My first memory of Julia dates back to 1990-ish, shortly after we moved into the house where my parents still live. Julia is a few years younger than I am, which in elementary school terms is a pretty big deal, so I always thought of her as a cute little kid... and a cute little kid she certainly was: bubbling over with enough energy and enthusiasm and personality for three people. I am thrilled to say that not much has changed, except that in place of that cute little kid there stands today a beautiful, confident, elegant woman, now side by side with the love of her life, Thomas:

In talking to Thomas & Julia about how they wanted to approach their engagement session, it was clear that they wanted to do something that was reflective of who they are as a couple, rather than just a series of portraits. There were many angles we could've taken, as these two share a lot of interests (they even do the same work!), but ultimately we settled on one of their biggest passions... food and wine. We agreed to get together one January morning so I could tag along while they got ready for and then prepared a lovely winter lunch, Thomas and Julia-style.

Since Julia and Thomas live in Atlanta and I'm in Chapel Hill, we decided to meet in Roanoke, VA, where Julia and I grew up, to shoot their engagement session. Roanoke has a lovely, quaint downtown with a local farmers' market open seven days a week. Saturday mornings there are typically pretty crowded, but this particular day was chilly enough that we had the place nearly all to ourselves.

This next photo is one of my favorites... not only because it's a lovely capture of Julia and Thomas, but because with the landmark Dominion/First Union/Wachovia/Wells Fargo Tower building and the old Coca-Cola mural, it really melds Roanoke - Julia's hometown - and Atlanta, where Thomas grew up. Sweet!

A quick stop into a local bakery to warm up and pick up some bread...

...then home to get lunch started! On the menu: butternut squash soup, warm, crusty baguette, and a mesclun salad... perfect for a cold winter afternoon.

And what's a Saturday afternoon lunch at home without a nice bottle of red?

Let me just say that it took a fair amount of restraint on my part to keep my hands on the camera and off their food... these two clearly know their way around a kitchen! Then again, I hate being a third wheel, and things were starting to get pretty cozy :D

I am not exaggerating in the least when I say I am giddy with excitement for Thomas and Julia's wedding: first of all, I LOVE that Julia and I go so far back together; beyond that, I have three words for you: castle, kilts, and bagpipes! It's going to be amazing... Thomas and Julia, enjoy the shower tomorrow, and have a wonderful, romantic Valentine's Day! To the rest of you, thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!

xox,

annemie