Cherry Blossom Engagement at the Dallas Arboretum

The snow flakes fell slowly at first. Then the flurries thickened. It was beautiful. The kids stood at the backdoor looking out with wide-eyed expressions. My daughter turned to me (an avid Frozen fan) “Mommy, can we build a snowman?” That week was a full spectrum of emotions. I was so excited for the kids first real snow. Over 20 inches! The dogs absolutely loved it. They would run through the yard sending snow flying through the air as they chased each other around. While the magic of “the biggest snowstorm” we’ve ever seen was still surrounding us, I began to wonder if we would have to cancel our trip to Texas to go to my brother’s engagement party. He had been planning it for months. We chose this weekend specifically so I could come and take pictures of his proposal while incognito. We had every detail planned, but the snow persisted. The day before our trip the snow began to melt, but it just wasn’t enough to feel comfortable making the long drive with our two kids. Disappointed but knowing it was for the best we told him we had to cancel. The good news is his proposal plan went off without a hitch and she said YES!

I was so honored when they asked me later that week if I would take their engagement pictures. We began to brainstorm for the perfect location. We got our minds set on taking pictures with the gorgeous Cherry Blossom trees. The only problem was I didn’t know quite where to find them and they were only in bloom for 10 short days. The next day after doing some research my brother called me and said that he was flying us to Japan.  I laughed and told him I bet we could find somewhere closer to home. Sure enough the Dallas Arboretum has over 100 trees that bloom every spring. We quickly gave them a call and discovered that they would be in full bloom by the end of the week! Rearranging my schedule, I made a flying trip into Dallas. The Dallas Arboretum had throngs of people milling about and there was barely an empty cherry blossom tree without a woman posing for a maternity shoot or a young girl in a fabulous ball gown getting pictures for her quinceañera. Luckily, we were able to find a hidden, secluded spot right behind a huge, wooden flag that no one else had yet discovered. Everyone wanted a picture with their beautiful petals and the millions of brightly-colored tulips blanketing the ground.

Rowan and Sarah, thank you for trusting me to capture such an important milestone for you both. Thank you for agreeing to walk into an area that looked like it probably should have been blocked off in order to get to the good trees. While engagement represents the beginning of a season, I pray that you both use this time to continue to learn about each other, what you like and don’t like. And to grow closer together. I pray that God blesses your marriage abundantly. I love you both!

Jessie

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