic Victorian house, woman's blonde hair flowing.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on an elegant columned balcony with city views behind them.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands, showcasing her diamond ring and bracelets in a romantic pose.
Couple posing in front of a grand white mansion with columns, woman in white dress, man in green shirt on green lawn.
Engaged couple posing by pool, woman in white dress showing ring, man in sage green shirt, at outdoor venue.