Did you know it takes an army to get a girl ready for engagement pictures?

Due to various things going on in our lives, Russell and I had to reschedule engagement pictures a few times.

We finally were able to do them the third weekend in February. Remember when I said there was only one really nice weekend in February? Well, this was it! 

First, we decided on our photographer. We went with Jenni Dean Roberts. Jenni was actually my Youth Minister for a summer when I was in HS or maybe middle school. It all runs together now. :) I posted on Facebook I needed a photographer and Jenni was the one we went with and boy are we glad we did!

Second, we decided location. Our plan was to take some on South Congress and do the rest at Texas State. I had always imagined our pictures being at Texas State, but realized that Austin is our home now, and decided to do them on South Congress and at and around Town Lake. 

Third, outfits. Geeez Louise. This was a stresser for me. Thanks God for good friends, family and a flexible fiancé. I did a lot of research on what to wear. I learned that patterns are good for pictures as is layering. Well, my first attempt at layering and patterns didn't go too well. My amazing friend Becca came over (Thank Jesus) and helped me try on the outfits that have been in my closet for the past few months. 

All of which, I decided I no longer wanted to wear, except for the outfit Becca came over in. That one, I wanted to wear. ;)

So, the next day (t minus 2 days until pictures) my sweet friend Brooke met me at The Domain after school to help me find new things! Thank God for Altar'd State. I am completely obsessed with that store. I left with two new shirts, a pair of pants, earrings and a necklace, AND a plan for the other outfits. 

                   I was excited about these finds!

On Saturday morning, after a late night at Cheatham Street and waking up at our a dear friend Jason's in Kyle, we decided to make an action plan to get everything else we needed (I use needed very loosely.) At the top of the list were TOMS wedges, dark denim jeans, a Texas State shirt and nice shoes for Russell. 

Found these at Tyler's! 

Well, maybe I ended up with the Texas State shirt. :) 

Around 1:30, with outfits and jewelry and props in tow, Russell and I headed to Stella Blue for my hair and make up and for Russell's hair cut (which he hadn't had in at least a year and a half) with one of my favorite people Devin! Devin worked her magic and we were all ready to go! 

Here is before: 

And....

:)

Now, we really are all ready to go! Tomorrow, I'll share a preview of our amazing pictures!