I first met Hannah when she modeled for a workshop I attended last year. Towards the end of the day we started chatting and before I knew it we were laughing and joking like old friends; we clicked right away. We’ve been staying in touch through Instagram ever since, and if you don’t follow her yet, you need to (@hannah_neese)! Hannah is a fabulous blogger/influencer in Nashville and is an activist for self-love. You would adore her!

I was traveling to Nashville for another friend’s branding session – ironically, another girl I met at this workshop, a fellow photographer – and when Hannah found out I would be in town, it was fate! She and Jordan were freshly engaged and I was thrilled to shoot their engagement session on my trip.

They had the cutest ideas for their engagement photos like baking cookies together, snuggling up on the couch, and getting all glammed up to hit downtown Nashville! As soon as the film scans came in, I was ready to call my husband, Andrew, and get our next date night in the books. They were so romantic! Hannah’s stunning red dress gave me all kinds of V-Day vibes. Therefore, since it is Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share some date night ideas with you!

Discover Someplace New

Check out a local hidden treasure! Jump on your phone or other device and research a new place to discover together. It could be a restaurant, dance spot, or cooking class…whichever sounds like the best time to you. Exploring new things is tons of fun!

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

(My personal fave while cooking in the kitchen) 

Sign up for a couples dance class or pull up a YouTube video and learn some new moves together! Better yet, just get silly and dance like nobody’s watching. Is it more your style to dance in the privacy of your own living room or in the middle of a busy bridge like this gorgeous couple in the photos below? Either way, nothing beats a good twirl in a flowing dress!

Picnic under the Sun

Looking for something more low key? Throw together a simple charcuterie plate and pack up a picnic basket or backpack full of the essentials – silverware, plates, cups, napkins, and of course a bottle of bubbly – and find a spot in your backyard or a local park to have a picnic out in the warm sunshine!

Date Night In

Speaking of low key…nothing beats a perfect date night in! Don’t treat this like any other dinner at home because, well, it’s not! Set the mood with a new scented candle or a whole bunch of votives and dress up your dinner table with a new, simple centerpiece. Make a meal together and don’t forget to plan an after dinner activity! Go classic with a movie or board game, exchange massages, or think outside of the box and jump on Pinterest for some DIY crafts! Take a moment to thank God for bringing you into each other’s lives by saying a brief prayer or reading your favorite bible passages together.

Sometimes the most quiet, simple moments have the biggest impact on our relationships because nothing is more important than just taking the time to be grateful that you have each other!

Now that you have it all planned out, explore this amazing session that I just loved shooting! Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you beautiful couples in love!