These two sweethearts?  They are awesome.  So awesome, in fact, that we couldn’t wait to kick off our week with their adorableness.  I’m talking one moment after another of pure sweetness captured by Tara Melissa Photographie and all set against one of the coolest settings you’ll ever see (it’s their backyard, lovelies).  It’s giant balloons from Sucre + Confetti meets smiley faces meets two adorable puppies.  See so much more right here in the full gallery.

From Tara Melissa Photographie… Laura and Mark envisioned a laid back, romantic, sun-kissed, golden hour, engagement session…with a hint of fairytale romance. Using DIY doors – courtesy of the groom-to-be (and Laura’s brilliant vision), strands of globe lights, a couple of fun heart balloons via Sucre + Confetti on Etsy, an enameled frog – plus an actual little toad we happened across! – and loads of delicious, vibrant, color saturating light…I think we managed to pull off exactly what they were hoping for.

Laura, who works in graphic design, seriously rocked a black and white polka dot dress with white and gold accessories. And Mark pulled off cool and casual in some crazy summer heat and humidity, with a light blue button down and complementary diamond and polka dot tie.

As we meandered in their backyard of apple trees, barns, and surrounding corn, we chatted about their upcoming wedding and grabbed a mix of posed and candid shots. Even their two crazy, lovable pups got in on the action at one point :)

To kick the fairytale element up a notch – without being entirely over the top ;) – Laura’s enameled frog magically transformed into her prince charming. And Mark was nearly carried away by his love for Laura!

What’s wonderful about this engagement session, to me, is that it illustrates that you don’t have to wander to the ends of the earth to find a beautiful location for perfectly lovely engagement photos. Sometimes the magic lies in your own backyard…and always between two people crazy-in-love.

Laura and Mark were recently wed, September 7, 2013. A beautiful ceremony and reception, uniquely them, at the nearby Deer Park Country Club and Matthiessen State Park.

Photographer: Tara Melissa Photographie | Balloons: Sucre + Confetti