Months away from their wedding, Mat and Tori were radiating a playful, fun-loving energy, always ready to dance. Their story began at Cowboys Dancehall, a place that became the backdrop for their blossoming romance and a lasting love. It was a delightful experience to capture their engagement, especially as they embraced a unique idea. Encouraged to think outside the box, they sought permission from Cowboys Dancehall to use its iconic dance floor for the second part of their engagement photoshoot, eager to showcase their impressive dance moves. My role was simply to capture their joy, using strategic backlighting to make them truly stand out. Regardless of the setting, their eyes sparkled with love, mirroring the dance in their feet and hearts. Mat and Tori’s engagement session, split between the natural beauty of Phil Hardberger Park and the vibrant atmosphere of Cowboys Dance Hall, is one that will forever be etched in my memory.
How a Cowboy Dance Hall Sparked a Lasting Love
“We actually met at Cowboys Dancehall,” Tori recounts, setting the scene for their romantic beginning. “Just moments after stepping onto the dance floor, Mat approached me and asked me to dance.” She was immediately captivated by his dance skills, describing him as an “AH-MAZING dancer.” Throughout the evening, they found themselves drawn back to each other, dance after dance, until the night concluded with Mat asking for her number.
Their connection was undeniable. “He invited me out dancing again the very next night,” Tori shares. Unlike her past hesitations about rushing into relationships, with Mat, it felt different. “I was ready to be official just a week after we met,” she admits, a testament to their instant and powerful bond.
Their relationship deepened quickly, facing life’s challenges early on. “I became even more grateful for his presence when my mom passed away only six weeks into our relationship,” Tori reveals. In a time of immense grief, Mat stood firmly by her side. “Mathew was there, carrying me through for twelve straight days, and really, he has been ever since.” This early test solidified their commitment and demonstrated the strength of their love.
The proposal, like their relationship, was heartfelt and personal. Originally planned as a group celebration in Georgetown, COVID-19 altered their plans, leading to a more intimate and meaningful proposal. “We were supposed to be in Georgetown at an Airbnb with our four best friends. He wanted to propose that night all together. BUT COVID,” Tori explains. Instead, they spent the day at her mother’s gravesite. “That day we drove out to my mom’s gravesite and sat outside as we set out fresh flowers. Mat told me about how he’d like to come out here for all the big moments – pregnancy, babies, etc. – and share it with my mom.” That evening, in their backyard, under a canopy of strung lights, Mat proposed – in the very spot where they would later decide to get married.
Couple in a playful pose at Phil Hardberger Park, San Antonio, during their engagement session.
Engagement Session: From Park Serenity to Dance Hall Lights
To capture their unique love story, Mat and Tori envisioned an engagement session that reflected both their personalities and their journey. They chose two distinct locations: the natural beauty of Phil Hardberger Park and the lively, symbolic Cowboys Dancehall. This blend of settings perfectly encapsulated their relationship – grounded yet fun-loving, serene yet ready to celebrate.
Phil Hardberger Park: Embracing Natural Beauty
The first part of their engagement session took place at Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio. This urban park, known for its diverse landscapes and tranquil environment, provided a stunning backdrop for capturing their natural connection. Amidst the park’s greenery and open spaces, the couple’s playful and affectionate sides shone through. The photos from this location highlight their ease and comfort with each other, showcasing their love in a relaxed and picturesque setting.
Mat and Tori laughing together during their engagement photoshoot at Phil Hardberger Park.
Romantic moment between Tori and Mat captured at Phil Hardberger Park.
Engagement photo of couple walking hand-in-hand in Phil Hardberger Park.
Cowboys Dance Hall: Stepping onto the Dance Floor of Love
The session then transitioned to Cowboys Dancehall, the very place where their love story began. This wasn’t just a change of location; it was a return to their roots. Cowboys Dancehall, a renowned venue known for country music and dancing, provided a vibrant and personal setting. The dance floor, usually bustling with activity, became a private stage for Mat and Tori to express their love through dance.
