It’s that time again. It’s time to look back at some of the best photos from 2016. Everyday we’ll be taking a look at a new category. Voting is open till 10:00am the next day and the winners will be announced Monday 23, 2017. The winning entries will each receive a 16×20 print. Today’s category: Engagement Sessions Take a look at the entries then vote at the bottom of this post.

1. Jump 2. Beer 3. Coffee 4. Books 5. Art 6. Steps 7. 12th Man 7. Hammock 9. CrossFit 10. Bokeh

30 seconds into our session, Haley & Devin were my new favorite, young people.  They were both super nervous about being photographed. But honestly, I have no idea why.  They pulled it off like the rockstars they are.

Their very first date was a coffee date, so it seemed fitting that we would start at Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream in Galveston.

Is it ok if I hurry up and get to their story because it’s the BEST.

Haley had finished undergrad at Texas A&M and started medical school at UTMB in Galveston.  She started attending a church there and discovered a pretty great guy named Devin.  Devin had grown up in Galveston and was attending the Texas A&M Maritime Academy.  (So they totally have a Maroon & Orange thing going.) Anyway…

They had been friends for a while. As they started to like each other more, they decided to not start a relationship because they didn’t feel they were ready.  Eventually, Devin asked Haley to be his girlfriend.  She said yes.  And, even though the timing might have been a bit off, 2 months later he asked her to be his fiancé.  She said yes to that one, too.

These two love to just set up their Eno and watch the waves.  Not a bad life.

Remember how I mentioned earlier the timing on Devin’s proposal was a bit off?  The reason was because right after he proposed, Haley left for the Philippines to deliver babies for 4 months. (Like you do.)  And don’t worry. Before you get all like, “Haley is such a great person. How could anyone be better than her?” Devin headed to Greece for a month to serve in refugee camps.
So yeah.  Best. Humans. Ever.

Haley told me that the thing that she loves most about Devin is how vulnerable he is when talking to people.  I experienced that first hand. I saw just how real and honest he is right after first meeting him.  That is so comforting to hear because the thing that Danielle and I have found in 14 and 5/12th months of marriage, is that the more open and honest you are, and the more you communicate, the better off your relationships will be.

Devin went on and on about how great Haley is at listening.  “She’s so easy to talk to,” he said.

But then… then it turned to gold because he added that, “She is full of wisdom and gives great advice.”

Too many times one parter will be the talker and the other one the listener.  (Guess which one I am.)

Again, over time, I have learned that my wife is FULL of wisdom and advice. But I need to give her the space and time to share it.  Devin has already figured this out about his bride, and I know their marriage will be stronger for it.

Thank you guys for an amazing afternoon at the beach.  Devin, thanks for opening up.  Haley, thanks for listening to me and giving me great advice on where to park. ;)