I still can’t believe that in just ten short days Lance will be standing at the altar waiting for his beautiful bride, Jenna. It feels like only yesterday that we were cheering him on at church events and family celebrations, watching him grow from the sweetest little boy into the kind, determined man that he is today.
My family has known Lance since he was born. He’s always had a way of making everyone feel like a lifelong friend, especially my husband, who has had a special place in Lance’s heart from the start.
Through the years we’ve celebrated several of Lance’s milestones together: his high-school graduation ceremony and celebration near Orlando was a highlight for us, and we always loved seeing each other at church during the week. I even had the honor of photographing both Lance and his brother, Jesse’s, senior portraits. So when the phone call came—“Will you photograph our wedding?”, there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
Meeting Jenna & A Perfect Engagement Session Location
I first met Jenna at Lake Park in Lutz, Florida, the location Lance chose for their engagement session. When Lance’s big truck pulled into the lot, I felt an immediate sense of excitement. Jenna stepped out with her sweet smile and a kindness that made me feel as though we’d known each other for years. Within minutes I could see exactly why Lance was smitten. This made me so happy!
In a few conversations prior to their engagement session, Lance had hinted that horses might be part of the shoot, but I wasn’t sure it would really happen… until he shared that the horses were on their way. My heart leapt! What could be more perfect for these two? Horses have brought both Lance and Jenna deep peace through life’s challenges, including their own ongoing health journeys. The thought of having these beautiful and gentle companions in their photos, made their engagement session uniquely and authentically theirs.
Horses, Trust, and Pure Joy
When the horses arrived, we eased into the session, first, with a relaxed walk around the park. I watched as Lance and Jenna stroked the horses’ necks, and it was so cute to hear them laughing together. Their calm was contagious. And then… Lance swung up onto his horse first, completely at ease, and took off riding the horse around. The horse and Lance had such a mutual trust for each other. Then, shortly after… Jenna followed. She was just as graceful and natural. The trust between the two of them and their animals was beautiful to witness.
After we wrapped up with the horses, we went to our final spot for the evening… a quiet lakeside spot next to the church where Lance grew up. The sun was starting to set and was casting a golden light through the trees. The scene couldn’t have been more perfect. Taking their engagement photos by the church where Lance grew up was a full-circle moment… celebrating new beginnings in a place that was already filled with so many wonderful memories.
A Bright Future
Standing behind my camera, I couldn’t help but think back to Lance’s senior session years ago when he told me, “who better to care for others than someone who’s been a patient his whole life?” To this day, those words have always stayed with me.
Today, Lance is nearly finished with nursing school, ready to live out his calling. And now, as he prepares to marry Jenna, his life feels like a beautiful testimony to perseverance, faith, and love. I am so extremely proud of this amazing young man, and so honored to have met his beautiful fiance!
Lance and Jenna, your future is so bright. Photographing this chapter of your story was an absolute honor, and I cannot wait to document the day you officially become husband and wife. Congratulations, you two… your fall wedding is just around the corner!
And to those who read to the end of this blog, I hope that you enjoy these favorite photos from Lance and Jenna’s engagement session.
Tears are flowing. You and John have been such a huge part of Lance’s life and have always been there for him. We would want no one else to be with us in a few days.