you wouldn’t know it from the cool vibe amanda and drew give off in these images, but the saturday evening of their engagement session was hot. and i don’t mean paris hilton “that’s so hot” or zoolander “that hansel is so hot right now, hansel” hot.  i’m talkin’ tabasco-chuggin’, red coal-walkin’ hot. it was sooo hot, eileen even sweated. (eeewwww! but i confess, i began to “glisten” a little myself.)

everyone we passed outside seemed languid — affected by the oppressive heat. but somehow these two maintained their composure, retained their body fluids, and radiated something even brighter than the glaring sun. i like to think it was the light of their love. either that or they have somehow mutated, adapting to inhospitably hot temperatures caused by global warming. (like i said, i prefer to think it’s their love.)

amanda and drew met while attending the university of georgia. so we began their session on the college’s north campus then, at amanda’s request, migrated to lake herrick, a wonderfully woodsy spot where they’ve both spent lots of time. we loved the location. for me, it brought back feelings of nostalgia. since my childhood, lake herrick has been the scene of some of my fondest memories as well — from stroller rides with mom and dad (they were pushing, not riding) to horse play in the lake with my siblings and, now, long walks (and photo sessions!) with my wife. it was awesome to watch these two cut up and just enjoy their time together — at the very start of their new life and family of their own.

congratulations, you two! we’re looking forward to your big day!

what a rock, eh!? so shiny!

this is what made amanda and drew so much fun! they really know how to make each other laugh. at one point, drew kept posing by putting his hand around amanda’s stomach. “no. you’re gonna make it look like we’re having maternity photos,” amanda said and swatted his hand away. without missing a beat, drew began rubbing her belly and talking sweetly to this imaginary baby. i was cracking up. they kept us in stitches! 🙂

she may look serene. but what you may not know, amanda has a vicious karate chop. the mosquitos were out in force by the lake that evening. as soon as i would begin to say, “great! hold that..,” an invisible insect would occasionally zip toward amanda. her reactions were priceless to watch. amanda’s sweet expression would suddenly turn to a wild look and her hands would slice the air in perfect form, swatting away all pests within arm’s reach (and sometimes frightening me to the point of hiding behind eileen for safety).

we loved this old barn. the bright colors really said a lot about the personality and energy these two have.