Kelly + Brandynn: Inside Their Engagement

Don't we all wish for a love story that lasts a lifetime? Well, if you meet your forever love at 13, like Kelly and Brandynn, then that is exactly what happens. 

Kelly and Brandynn first met on the soccer fields of Las Vegas, NV when they were just 13 years old.  They reconnected in the spring of 2010 (while watching a soccer game) and have been inseparable ever since.

Fast forward four years to the spring of 2014, Brandynn had secretly been designing an engagement ring with his jeweler and was devising a plan to propose to Kelly later that year on their favorite California Beach in front of their closest friends.  Or so he thought…

It was the morning of May 23, 2014 when Brandynn received a call from his jeweler letting him know the ring was finally finished. He was ecstatic; he finally had the one thing that would turn Kelly from girlfriend to fiancée. 

Later that evening, Kelly and Brandynn were headed to dinner with Kelly’s entire family to celebrate the birthdays of her two brothers and the recent marriage of her eldest brother, John and his new wife, Lisa. It also happened to be Kelly and Brandynn’s four-year anniversary.

They showed up to the dinner and greeted the entire family. Kelly’s Aunt ran right up to Brandynn to give him a kiss and whispered in his ear “Did you bring it?!” Brandynn had no intention of proposing that night so casually replied “No, no Auntie”. Kelly’s Aunt was very adamant that Brandynn propose that night because most of Kelly’s family was together and she felt it was the perfect setting. After much deliberating, he sent Kelly’s brother on an errand to fetch the engagement ring. 

Meanwhile, Kelly had no idea what was going on. Her brother fed her the typical “My girlfriend’s dogs got out of the house” excuse and well, she believed it. She claims it happened the weekend before so that’s why it was so believable. On top of that, she completely overlooked the next 3 hours of Brandynn in silence, not eating, downing beers, disappearing throughout dinner, and his mild nervous breakdown that was happening just 4 inches to her right. 

As dinner, dessert and drinks were coming to a close, somebody had mentioned they were all going around the table to say something nice about the two Newlyweds. While Kelly had no intention of making any speech, Brandynn stood up to say a few words!  Kelly realized that this was really out of Brandynn’s norm and immediately began to get uncomfortable - although still completely clueless of what was to come - and was grabbing Brandynn to sit down. Brandynn ignored Kelly’s request and continued speaking. It wasn’t until about 7 seconds into the speech and a stealthy reach into his pocket, that Kelly, FINALLY, realized what was going on and began to feel the same pre-proposal nervousness Brandynn felt moments before. She blacked out and couldn’t remember anything he said, or if he even got on one knee. Once the sweetest speech of their lives came to an end and he popped the question, Kelly without a doubt said YES! 

Luckily, the entire moment was caught on video and Kelly was able to relive the moment and see that Brandynn did indeed get down on one knee to put a ring on it!

Although the California beach played no role in Brandynn’s proposal to Kelly, it did indeed turn out to be the perfect setting surrounded by the people they love the most!

We're so excited to play a small role in Kelly & Brandynn's Big day which is quickly approaching mid-January!

Thank you to Britt Hanson of BLR Life Photography for their beautiful engagement photos!

Olivia + Jace: Inside Their Engagement

Who doesn't love a good old fashion love at first sight story? A story where all of the stars align the moment two sets of eyes meet... 

Well, it was the definition of love at first sight when Jace caught a glimpse of Olivia in the hotel lobby at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa. (Fast forward a few years... who knew this adorable couple would choose GVR as the location for their wedding reception!)  

Jace was experiencing an unusually slow day at work until he spotted a beautiful blonde girl from across the lobby. She walked directly up to him at the front desk and asked to speak with his manager. This could mean only one thing... this knockout was there for an interview! As Jace's instincts were correct, Olivia was there for an interview, and he immediately sprung into action by emailing his manager explaining that she better hire this babe or else he's quitting! 

If you've ever had an opportunity to meet Olivia, you know that she completely killed the interview because of her warm, welcoming and bubbly personality! Luckily for Jace, she was hired on the spot! Jace was practically doing cartwheels behind the front desk, until he learned they would have opposite shifts.  After weeks of planning and great anticipation, Jace finally found the right moment (and courage) to ask Olivia on a date.

Jace and Olivia's first date was a glorious morning hike in Red Rock Canyon followed by hours of talking at a nearby coffee shop. That night, Jace called his buddy and said, "I know this is going to sound crazy, but I'm for sure going to marry this girl!" 

After about a year and a half of dating, Jace knew he didn't want to wait any longer. He started saving a little money each month and then finally he and his parents went on a shopping expedition for the perfect engagement ring.   

It was Fourth of July weekend and Olivia & Jace decided to take a trip to visit Olivia's cousins in Huntington Beach, California. After a fun day in the sun, the couple selected a primo position on the beach to watch fireworks.  Right before they were about to kick off, Jace got down on one knee and asked Olivia to be his wife. It took her a few minutes to fight back all of the tears and excitement, until she finally said, "YES!" 

I get a little choked up thinking of Jace & Olivia's wedding, because I happen to call these love birds my best friends. Jace & Olivia are the power couple you want in your life to give you the best relationship advice, to guide you through life struggles and to love you unconditionally. They take everyone in with loving arms and make them feel like family. It is hard for me to express in words how incredibly honored I am to plan their BIG day in April. 

Thank you Jodi from J. Anne Photography for their stunning engagement photos! 

Kelley + Dave - Inside Their Engagement

No Valentine's Day dinner reservations? No problem! Dave had a small trick up his sleeve when he told Kelley they were unable to go to dinner that night.

Kelley came downstairs to find her favorite bottle of champagne, two champagne flutes, and a beautiful book displayed on their coffee table. When she opened the book, she was surprised with the collection of photos and mementos that represented their nearly six years together.