Engagement photoshoot at Cowboys Dance Hall featuring Tori and Mat dancing under spotlight.
Close-up shot of Tori and Mat holding hands on the dance floor at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photography showcasing couple dancing intimately at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio.
Black and white engagement photo of Mat dipping Tori on the dance floor of Cowboys Dance Hall.
The photos from Cowboys Dancehall are dynamic and full of energy. The strategic backlighting beautifully captures their movements, making them pop against the backdrop of the dance hall. These images not only showcase their dance skills but also symbolize the vibrant beginning of their relationship. The dance floor, a place of first encounter, now represents the joyful journey they are embarking on together towards marriage.
Couple posing romantically on the dance floor at Cowboys Dance Hall, engagement session.
Engagement photo of Tori and Mat in a dip pose at Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio.
Candid engagement shot of couple laughing and dancing at a cowboy dance hall.
Engagement photography at Cowboys Dance Hall, spotlighting Tori and Mat in dance pose.
Engagement session image of couple slow dancing at the iconic Cowboys Dance Hall.
Romantic engagement photo of couple embracing at Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio.
Engagement photoshoot capturing Tori and Mat dancing at Cowboys Dance Hall under soft lighting.
Dynamic engagement shot of couple in motion while dancing at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photography showcasing couple's playful side on the dance floor at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photo at Cowboys Dance Hall featuring couple in a romantic dance pose.
Engagement session photo of couple enjoying a dance at Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio.
Engagement photography capturing a dip dance move at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photo of couple in a lively dance pose at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Vertical engagement shot of Tori and Mat dancing at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photography at Cowboys Dance Hall, showcasing couple in a close dance.
Engagement session photo of couple in a fun dance move at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Panoramic engagement shot of couple dancing at Cowboys Dance Hall with spotlight effect.
Engagement photography at Cowboys Dance Hall, capturing couple in a dip pose under lights.
Wide engagement shot of couple dancing at Cowboys Dance Hall with stage lighting.
Engagement session photo of couple in a romantic dance pose at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photography capturing couple in a fun and playful dance move at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Vertical engagement shot of Tori and Mat in a dip pose at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement session image showcasing couple's dance skills at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Vertical engagement photo of Tori and Mat in a dance hold at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photography at Cowboys Dance Hall, featuring couple in a romantic embrace on the dance floor.
Engagement session photo of couple in a close and intimate dance at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photography capturing couple in a romantic dip at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Engagement photo at Cowboys Dance Hall, spotlighting couple in a dance pose under stage lights.
Engagement session image of couple in a dip dance move at Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio.
Engagement photography at Cowboys Dance Hall, showcasing couple's joyful dance moments.
Engagement photo of couple in a lively dance pose at Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio.
Panoramic engagement shot of couple dancing closely at Cowboys Dance Hall, San Antonio.
Engagement session photo of couple in a romantic dance embrace at Cowboys Dance Hall.
Cowboy Dance Halls: More Than Just a Venue
Cowboy Dance Halls are deeply embedded in American culture, particularly in Texas and the Southwest. They are more than just places to dance; they are social hubs, community centers, and keepers of tradition. These halls celebrate country music, western wear, and, of course, cowboy and country dance styles like two-step, line dancing, and polka. For many couples, like Tori and Mat, a cowboy dance hall holds sentimental value, representing shared experiences, first encounters, and the joy of connection. Choosing such a location for an engagement session adds a layer of personal meaning and cultural richness to the photographs. It’s a celebration of their roots and the vibrant start of their journey together.
A Session to Remember
Mat and Tori’s engagement session was a beautiful blend of natural outdoor scenes and the energetic, personal setting of Cowboys Dancehall. It was a testament to their personalities, their love story, and their adventurous spirit. By choosing locations that were meaningful to them, they created not just stunning photographs, but lasting memories. Their session serves as an inspiration for couples seeking to personalize their engagement photos and celebrate their unique journey. And for those who find love on the dance floor, what could be more fitting than returning to where it all began to capture the magic of their engagement?
