engagement pictures by n.barrett photography

These are a few of our favorite engagement pictures. Our photographer was so wonderful and extremely talented, and the way she shoots, plus her eye for all things beautiful and creative, were exactly what we wanted. We love these photographs.

The first set of pictures was taken at one of Brad and I's favorite restaurants, Cedars Social. He took me there on our first date as it was the closest we could get to California without him actually jet setting me there for a Thursday night, first date--and it was perfectly like California with the "vibe" and mid-century modern decor. At that point, I was mildly hoping to move to L.A. for grad school, and Brad was talking about his dream of moving to L.A. for music. Obviously we are not in L.A. yet, but that west coast keeps calling our names, along with 2 handfuls of other cities.

The other set of pictures was taken at White Rock Lake. Yes, we know that almost every other single engaged couple frequents White Rock for some sort of photo session, but it really is one of our favorite places to spend time together. Our White Rock walks are some of my most cherished times with Brad, and it doesn't hurt that we get to see a body of water larger than a fountain or swimming pool every now and then.

I love our engagement pictures for so many reasons, but mostly because they capture us at two of our favorite and most special Dallas spots, that were more pivotal in our relationship than we probably realize.

All pictures by Natalie Shelton. www.nbarrettphotography.com

open sleeves

dress: mark & james by badgley mischka (similar here --it's a stretch), shoes: fendi (similar here --its a stretch), belt: vintage, sunglasses: D&G (here)

wedding shower

It has become a tradition for the tennis moms to throw a shower during every wedding season. Not only do they throw such a special party for whomever's turn it is that time, but they also give an antique bride's basket to the bride of the moment. To me, receiving this bride's basket from other moms, is such a beautiful gesture.

The basket I received was gorgeous, with intricate detailing that reminded me of Christmas. I am currently using it to hold our Christmas cards, but need ideas for a more full-time purpose in our little
place.

We have two more wedding seasons to celebrate for my friends Katelyn and Harrison and Jordan and Tyler, and I know it will be so special for the girls.

deep ellum outfit post

top: saks fifth avenue, pants: anthropologie (similar here), sunglasses: D&G (here), shoes: stuart weitzman (similar here)

outfit of the day

blouse: urban outfitters, dress: tory burch, boots: 5050 stuart weitzman

fall birthday

vest: vintage, top: banana republic, jeans: j brand

We celebrated Jordan's birthday

with Scalini's pizza and s'mores.

Scalini's is one of our favorite pizza places in Lakewood,

and we will normally order it when we are at Times Ten Cellar.

They have this pesto chicken pizza that is to-die-for-amahzing.

Be still my tastebuds.

Brad got the camera out to, of course, take some pictures of us

with the birthday girl, 

and of the blazing marshmallows. 

Besides being excited to celebrate Jordan,

gorge on pizza, and make s'more joy,

I was thrilled for a reason to wear my faux fur vest

for the first time this fall.

I normally pair it with neutral colors only, but

played with a brightly colored print this time

and really enjoyed it. 

We are going to New York for Christmas, 

and I've already planned to wear my furry layer with

some brightly colored (but weather appropriate) dresses.

quick trip to austin

top: calypso st. barths, skirt: forever 21, sunglasses: D&G

Brad and I have, slowly but surely, been decorating our new place to fit both of our styles.

I am picky and, admittedly, have weird taste--but Brad is even pickier, and feels the need to have a say in everything. After talking to my girlfriends, I found that is very unusual. Lucky me...to marry a man that is more worried about how the decor will look in our place than I am. Although we've had some mild turf wars, we've managed well enough to compromise and have ended up with a home that is coming together quite nicely, and that fits both of our styles.

Earlier in the fall we took a quick trip to Austin to pick up a table and chairs

that, at one time, belonged to Brad's grandfather, "Papa". It was very generous of Brad's family to let us use them for our home, although I must admit, that when Brad showed me pictures, I was not easily sold on the idea. This style of chairs and table were originally created by a designer, Saarinen,

and are the tulip chairs. They are very modern and still had the original orange leather cushions.

Hot orange in my home? No. Absolutely not. But, after googling and digging a bit more, I found some beautiful pictures of the tulip table and chairs in more quaint settings, and decided I loved the contrast.

Thus, I "compromised", and we drove to Austin to round our little duck chairs up.

We are still working on repainting them a brighter white, and I had gray cushion covers made. I cannot wait to see the finished product and to complete our dining area.

While in Austin, we decided to sneak in a quick brunch before picking up the table and chairs.

One of my Austin-ite and foodie classmates suggested South Congress Cafe for brunch, namely for their carrot cake french toast. Of course, that was what I ordered, and now I dream of turning

every sweet bread into french toast!  I have yet to make my dreams a reality, but will definitely plan to do so while I'm on my break.

Even though I've been to Austin for years, I have never taken a picture in front of the "I Love You" wall. Yes, I realize it's cheesy-to-the-max and so over-photographed, but it was fun to grab a quick shot with my honey bear so soon before our wedding.

Oh, and might I add, Brad's favorite part of the weekend was wearing his jorts. He is not encouraged to do so in Dallas, but let's keep Austin weird, right?