My client, Terrell, reached out to me to capture the moment he proposed to his girlfriend, Karla. He knew it was a memory he’d want to hold onto forever, and realized the importance of having photos to look back on as they moved through their relationship. He told me about the magic of their first meeting, first date, and their decision to make the relationship official—it was a beautiful story, and I felt honored to play a part in helping them preserve one of their most cherished moments.

Terrell chose the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas as the place he wanted to propose to Karla. It’s a unique spot, filled with beautiful and interesting spaces within the property. He decided to pop the question on the grounds of the museum, which is a well-kept and picturesque area for visitors. The photos turned out perfectly, and told the story of the moment Karla said yes to forever.

If you’re interested in the McNay Art Museum for your proposal, here are a few things to consider:

Do you want your proposal to be public or in a more private setting?
Do you want the flexibility to set up the space for your proposal?
How do you envision the day of your proposal?
What do you want your proposal photos to look like?

Proposals are usually set up on the museum grounds or in the courtyard. The courtyard is the more private setting of the two, so it’s important to consider not only your vision but your partner’s comfort level as well. The campus is 25 acres, so I highly recommend visiting the site ahead of time to find the perfect spot.

Before or after you propose, you two can stroll through the museum and explore the exhibits on display. It’s a great way to take time to process such a big life moment and to relax and enjoy each other’s company where you can soak it all in.

A proposal is an exciting and heartfelt step in your relationship that deserves a moment to shine. Not only do you want to choose a place that offers a lovely backdrop for photos, but you want to choose a place that has meaning to you and your partner. I’m inspired by the love my couples share, and I’d love nothing more than to help you create your own magical moment.

Are you in the midst of planning your proposal? Learn more about my proposal photography services here.

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Proposal At The McNay Art Museum

Newly engaged couple taking photos together on the steps of the Mcnay grounds in San Antonio

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Bridal portraits are the perfect opportunity to prepare for your wedding day and ensure you’ll feel beautiful and confident as you walk down the aisle. They give you time to try your hair and makeup, slip on your stunning wedding gown, and see the entire look come together without the pressure of your wedding day.

I also love taking bridal portraits because it allows the bride time to slow down and enjoy a session dedicated to capturing her beauty and all the intense emotions leading up to the big day. It’s a special time that often gets overlooked in the whirlwind of planning and preparation but deserves to be remembered and appreciated.

Beautiful bride surrounded by greenery in the courtyard at Thistlewood Manor in Kyle, Texas

Bride during her bridal session at Thistlewood Manor in front of the expansive fountain surrounded by greenery

Bride during her bridal session running in the ballroom for a creative photo at Thistlewood Manor and Gardens

Bride sitting on a bench at Thistlewood Manor and Gardens with the Manor in the background

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful bride at one of my favorite luxury venues, Thistlewood Manor and Gardens in Kyle, Texas. And now that she’s officially a Mrs., I can share her stunning bridal portraits with the world.

Thistlewood Manor and Gardens is ideal for dreamy and ethereal bridal portraits because it offers a French-inspired aesthetic with neutral indoor and outdoor spaces. The venue itself is expansive with so many photo-worthy spots to explore and the property as a whole is gorgeous. It’s a popular choice for grand weddings between San Antonio and Austin, Texas because it offers so much to its guests.

Bride on staircase in the ballroom at Thistlewood Manor in Kyle, Texas by Lois M Photography

Bride in the gardens at Thistlewood Manor by Lois M Photography

Bride during her bridal session sitting in the ballroom at Thistlewood Manor

Bride on beautiful staircase in the ballroom of Thistlewood Manor during her bridal session

The manor’s grand staircase and the lovely water feature in the main gardens were some of our favorite places for Alyssa’s bridal portraits. These spaces perfectly complemented her hair, makeup, bouquet, and magazine-worthy wedding gown.

During the session, I focused on taking both traditional, posed photos as well as photos that truly captured Alyssa’s bright and bubbly personality. Bridal portraits are meant to highlight the bride, and so I believe it’s important to encourage movement, fun, and creativity.

Elegant bridal session photo of bride wearing her veil at Thistlewood Manor

Bride in the Courtyard by blue door at Thistlewood Manor and Gardens

Bridal session at Thistlewood Manor in Kyle, Texas

Elegant bridal portraits of bride with floral arrangement outside in the Courtyard by the French inspired fountain at Thistlewood Manor and Gardens

If you’re in the midst of planning your dream wedding, but you want to take some time to yourself (and maximize your time with guests on your wedding day), consider booking a bridal portrait session. We can find a gorgeous location that perfectly suits your vision and aesthetic and allows you to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Ready to book your bridal session? Here’s what to do next: