European Romance in the Heart of Irving, Texas: Andres & Alaina’s Engagement at Mandalay Canal

Oct 1

There are moments during a session where I have to pinch myself and remember we’re still in Texas. Walking through the Mandalay Canal in Irving with Alaina and Andres felt less like a typical engagement shoot and more like a romantic stroll through a hidden corner of Venice or a quiet village in Italy.

A Destination Feel, Closer to Home

For couples who want an "old-world" aesthetic without the international flight, the Mandalay Canal Walk is a dream. Between the weathered stone arches, the winding cobblestone paths, and the reflections dancing off the water, it offers a timeless backdrop that perfectly complemented Alaina and Andres’ elegant style.

Alaina was a vision in her pleated white midi dress—a look that felt both modern and classic—while Andres looked sharp in a tailored navy blazer and tan chinos. Their outfits didn’t just match the scenery; they elevated it.

A warm, intimate engagement portrait of Alaina and Andres sharing a joyful, candid moment during their romantic session at the Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas. The close-up shot highlights the stunning diamond engagement ring on her finger as she ho

A joyful, candid engagement photograph of Alaina and Andres holding hands and smiling at each other in front of a rustic wooden door and stone wall. This romantic portrait was captured during their engagement session at the European-inspired Mandala

A timeless black and white engagement photograph of Alaina and Andres standing together and smiling on a cobblestone path. This romantic portrait was captured during their session at the European-style Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas. The image show

A candid, joyful engagement photograph of Alaina twirling in her white dress while Andres walks towards her with a smile. This playful moment was captured on the cobblestone walkways of the Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas, against a backdrop of Old

A romantic engagement photograph of Alaina and Andres holding hands and smiling at each other under a rustic stone archway covered in ivy. This timeless portrait was captured during their session at the European-style Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas

A romantic and intimate engagement portrait of Alaina and Andres sitting together on grand stone steps. They are sharing a warm, candid moment, smiling and looking into each other's eyes. This photograph was captured during their session at the Euro

A timeless black and white overhead photograph of Alaina and Andres sitting together on a grand stone staircase, captured from a high angle. This artistic and intimate engagement portrait was taken at the Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas, and feature

A romantic engagement photograph of Alaina and Andres standing by the water's edge, looking lovingly into each other's eyes. The session took place at the Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas, with European-style stone buildings, flowering trees, and the

A timeless engagement portrait of Andres and Alaina at the Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas . This romantic shot captures a joyful lift pose on the cobblestone walkways overlooking the water. Featuring European-style architecture and elegant

A classic black and white engagement photograph of Andres and Alaina holding hands along the Mandalay Canal in Las Colinas . This romantic, wide-angle shot highlights the stunning European-style stone architecture along the water, offering a ti

A cinematic engagement photo silhouette capturing Andres and Alaina during golden hour at the Mandalay Canal in Irving, Texas . The couple is artfully blurred against the iconic European stone architecture and warm sunset backlight , showcas

A romantic close-up photograph highlighting an elegant oval solitaire diamond engagement ring on a gold band. The image captures the bride's hands with a perfect manicure resting on her fiancé's shoulder during their Mandalay Canal engagement s

Capturing the Connection

What I loved most about this session wasn't just the architecture, but the way these two moved together. Whether they were sharing a quiet laugh on the grand stone staircase or Andres was lifting Alaina into the air by the water’s edge, their joy was effortless.

We played with a mix of styles for this gallery:

Sun-drenched Color: To highlight the warm Texas light hitting the stone walls and the vibrant pink blooms.
Timeless Black & White: To lean into the "film" aesthetic, adding a layer of nostalgia and grain that feels like a scene from a classic movie.

Why Mandalay Canal is a Top Choice for Engagement Photos

If you’re planning your own session, here’s why this Irving landmark is a perennial favorite:

Architectural Variety: From the ivy-covered walls to the rustic wooden doors, there is a new "set" every ten feet.
The Water Element: The canal provides a sense of serenity and beautiful reflections that you can't find anywhere else in DFW.
Versatility: It handles both high-fashion editorial looks and casual, playful moments equally well.

Alaina and Andres, thank you for letting me capture this beautiful chapter of your story. If your wedding is half as full of laughter and style as your engagement session, it’s going to be one for the books!

Planning your own love story? I’d love to help you find the perfect location to tell it.

Click here to learn more!

Michael Lepor

European Romance in the Heart of Irving, Texas: Andres & Alaina’s Engagement at Mandalay Canal

A Destination Feel, Closer to Home

Capturing the Connection

Why Mandalay Canal is a Top Choice for Engagement Photos

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