We are so thrilled to have Kari Crowe Photography back on GSS. She first arrived on our wedding scene with this stunning Fort Worth engagement session. Now we are bringing you this romantic pre-wedding session from Grapevine Texas. Courtney and Brandon sipped wine and enjoyed each other’s company while Kari worked her photography magic. You can see more of this session and check out her wedding blog here.
Kari says, “….I think I got to photograph a side of them that their friends don’t always get to see, their deep connection to each other. We walked around grapevine, sipped some wine and took some photographs, then we ended up at a marina and an empty field where they spent some time loving on each other and I had the privilege of watching and photographing their love unfold.”
We loved catching up with Courtney during her wedding planning to ask her a few questions….
How did you and your fiancé meet?
Sometimes you meet the ONE when you aren’t even looking for him! Brandon and I met through mutual friends and I was immediately attracted to him. A few weeks passed I did not see him until my Maid of Honor Nikki, threw a surprise birthday party for me. He showed up and I was so excited! I remember my mother coming over to me asking who he was. Our first date on my actual birthday and it was so much fun!
How long have you been together?
You know how they say time flies when you are having fun? Well it has! We have been together a little over 3 years and every day is exciting. He is my best friend and we are always laughing.
How did he propose?
Every year I am excited to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but this year was extra special! Brandon told me to be ready by 6pm to go out. We went to the Stars game and left for our dinner reservations at the Palm. I was so excited that Brandon had arranged such a wonderful evening, but he was very quiet at dinner. I kept trying to make him laugh, but he definitely had something on his mind. Brandon excused himself and when he sat back down he said Courtney, there is something that I want to give you. Slowly I saw his hand come up from under the table with the most beautiful ring that I have ever seen! I went into shock and immediately started crying. Tears were streaming down my face as Brandon held the ring in front of me and said “ Courtney I have always loved you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are my best friend and I am so lucky to have you in my life.” I screamed YES! We were officially ENGAGED!
After we ate dinner we walked outside to watch the fireworks. Brandon got on one knee and asked me to marry him again. The next morning, he asked me again just to make sure!! 
Best night of my life!
What sold you on your portrait location and how did you choose?
We knew that that we wanted to take the pictures around a lake. Kari recommended downtown Grapevine which has a special charm and a beautiful lake as well. Brandon and I ended up falling in love with Grapevine by the end of the session and will go back often. The pictures are amazing and Kari was so much fun to work with!
Do you have any advice for brides that are in the planning process?
I was a little overwhelmed when I started planning so I turned to my father for advice. He said “Courtney don’t stress about getting everything together because it will all work out. This is the party of your life and we are all here to support you.” I trusted my instincts, stayed organized and I choose my vendors that provided quick responses and the most information.
What are you looking forward to most for your big day?
The Dallas Arboretum is so beautiful and I know that the entire day is going to be magical. We can’t wait to celebrate our new beginning with all of our friends and family.
Thank you Kari for sharing your fantastic images with us….always a pleasure sharing your work with our readers! Be sure to check out Kari’s blog and show her some love. Courtney & Brandon, we wish you a lifetime of love, laugher, and happiness! May every day be better than the last!
If you have an engagement, wedding, day after, or anniversary session that you would like featured- Please send it to us at submissions@groomsoldseparately.com. We HEART submissions!
What a BEAUTIFUL couple!!! Congratulations!!!