A Parkville Coffee Engagement | Taylor, Lucca & Derek

It’s rare that I get to photograph kiddos with my engagement sessions, but last week I got to do just that. Lucca, Taylor, Derek & I headed to Parkville Coffee for their engagement session in the 94 degree heat and braved it all for beautiful photos.

I have never met such a ham in my life. Lucca is charismatic, hilarious and when I tried to get him to laugh by saying “pickles” (a common go-to) he didn’t budge. When I asked him what he prefered to say? I got a quick “hey girrrrlll” and it killed me. He was so aware of the camera but in a sweet way that showed his personality so well. It was clear how much these three love each other and what a great kid Lucca is in general.

I originally met Taylor last year when I was on a body positivity panel for The Pitch KC! That day was such a blur that it slipped my mind until she brought it up, but I can’t think of a better way for someone to find me, honestly. We talked about Taylor & Derek’s wedding plans a bit and Lucca went off to the land of toys we had to bribe him with when his attention started to wane. (Pro tip: Always get the photos with the kids done first, and kids pretty much 1-5 are going to be over it quick so if someone can come get them or come entertain them, it’s never a bad plan). It was nearing 100 degrees on this day and I couldn’t believe that much sweat even existed in my body.

Our session started at Parkville Coffee where Taylor and Lucca have been going for years and it was so nice getting to see them in a place that means so much to them. Places like these are my favorite to photograph because they hold a special place in their heart. It’s such a beautiful shop with a place upstairs that is amazing to hang out in. We then took a stroll around downtown Parkville and then headed to Parkville University where we could find a bit of shade. I’m so glad that we could meet up to take some photos that Lucca can look at when he’s older and his parents are married and know that he got to be there for an important day.