Chris and Stephanie started as friends. Like all great friendships that would eventually lead to something else, Chris had more of an interest in Stephanie for quite awhile. Months would pass and he would ask his friend Stephanie on a date and she’d say no. No, not right now, I’m not ready. But Chris was persistent. Like the best of guys are. He kept his heart on Stephanie and waited until she was ready. And all that waiting paid off. When the answer was finally “yes,” it all became a whirlwind. Dates and “I love yous” and becoming best friends and time with Steph’s faithful pup Piper all led to a forever type of love. And it especially led to a perfectly planned proposal, where Stephanie would hear from all of the people she loved most in the world…and finally from Chris, on one knee, Piper holding the ring, asking the best question she’d ever heard. And the answer was most definitely “yes!”

I’ve known Stephanie for years now. She was a freshman when I was a sophomore. I’ve gotten to see her grow into the lovely woman of God that she is today and who KNEW that Chris would be both the end of that journey in one aspect and the very beginning in another. David and I loved our time with them in the blistering cold last week. Stephanie loves the snow and having a shoot following a snow storm that morning was just perfect for them. We wandered down the familiar streets of Radford and talked about their story and their upcoming day and both of them were just SO excited. Their June wedding could not be more anticipated. Their entire shoot was spent giggling and singing and not even really noticing that we were there. They’re just so wrapped up in each other and their love.

I’m so excited for you all to meet Chris and Stephanie today. I hope you enjoy their small town winter engagement session.

Just so sweet.

Love.

Sigh.

And then we ventured to one of my favorite secret Radford spots and these two were inexplicably warm in each other’s arms.