Going into Ashley and Joel’s engagement session I knew it was going to be a good one! After meeting them and talking about their big day they instantly became friends. They are both a little shy at first, but when you watch them together you can see the strong love they share. And when I heard how Joel proposed, I knew how above and beyond he would go to make sure his soon-to-be wife was happy! Ashley and her family were in the Carolinas on vacation and unfortunately Joel wasn’t able to make it. Or so Ashley thought! Secretly, Joel drove the 15 or so hours by himself to surprise Ashley as she and her family were taking a walk on the beach, got down on one knee, and asked her to be his wife! Amazing, right?! So when it came to their engagement photos, I knew they both had big romantic hearts!

We began our time together in Downtown Springfield, IL in front of a historic ivy-covered brick building. Ashley and Joel both have a great fashion sense so they were looking incredible and ready for their close up! They told me at our first meeting they were both awkward in photos (which I hear all the time and about 99% of the time is wrong) and within minutes they were relaxing in front of my camera and simply enjoying the experience. We then moved to a spot I adore in the Springfield area, especially at sunset! Southwinds Park! We of course had to get a few quick photos in front of the willow tree, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a beautiful willow tree? Then, after a quick outfit change, I wanted to get some photos in front of this lovely vine covered pergola. I just knew this adorable couple would look fantastic surrounded by the vines! In reality, Ashley and Joel were somewhat frozen in a place because of some chirping birds just above their heads were giving warning sounds not to come to close to their home! But, these totally ended up being some of my FAVORITE photos! Especially when I captured the two of them laughing with each other! We finished up over by the water just as the sun was beginning to set! The glow of the warm sun and Ashley and Joel walking hand and hand just had something magical about it! I was a pleasure to get to spend the evening with this beautiful couple and I can’t wait to spend their wedding day a year from now capturing all their joyful moments!

Warm Regards,

Here come some of my favorites!

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