Claire & Coby | Downtown Bryan Engagement Session | College Station Wedding Photographer

Coburn Arnold and Claire Franklin’s story is one that feels both unexpected and perfectly timed. The two met at Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) while attending Texas A&M University—but not in the way you might expect.

Their first interaction happened in a McDonald’s after an RUF hangout, where they discovered something surprising: their parents had known each other back in the 90s. Even with that connection, their story didn’t fully begin until a few months later at RUF Summer Conference in Laguna Beach, Florida. Coburn admits he was trying to get to know Claire then—but she wasn’t quite picking up on it yet.

By July, he officially asked her out, and the rest is history. After dating for over two years, Coburn proposed at one of their favorite spots—Old Baylor Park in Independence, Texas. The proposal was thoughtful and personal, centered around a picnic—something meaningful to both of them. With Claire preparing to leave for a study abroad trip to Germany, the timing added an extra layer of anticipation and surprise. After he proposed at sunset, they were joined by family and friends to celebrate, making it a moment they’ll never forget.

For their engagement session, it only made sense to choose Downtown Bryan—a place that already held so many memories for them. From casual date nights to exploring antique shops and attending First Friday, it’s a space that reflects their relationship in a natural, everyday way. We also stepped into a nearby field to capture that soft, open Texas sunset feel—giving them a mix of both urban and natural backdrops. Like many couples, Claire and Coburn mentioned feeling a little unsure about being in front of the camera—but that quickly faded. They shared how comfortable and easy the experience felt, which is always the goal. Engagement sessions shouldn’t feel stiff or forced—they should feel like you.

As a Bryan-College Station engagement photographer, sessions like this are a reminder that the best photos come from real connection—laughter, movement, and simply being together. They’ll be getting married on June 15th, 2026 at Peach Creek Ranch, one of the most popular College Station wedding venues, and if their engagement session is any indication, it’s going to be such a joyful and meaningful day. For now, they’re soaking in this season—enjoying wedding planning (especially cake tasting!) and celebrating this chapter of their story.