When we realized that there was literally ONE day where Zoe’s, Jeremy’s and my schedule could all line up, we kicked it into overdrive to make their engagement session happen…just a day after Zoe returned from a rodeo trip to Reno, hours before I flew to Portland, and days before Jeremy left to be stationed back east for the next six months.
These two have such a fun, playful relationship. On their first date, after Jeremy cooked Zoe dinner, they snuck into a pool and jumped in (sneaked? snuck? I had to look it up to make sure I was right!). Bumper boats and go-carts are among their favorite dates together, and early in their relationship, Jeremy surprised Zoe with a trip to Disneyland where they went on every single ride in the pouring rain. Zoe says that trip is when they knew they were going to get married—how cute is that?!
Zoe and Jeremy met at New Mexico State University in the fall of 2016, and have been together ever since! She recently graduated with degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish and Jeremy, who is now a second lieutenant in the army, has a Master’s in Criminal Justice. After hearing how Jeremy proposed (it involved a hike, s’mores over a fire, a heart-shaped dog-tag on her dog’s collar, and a stealthy sister with a camera), I’ve got to give him props—and I can see why Zoe says they’re such a good fit. “He makes my life so fun and filled with a constant stream of adventures. And I keep him responsible and silly.”
When planning their session, Zoe knew she’d like the Organ Mountains in Las Cruces in the background—the mountain range is really important to them as a couple, and they know that, with his commission in the Army, they won’t be here much longer. Zoe sent me a picture of her flowy blue dress, as well as one of Jeremy in his dress blues, and I immediately knew that I could get a some really epic shots of them at Aguirre Springs, just outside of Las Cruces (that lift shot at the top of the post?? Perfect). Get ready to scroll, because really–dang, these two look so good together!
After we’d had our fun at Aguirre Springs, we headed over to the Plaza in Mesilla. Zoe proved her quick-change skills by changing in the car. On the road. And it’s a good thing, because man, the sun was sinking fast! We needed every minute of golden light we could get! We caught some beautiful light as we wandered around the village and were able to balance the first half of the session, which was more romantic and formal, with a playful and relaxed vibe. Hint: Choosing both a super dressy outfit and a nice casual one–that’s a great way to plan your engagement outfits for variety!
Zoe and Jeremy, thank you so much for hanging out with me! I had the best time, and it’s been SO GREAT getting to know you. I hope these next six months fly by, and that the time you get together in December will go in slow-motion. Above all, I hope these pictures remind you daily how blessed you are to have each other, and that the best is yet to come. 🙂
Hugs,
Erin
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