This past Spring, I welcomed the new blooms in the gorgeous Brookside Gardens just north of DC. There I met with Bre and Ryan as we got to explore the grounds for their engagement session. The more I got to know them, the more I wanted to learn their stories and how they came to be together; their story truly is amazing and so I asked them to answer a few questions to help me share their story with you.
How Did You Meet?
We met during our freshman year of college. Our college was throwing a school wide celebration with a dance. We did not attend together, but ended up meeting due to mutual friends. As part of the dance, there were dance instructors on the stage teaching the audience. We were both on the dance floor and he was hard to miss due to his height. I went up to him and asked him to dance with me. At the end of the night, I didn’t get his number or any way to contact him. Eventually I resorted to adding him on Facebook to show my interest in him. Our mutual friends were able to get us in contact with each other and we’ve been together ever since.
How Did You Popped The Question, Ryan?
My original plan to propose had to be significantly altered due to Covid. What originally involved a “graduation” photoshoot around campus with our roommates followed by a surprise party with family and friends at my parent’s house couldn’t happen anymore. Instead, I decided to move up the timeline (because I was excited and just wanted to be engaged already) to the beginning of April, 2020. I managed to get a friend to agree to take some photos in a local park under the guise of a graduation photoshoot with just me and her, and made sure her roommates virtually helped her pick clothes and such. The final step was getting our friends and family involved. At the time we were staying at my parents house and would be unable to see anyone else in person. Instead, I reached out to as many friends and family I could think of to send in a short video of congratulations that our friend edited together for us. The day of we took some “graduation” photos throughout the park, before sneaking onto a golf course to take pictures under a gorgeous tree where I proposed! Shortly after proposing, I pulled out my phone to show Bre the video messages from her brother, parents, and grandparents, and told her there was a 30 minute long video waiting for her at home. Then we went home where my parents surprised both of us with champagne and a nice dinner to celebrate!
What Do You Love About Bre?
Bre is absolutely beautiful and fiercely intelligent, but there is absolutely no one I know who tries harder to see the good in people. So often when I find myself writing people off, Bre challenges me to sympathize and understand that I could always do more to help. Bre demonstrates an extraordinary amount of humility and almost always strives to put others first, something I really admire about her.
What Do You Love About Ryan?
I love Ryan’s ability to make me laugh or bring a smile to my face. I could be having the worst day and he will make it his mission to make me smile before I go to bed. He has the most patience and dedication I have ever seen. He will stay up for hours talking to me to make sure I never go to bed upset. He makes me feel loved and cared for beyond measures.
What Details of The Wedding Are Important to Ryan?
Well since I lost out on getting a water element… I think what really mattered to me (besides of course Bre being happy) was having an outdoor wedding. If you’d ask my parents they’d tell you I’ve always wanted to get married outdoors. I feel like it gives a level of intimacy between Bre and myself (and honestly God) in that special moment and I’m really looking forward to the ceremony.
What Details of The Wedding Are Important to Bre?
I think the most important thing about our wedding is being surrounded by people who love and support us. Neither of us would be where we are today without the help of so many people. To be able to share our love with the people who shaped our life will be an unforgettable day.
I can’t wait to celebrate their Big Day next Spring at the beautiful venue Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, MD!
To learn more about how I can be part of your wedding day celebrations, please contact me here. I can’t wait to meet you and capture all your love and joy!
