Meet Katie and Payton.
Their story began in a very modern way — on a dating website — and quickly grew into something neither of them could ignore. After more than three years together, what started as a simple connection turned into a deep, steady partnership built on shared values and an unexpected sense of familiarity.
About two to three months into dating, everything clicked. One evening turned into a Twilight movie marathon — her favorite series and his first time seeing it — followed by a long, honest conversation about life, goals, and the kind of future they both wanted. Despite how new the relationship was, they were struck by how naturally everything aligned. It felt rare, a little surreal, and deep all at once.
That night marked the moment they realized they weren’t just dating — they had found their person.
The Proposal.
For their proposal, he chose a place already woven into their story. On the Fourth of July, he brought her back to Ha Ha Tonka State Park at the Lake of the Ozarks — the location where they first became official. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, they stopped to take photos together, soaking in the familiar surroundings.
He mentioned that it wasn’t the exact spot where their relationship began, but that it was close enough to hold the same meaning. Then, in a moment she never saw coming, he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she was completely speechless. Tears came instantly, and instead of saying yes, she simply nodded through happy tears — a quiet, joyful response that said everything. It was a deeply personal proposal, rooted in memory and love, and the perfect beginning to their next chapter together.
Red Oak II: A Place of History
When it came time to choose the location for their engagement photos, Red Oak II quickly became the perfect fit. Together, we wanted a space that felt versatile and meaningful — somewhere that offered a variety of backdrops while also serving as a convenient, central meeting point for them. Red Oak II checked every box.
Located in Carthage, Missouri, Red Oak II is a living piece of art and history. Originally created by artist Lowell Davis, the village is a thoughtfully preserved collection of historic buildings, winding paths, open fields, and curated details that feel both timeless and quietly cinematic. Every corner offers something different — rustic textures, natural greenery, and a sense of story built into the landscape itself.
Choosing Red Oak II allowed their engagement session to unfold organically, moving through spaces that felt warm, intentional, and full of character. The variety of settings mirrored the layers of their relationship, while the central location made the experience relaxed and easy — exactly what an engagement session should feel like.
Katie's look for the engagement session.
Katie’s engagement look was the perfect blend of effortless, intentional, and true to her style. She found her dress at Target — a strapless piece that felt timeless, bridal-inspired, and refreshingly budget-friendly. The silhouette was one she already knew and loved, allowing her to feel confident and comfortable throughout the session.
Keeping things personal, Katie did her hair and makeup herself. With years of experience styling her own look, she leaned into what felt familiar rather than overdone. The result was a look that felt authentic and relaxed — a reflection of who she is, not just for the photos, but for this season of her life.
Looking ahead to the wedding day.
This season of engagement holds deep meaning for Katie. In a world where dating can feel overwhelming and uncertain, she feels incredibly grateful to have found her person early in life — someone she’s excited to grow with, build a future alongside, and walk into this next chapter with.
When she imagines her wedding day, she hopes it feels calm, joyful, and free from unnecessary stress. While nerves are inevitable, especially during the ceremony, her wish is for the day to unfold smoothly and naturally — centered on the love they share.
Their engagement session played a big role in shaping how she feels about wedding photos now. Seeing the images and how everything came together left her feeling confident and genuinely excited for what’s to come. Knowing their photos reflected exactly what they hoped for has made the anticipation for their wedding day even sweeter.
Asked a few more questions
What are you most excited about as you look ahead to your wedding day?
"The part i’m most excited about is walking down the aisle to my fiancé! I’ve been waiting to marry him for what feels like forever so I’m just ready to finally be his wife!"
What was the scariest part of having your engagement photos taken?
"I was most nervous about just the different poses we were gonna do and really the anticipation of how they were gonna turn out! We had never had professional photos done before so it was a little awkward at first but it definitely livened up once we got into it!!"
What advice would you give someone preparing for their own engagement photos?
"Definitely look at the weather and how hot/cold it’s going to be out! and if your taking pictures in grassy areas either bring flats or block heels to change into because your heels will sink!"
Photographer: Meagan Bartlett, Creativity Portraits LLC
Location: Red Oak II - Carthage, Missouri
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