For Julie and Drewnard, their engagement session in San Antonio became more than a collection of beautiful photographs; it became a reflection of a chapter defined by faith, service, sacrifice, and a love story rooted in shared values.
With Drewnard balancing his career in commercial real estate and nearly fourteen years of service in the Air Force Reserves, and Julie splitting her time between Dallas and travel for her career in product development, the two have become experts at making the most of every moment together. When it came time to choose a location for their engagement portraits, they wanted something that felt personal and reflected the chapter of life they were currently in.
“We thought doing photos in San Antonio would be a good way to commemorate this kind of season that we’re in of him serving the country,” Julie shared. Their search led them to one of the oldest unrestored missions in the United States: a place whose rich history and spiritual significance immediately resonated with them. “We’re Christians and believers, and so we thought that was really cool, the significance of just a place that is so historical and people praised God at for so many generations.”
The resulting images feel timeless, blending centuries-old architecture with a modern love story that is already thinking generations ahead. Legacy is something that matters deeply to both Julie and Drewnard, influencing everything from the places they choose to the memories they create together.”We always talk about these photo shoots like this is what we’re going to show our grandkids,” Julie said. “Drewnard is very legacy-driven, and he’s always saying, ‘We can tell our kids we were in San Antonio for military, and this kind of represents that.'”
That sense of intentionality carried into every detail of the session. From the historic mission backdrop to the fashion-forward wardrobe selections, each element felt uniquely them. Their style effortlessly blended sophistication with personality, including a Western-inspired look that paid homage to Julie’s Texas roots and Drewnard’s childhood dream of becoming a cowboy.
“He would watch western films when he was little all the time,” Julie laughed. “He always wanted to be a cowboy.” The Hill Country setting, boots, and western flair became a natural way to honor the season they currently call home. As Julie put it, “We don’t know where we’ll end up in life, right? But these photos reflect the season and the chapter that we’re in.”
Today, as they prepare for a wedding at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, they remain focused on what matters most: building a life centered on purpose, family, and each other. Their engagement session serves as a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful photographs aren’t just about where you are, they’re about who you’re becoming together.
