An Engagement at the Cincinnati Art Museum

When you know you've found "the one," waiting for the engagement can feel like torture. This was certainly the case for Kelsey, who spent months preparing herself mentally for the possibility of a proposal from her boyfriend Keith. But little did she know that Keith had planned a series of fancy dinner dates to throw her off the scent.

We caught up with Kelsey, to find out more about the proposal and hear about their engagement story and here is what she had to share.

Q: Can you start by telling us a little bit about how you and Keith met?

A: Keith and I met in college. We both went to the University of Cincinnati, and we met through mutual friends. We hit it off right away and started dating shortly after that.

Q: Can you tell us more about the proposal and how it happened?

A: Yes, of course! Keith had been planning these fancy dinner dates for us for several weekends leading up to the proposal. I had a feeling that he was going to propose, but I didn't know when it was going to happen. On the day of the proposal, he had arranged for my parents to come and surprise me, but unfortunately, a Nor'easter hit, and their flight got cancelled.

We went on with our plans for dinner, and Keith suggested that we take a walk by the riverfront. When we got there, he stopped me in front of the "Sing the Queen City" sign and told me how much he loved me and how excited he was to spend the rest of his life with me. He also told me about my parents not being able to make it due to the storm, and just as we kissed, we heard cheering. My parents had managed to find a flight to Indianapolis and drive two hours to Cincinnati just in time to see the whole proposal. It was such a special moment.

Q: How did you feel in that moment?

A: I was completely overwhelmed with emotions. I was so happy and grateful that Keith had put so much thought and effort into the proposal. When he told me about my parents not being able to make it, I was a little bit disappointed, but when they showed up just in time, it was like everything fell into place perfectly. I felt so loved and supported by Keith and my parents.

Q: Can you tell us more about your engagement session?

A: We had our engagement photos taken in Cincinnati, and we made sure to go back to the riverfront where Keith proposed. We wanted to capture that moment and have it be a part of our engagement session. It was really special to go back to the spot where it all happened and take photos there. We also took some photos at other locations around the city that were meaningful to us.

Q: What advice would you give to couples who are getting ready to get engaged or plan their engagement?

A: My advice would be to communicate openly with your partner about what you want and what you expect. Keith and I had talked about getting engaged before he proposed, so I had an idea that it was going to happen. But even if you haven't talked about it, make sure that you're on the same page and that you're both ready for that next step. And don't worry too much about making everything perfect - at the end of the day, it's about your love for each other and the commitment that you're making.

Congratulations to Keith and Kelsey on their engagement! May their love continue to grow and flourish for years to come.

MEET THE TEAM

Photography: Kate Mannella Photography

Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH

A Canadian Tulip Festival Engagement

When Amy met Christopher at The Village Country Club, she never would have thought that he would become her future husband. They were friends for four years before they started dating, and even then, it wasn't until 2012 that Christopher asked Amy out on their first date.

Looking back on it, Amy fondly remembers the adorable hairstyle that Christopher had that day, and the fact that he ordered a baked sushi roll with scallops that almost made her sick. In this interview, she shares the details of their love story and how Christopher proposed.

Q: How did Christopher propose to you?

A: Christopher proposed to me at a place called The Den. It's a lounge area where I work, and my friend Ana convinced me to come inside to pick up some dog treats for our pups. When I walked in, I saw Christopher standing in front of the fireplace with tons of fun flowers. He gave me a speech, and it was a very emotional moment for both of us. The bricks he was standing in front of were from The Village Country Club, where we first met in 2009.

Q: Can you tell us more about your first date with Christopher?

A: Our first date was at a place called Blue Sushi. I was already falling in love with Christopher, and the date just made me want more. However, I had a bit of a mishap with the sushi. Christopher had ordered a baked sushi roll with scallops that smelled delicious, but I couldn't handle the fishy taste. I tried to keep it down, but I must have made a face because Christopher asked if I was okay. I almost got sick, but thankfully, I managed to get through it without embarrassing myself too much.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of planning your wedding?

A: The most challenging part of planning our wedding has been dealing with the pandemic. We had to change our plans several times due to restrictions and safety concerns. It was stressful, but we managed to adapt and come up with a plan that works for us.

Q: What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?

A: I'm most looking forward to walking down the aisle and seeing Christopher waiting for me. It's going to be a very emotional moment, and I can't wait to share it with him and our loved ones. I'm also excited about the reception and dancing the night away with our friends and family.

Q: What advice would you give to other brides-to-be?

A: My advice to other brides-to-be is to enjoy the planning process and not get too caught up in the little details. Remember that the most important thing is marrying the person you love, and everything else is just icing on the cake. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help and delegate tasks to your friends and family. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it's much easier when you have a support system.

MEET THE TEAM Photographer: Nicole Amanda Photography Location: Major’s Hill Park, Ottawa, ON, CA

Apple of My Eye: A Cozy Picnic Engagement Session

As the leaves turn from green to fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, the air gets crisp, and the season changes, a couple's love also blossoms in new ways. This transition from summer to autumn was the inspiration behind the "Apple of My Eye" engagement shoot, a scenic picnic session that perfectly captured the essence of this romantic time of year.

The concept of the shoot started with the idea of bringing together delicious food, a sweet couple, and a beautiful location. The result was a series of gorgeous images that showcased the couple's infectious smiles, tender moments, and cozy cuddles. The gradual changing of the leaves was an excellent backdrop to recapture the beauty of nature, and the dropping temperatures gave the couple the perfect reason to snuggle up and share intimate moments.

Sustainable and seasonal options were high on the list of priorities with everything sourced locally - from the autumnal stationery to the homemade apple pies still warm from the oven. The flowers were composed in a simple, stunning bouquet that accentuated the colours of the apples and changing leaves in the landscape and oozed with romantic whimsy.

But it wasn't just the food and décor that made this shoot so special. The sweet couple at the centre of it all exuded warmth and tenderness, filling the frames with their infectious smiles and cozy moments. As the temperatures dropped, they snuggled up and shared the most tender moments - moments that were beautifully captured by Savannah Jane Design.

"Apple of My Eye" was created with the intention of inspiring couples who are looking to plan the perfect cozy picnic engagement session. It's about capturing not just the fresh, exciting love of a newly engaged couple, but also pulling in precious elements to create a more personal feel. Whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, or simply someone who cherishes love, this session is sure to fill your heart (and your stomach) with joy.

MEET THE TEAM

Photographer: Savannah Jane Design

Location: Centennial Park, Columbia, MD, US

Floral Design: IBuy Flowers

Calligrapher: Peach and Paperie

Beauty: Holly Steinacker HMUA