November 14, 2019

Nelson-Atkins Museum Engagement | Traci + Justin

It's my birthday today, so obviously that means I'm working. I considered calling in sick today, but my boss (aka me) said no. No one has time for a personal day during busy season! Anyway, you're here because you want to hear about Traci and Justin. I guess they're important too...

Traci is one of those brides who I immediately bonded with. While I love all my brides, her and I hit it off. We're both obsessed with our fur babies, so it's obvious we'll get along quite well. When she suggested they bring their cat ON A LEASH to our session outdoors at the Nelson, I was all for it but also a little terrified because you're bringing a cat out into frickin' nature.

Thankfully the kitty cooperated, although he was terrified. I don't blame him. Nature is scary. I also got all the doggie pets at this session, so that was cool too.

We really could not have asked for a better day. The Nelson actually wasn't super packed, which was surprising. The weather was 50 degrees and sunny. The trees still had some leaves! I would be really happy if every weekend could be like this last weekend.

Thank you so much Traci and Justin for allowing Axl and Phoenix to hang out with me. We all know the session was really only about them.

Makeup by: Studio A Salon

Hear from the couple -

How did he propose?

Justin proposed in March 2019. My mom was in town visiting (she lives in Knoxville, TN) and we went out to dinner at Michael Forbes in Brookside for Justin's mom's birthday. It was Justin and I, my mom, Justin's parents and his sister, Morgan. Justin was acting pretty weird towards me most of the night and I just figured it was because our parents were meeting for the first time. When dinner was over were outside giving hugs goodbye when I felt tugging on the back of my shirt. When I turned around Justin was down on one knee with a ring. Come to find out, everyone who was there knew this was going to happen except for me! It meant a lot to me that Justin proposed when my mom was in town because he knows how much my mom means to me.

Question for the bride: what do you love most about him?

What I love most about Justin is his sweet and thoughtful heart. He doesn't always say it out loud, but he loves deeply and it shows in the things he does throughout the day for not only me, but his family and our animals. I love that I am able to completely be myself around him and he loves and accepts me with all the weird included. There is no one that I feel more myself around than Justin.

Question for the groom: what do you love most about her?

What I love most about Traci is the kindness in her heart. When you think you are at your lowest she is right there to try anything to make it better. If you're feeling down she is always there with a smile and words of encouragement. I love that she is always right there by my side no matter what.