Proposal at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Kelsey and Kevin LOVE the museum. Kelsey has studied art and the two of them have a lot of great memories there. When we started talking about an engagement session, Houston’s MFAH was the first thing we talked about.
But there was this problem. The museum, understandably, has pretty serious restrictions on photography. As well they should. The whole building is full of priceless artifacts and potential copyright infringements. The last thing they need is pro photographers running around the museum using potentially damaging flash bulbs and taking reprint-quality photos of works of art they don’t own.
Many museums around the country host weddings and offer special permits for photographing inside. (See this recent wedding I photographed at Houston’s Natural Science Museum). As it turns out, The Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH), does allow a certain number of very limited photo sessions per year—only for proposals.
So we had a proposal. Kevin asked. Kelsey was overjoyed to say yes. It may not have been a surprise proposal, but as I mentioned in a recent Instagram post, I’m not sure I’m on board with the wedding industry norm being assuming that every couple will have a surprise proposal. I think most couples come to the decision to get married mutually, and often the proposal is just the cherry on top, celebrating the kick-off of wedding planning season.
Surprise or no, our evening in the museum was nothing short of perfect. The museum does not allow flash, ever, even if you hold your wedding there. We made do just fine with the available light in the room. The museum solved the problem of copyright by allowing us to only photograph in two rooms containing artwork that is in the public domain.
Engagement Photos in the Cullen Sculpture Garden
Before the proposal shoot, we met in the Museum’s Cullen Sculpture Garden, which affords some lovely views and unique outdoor art. The museum was kind enough to include a permit to shoot outside in the garden along with our proposal package. We spent about an hour taking photos here to give Kelsey and Kevin a lot of variety in their final photo set.
Engagement photos with their dog at Baldwin Park
Engagement photos are kind of like the first family photos for the new family you’re creating. When couples have a beloved pet or pets in their family, I always encourage taking a few photos with the pet, as they are likely an important part of your life and relationship. I especially want to capture your four-legged family member at the engagement session if they won’t be attending your wedding.
Kelsey and Kevin are getting married in Belize this fall, and Lucy the basset hound will not be in attendance. For this portion of their engagement session, we met at Baldwin Park in the couple’s neighborhood, a spot Lucy was familiar and comfortable with.
If you’re reading this and thinking “wow, that’s a long engagement session!” You’re right. I believe your engagement session is not just a Photoshoot, it’s also a time when I can truly get to know you and your preferences, best angles, and what makes you feel comfortable and let your guard down. Plus I also love the idea of you walking away with a bunch of photos you can use for your life—not just your save the date cards, but also Christmas cards, photos for relatives, and even profile photos for your social media or LinkedIn. All engagement sessions are unlimited time (up to a half day). Engagement sessions are included in most local wedding packages and available at any location. You can check out my Price Info to find out more.