We met for their engagement session in Blacksburg at the same place Matt remembers seeing Alley for the very first time, Smithfield Plantation. They were both homeschooled, and as fate would have it, their parents had them volunteer at the same place…in colonial garb. So that’s what Matt remembers. Seeing Alley in colonial dress at age 11 or 12, twirling wooden hoops with a stick. When they wed in August, they’ll have been together for eight years. It’s a long time coming for both of them. There will be both a shout of joy and sigh of relief as they say their vows. Finally. They’ll be pronounced husband and wife under the same tree Alley grew up under. And how fitting, because that’s where her new story will begin.

I had so much fun with Matt and Alley. It was a borderline rainy evening, but we played in the almost summer sun anyways. It sprinkled on and off as they reminisced about their love. They told me about the time they had to secure fake prom dates so they could have a prom together. They switched back dates as soon as they walked in the doors. They hummed their first dance song together as they danced in an open field. Matt’s eyes were full of passion every time he looked at his almost bride. And Alley broke into a wide smile when she met his gaze. And my favorite moment of all, when Matt wrapped her up in a final hug and he whispered to her, “Won’t it be great when we don’t have to do this anymore?” You see, they’ve been doing long distance for most of their relationship, and when I told them to show me what it was like to reunite, they couldn’t help but look forward to when they wouldn’t have to be separated again.

Hope you enjoy their Smithfield Plantation engagement session. And send them some well wishes as they put an end to 8 years of navigating long distance this August!

Alley’s got the best smile!

And then they slow danced in the field :]

Right after Alley made the most amazingly cheesy joke.

Matt used to bring a single red rose to Alley when she worked at a coffee shop.

Anyone who’s done long distance can appreciate stacks of handwritten letters.

Reunion hug :]