There are some engagement sessions that remind you exactly why you love what you do. Meg and Andrew’s Ellington Agricultural Center engagement session was one of those sweet evenings.

The couple traveled from Fayetteville, Tennessee, to the Nashville area for their engagement photos, and I was so excited to spend the evening getting to know them while photographing this special season of their relationship. July in Middle Tennessee brought us the usual summer combination of heat and humidity, but somehow, the muggy weather didn’t take away from the sweetness of the evening.

In fact, I think it added to the relaxed, Southern-summer feel of their session.

Finding Beautiful Light at Ellington Agricultural Center

I have photographed other engagement sessions at Ellington Agricultural Center, so I wanted to approach Meg and Andrew’s session a little differently. Rather than photographing them in the same familiar locations, Bill and I arrived early and explored the property looking for little pockets of pretty light and unexpected places to photograph.

Ellington Agricultural Center is such a wonderful location for engagement photos because there are so many different backdrops throughout the property. Between the mature trees, open spaces, historic architecture, and beautiful seasonal flowers, there is always something new to discover.

That evening, we found gorgeous pockets of light tucked throughout the property, along with blooms in so many beautiful varieties. I was absolutely elated with the results.

Sometimes the best images come from simply slowing down, exploring, and paying attention to where the light is falling.

Their First Photography Session Together

Before their session, Meg shared something that I thought was so important: they had never had a professional photography session together before.

That meant this wasn’t just an engagement session—it was their very first experience being photographed as a couple.

Meg admitted that she was a little nervous, which is completely understandable. Being in front of a camera can feel intimidating when you don’t know what to expect.

Andrew, on the other hand, was cool as a cucumber.

Well… mostly!

There were definitely a few nerves there, but Andrew seemed determined to make sure his sweet bride-to-be had a great experience. And considering he is a police officer, I’m guessing his training in staying calm and composed came in handy!

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for both of them to relax.

We spent the evening making small talk, laughing, walking around the property, and stopping whenever we found beautiful light. Before long, their nerves seemed to disappear, and they were simply enjoying being together.

And that is always my goal during an engagement session.

I don’t want couples to feel like they have to “perform” for the camera. I want them to have an experience that feels natural, relaxed, and genuinely like them.

How Andrew and Meg Found Each Other

Their love story actually began before either of them knew exactly where it was headed.

Andrew had noticed Meg around their college campus at East Tennessee State University a few times. Eventually, he did a little Instagram digging and found her profile.

He sent her a message, and the two of them spent Christmas break texting back and forth. When Meg returned to school for the next semester, they finally went on their first date.

And apparently, there wasn’t much question about what happened next.

They immediately hit it off, and it didn’t take long for both of them to realize there was something special between them.

I love stories like theirs because sometimes the beginning is surprisingly simple—a few sightings around campus, an Instagram message, lots of texting, and finally a first date that changes everything.

Their Favorite Things to Do Together

When I asked Meg and Andrew about their favorite date night activity, their answer was pretty much exactly what you’d expect from two people who love enjoying life together:

Food.

Their go-to date nights almost always involve something delicious, which makes perfect sense considering their dream destination is Italy.

And honestly, I can’t blame them.

Good food is even better when you’re sharing it with your favorite person.

They also love spending time outdoors together, whether that’s hiking, building a bonfire, or simply sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee.

Their favorite things aren’t necessarily complicated. They’re the everyday moments—the adventures, the quiet evenings, and the simple routines—that seem to mean the most to them.

The Song That Always Gets Them Singing

Every couple has that one song that can instantly get them singing together.

For Meg and Andrew, it’s “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” by David Allan Coe.

And there’s a pretty great story behind that one.

It was always Andrew’s go-to karaoke song!

I have a feeling this song may make an appearance at some point during their wedding celebration. At the very least, I hope someone hands Andrew a microphone.

What They Admire About Each Other

One of my favorite parts of getting to know a couple is hearing what they love most about each other.

Meg admires Andrew’s calmness and patience. She says he never raises his voice and always seems to know exactly what to say.

Andrew admires Meg’s kindness and her ability to have a fun outlook on life.

And honestly, those qualities came through while I was photographing them.

There was an ease between them that made the session feel natural. They laughed together, talked together, and seemed genuinely comfortable simply being around one another.

Their Advice for a Happy Marriage

When I asked Meg and Andrew about the best advice they’ve received about marriage, their answer was beautiful:

“Love is not a feeling, it’s a decision you make every day.”

They went on to recognize that there is no such thing as a perfect marriage because there are no perfect people. They believe marriage means choosing each other every day and extending grace along the way.

I thought that was such a beautiful perspective as they prepare to begin this next chapter together.

An Engagement Session Worth the Drive from Fayetteville

As a Nashville TN engagement photographer, I love when couples are willing to travel for their session. Meg and Andrew made the drive from Fayetteville, TN, to Ellington Agricultural Center, and I’m so glad they did.

Their session was filled with beautiful summer light, gorgeous flowers, laughter, sweet conversations, and two people who are clearly excited about the life they’re building together.

And while Ellington Agricultural Center gave us the perfect setting, it was Meg and Andrew who made the photographs what they are.

Their story is a reminder that you don’t need years of experience in front of a camera to have beautiful engagement photos. You simply need to show up, trust the process, and be willing to enjoy the person you’re there with.

If you’re searching for a Fayetteville TN engagement photographer or a Nashville engagement photographer for your own engagement session, I’d love to help make the experience easy, relaxed, and fun—even if you’ve never had professional photos taken together before.

After all, your engagement session isn’t just about taking pretty pictures.

It’s about remembering what this season of your life felt like.

And I think Meg and Andrew will remember this one fondly for a very long time.