The Second Time Around with Josh + Emily

The last time I photographed these two, Emily had no idea I existed. I was standing off to the side at Vic Mathias Shores, waiting to send Josh a 👍🏻 text so he knew I was in position.

Josh had found me last November after his photographer backed out on him a few days before the proposal. His plan changed a couple of times that week. The Austin Motel and Zilker Park were both strong contenders before we landed on Vic Mathias Shores with the skyline behind them, and Josh rolled with every change like it was no big deal. Emily said yes, and a few weeks later she was in my inbox asking if we were free for their wedding.

We did a mini session right after the proposal, so Emily and I had already met by the time their engagement session came around. She wanted a different vibe from the proposal photos, so we traded the skyline for the trees and water at Redbud Isle.

A Monday Evening on Redbud Isle

Emily laughed through most of our walk along the water, holding Josh’s hand while he grinned back at her. At one point he spun her out on the rocks by the shoreline and her hair went everywhere.

They asked for a healthy mix of posed and candid, so we did a little of both. I’d set them up somewhere along the shoreline, give them something to do, and then step back and let them talk.

I brought the Pentax along and shot a few rolls of Portra 400 next to my digital work. Waiting on film scans is sooooo slow.

Somewhere along the trail Josh scooped Emily up and carried her through the trees. Toward the end we made our way out onto the tangled roots along the shoreline, and he pulled her in for a kiss with the lake behind them, and that’s where we called it a night.

A Monday Evening on Redbud Isle

We met up on Monday, March 30, and I’ll always vouch for a weeknight session. We barely shared the trail with anyone.

Emily laughed through most of our walk along the water, holding Josh’s hand while he grinned back at her. At one point he spun her out on the rocks by the shoreline and her hair went everywhere.

They asked for a healthy mix of posed and candid, so we did a little of both. I’d set them up somewhere along the shoreline, give them something to do, and then step back and let them talk.

I brought the Pentax along and shot a few rolls of Portra 400 next to my digital work. Waiting on film scans is sooooo slow.

Somewhere along the trail Josh scooped Emily up and carried her through the trees. Toward the end we made our way out onto the tangled roots along the shoreline, and he pulled her in for a kiss with the lake behind them, and that’s where we called it a night.

Planning Your Own Redbud Isle Engagement Session

Redbud Isle is a small island on Lake Austin, just below Tom Miller Dam, with a short loop trail, limestone along the water, and plenty of tree cover. It’s one of my favorite Austin engagement photo locations when a couple wants something outdoorsy without a long hike.

Go on a weekday if you can

The parking lot is small and fills up fast on weekends. A weekday evening gives you more room to move and much quieter backgrounds.

Expect a few four legged guests

Redbud Isle is a popular off leash dog park, so a wet dog or two might wander through your shot. If you have a pup of your own, this is a great place to bring them along. Just plan for someone to take them home partway through so you can relax.

Wear shoes you can walk in

The trail has rocky spots, and the big tree roots along the shoreline make for great photos but uneven footing. Emily climbed around on them in platform sandals without a single wobble. If you’re not as steady as she is, bring the cute shoes for a few close ups and walk the rest of the loop in something comfortable.

Up Next for Josh + Emily

Josh + Emily are planning a fall wedding at HighPointe Estate in Liberty Hill.

If you’re planning your own engagement session in Austin, send us a message. We’d love to be part of your story.