Just when Kelley thought it couldn't get more romantic, she turned to the very last page of the book where Dave had written, "As we look out and imagine what the future may bring, I hope to have you by my side until the very end. You are my best friend and the love of my life. Will you continue this journey with me and become my wife?"  

In the middle of their cozy living room, Dave kneeled down on one knee and proceeded to ask Kelley to marry him...she of course said "YES!"

We can't wait to play a role in Kelley & Dave's BIG day! The couple will be tying the knot mid-May at St. Viator Church, followed by a beautiful celebration at the spectacular Keep Memory Alive Event Center.

 

Barbara + Eric: Inside Their Engagement

Barbara and Eric have what they refer to as a typical new age love story.  They met at Burning Man 2009, reconnected on Facebook in the fall of 2011 and from there, a long-distance love blossomed!

Eric eventually relocated to sunny Santa Monica, California to be with his true love, Barbara.  

They celebrated their three years of dating at Burning Man 2014.  Love was definitely in the air, and after an early morning hail storm, under the protection of their shade structure, drinking espresso and surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Eric got down on one knee and asked Barbara for her hand in marriage.  The engagement ring was his Aunt Perla’s, an antique from 1937.  After an initial scream, Barbara, love-struck and dreamy eyed, whispered, “yes.”  A friend popped a bottle of champagne, the sun broke through the clouds (true story) and every moment since has been "pure magic."

Barbara and Eric will be celebrating their love under the Las Vegas stars this April. 

We can't wait to be a part of their BIG day and witness the free-spirited nature they both embody!

Irene & Cameron - Inside Their Engagement

It was a beautiful day on the beaches of Cyrpus where Cam joined Irene's family on what was a traditional family trip to the Meditteranean. The morning was spent swimming in the turquoise waters and enjoying the warm sunshine but the afternoon was scheduled for something that Irene would never forget.

Cam suggested that he & Irene go for a walk down the beach before lunch. Irene was against the idea since the beach is covered in tiny, beautiful pebbles that weren't so fun to walk on in bare feet. After a mini tantrum, Irene agrees to go on a walk with her soon-to-be fiance.

They begin their walk, when Irene sees a message in a bottle poking out of the sand. Curious Irene picks up the bottle and starts to skim over the note... yes SKIM over a wonderful heartfelt note from her darling Cameron. As she's reading over it, in her head she's thinking this is his way of saying thank you for such an amazing trip and I love you, but i'm not ready to get engaged and in her own words, "...and blah blah blah." Rolling the note back up, she gives Cameron a big hug and says thank you and then turns to continue their walk unenthusiastically. Cam, confused, says "Did you even read the note? Read it OUT LOUD."

So she reads it again, out loud as Cameron requested, and next thing you know Cameron is down on one knee with the most gorgeous, sparkling diamond ring. Filled with emotions, Irene falls to her knees crying and hugging Cameron with a tearful, "YES." 

What Irene thought would be a painful walk, turned into one of the most memorable walks of her life, ending in a beautiful champagne lunch celebrated with her family and fiance.

Thank you to the very talented Baylee Jo Designs for capturing their stunning engagement photos! We can't wait to be a part of their BIG day in June!

Aileen & Mike: Inside Their Engagement

Valentine's Day wasn't just roses and chocolates this year for Aileen & Mike. It was at Mastro's Ocean Club inside Crystals at CityCenter where Mike got down on one knee and asked Aileen to be his wife!

After nearly two years together, the couple will tie the knot at their church, St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, and continue the celebration at Angel Park Golf Club. 

Sense of humor and communication are the key ingredients to the glue that keeps Aileen and Mike together and rolling with the punches. The jokester couple envisioned a relaxed and fun environment for their reception, complete with putt-putt golf during cocktail hour and a stand-up comedian for entertainment during the main course. Their happily ever after starts with the best punch line yet, "I Do."

We are so excited to bring their Winter Wedding to life in just a few weeks! A big thanks to Kristen from KMH Photography for capturing the love of Aileen & Mike in their bright & cheerful engagement photos! 

Megan & Drew - Inside Their Engagement

Megan & Drew gained more than an education at the University of Arizona...they gained each other. 

Now living in the entertainment capital of the world, this hardworking couple were looking forward to a much deserved vacation in beautiful Cabo San Lucas. Sipping margaritas and enjoying breathtaking sunsets were the extent of their vacation plans but Megan was convinced otherwise.  Megan truly believed Drew would pop the question on their romantic getaway!  Little did she know, Drew had a trick up his sleeve.

The night before they were set to fly off to Cabo, Megan arrived home from a long day in the office to find Drew sitting on their couch with a look of great anticipation. Drew proceeded to tell Megan that "he couldn't just spend vacation with her...he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her."

Megan, overwhelmed with surprise, climbed the rose petal-lined staircase to a candle-lit room adorned with numerous photos of Megan & Drew's journey together.  Drew got down on one knee and asked Megan to marry him.  Their romantic getaway turned into a celebration of their engagement!

Megan & Drew's BIG day is this weekend and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of it!

Thank you to J-Anne Photography for capturing Megan & Drew's sweet love in the below engagement photos.

Anna & Gregory - Inside Their Engagement

Gregory always told Anna he would propose to her when she least expected it, and he is a man of his word! 

On a sleepy Saturday morning last year, Gregory got down on one knee and said, "I can't imagine my life without you and I will love you forever." Just like a dream, Anna was overwhelmed with surprise and happiness...she of course said yes without hesitation! 

Church bells will ring for Anna and Gregory late this September so stay tuned for all the romantic details and photos from their BIG day!

Enjoy their beautiful engagement photography by J and J Photography