From the get-go, you can’t help but fall in love with Alex and Brandon! Alex is full of energy and engaging. Brandon sits back, is more reserved, however definitely has a silly side that Alex brings out. They balance each other out and it was so wonderful to witness. I met up with this adorable couple at Ewing Manor in Bloomington, Illinois on a beautiful summer evening to begin their engagement session. It took less than two seconds for us to get reacquainted, even though I’m not sure we actually “met” the first time. See, Alex and Brandon were guests at a lovely wedding I photographed last year for their BFFs, Bre and Brock! I remember seeing them at the wedding, but I don’t think we were formally introduced until Alex reached out to me about photographing their wedding shortly afterward! Brandon had popped the question to Alex only a few days before Bre and Brock’s wedding so luckily I must have made an impression.

Alex and Brandon have a very interesting story of how they met. Brandon is a Bloomington Police Officer and Alex, at the time, was working as a dispatcher for the department. A couple of years ago they had a suspected kidnapping case and during the search, Alex was over the radio talking to Brandon providing him with all the info he needed in the investigation! The story ends well with the children being located safe and sound and Alex and Brandon having the opportunity to meet later in the shift. At that time, Brandon had overheard Alex telling a co-worker she needed to take her car into the shop for some repair work and it was at that moment that he saw his opportunity to get to know her better. He decided to offer her a ride when she was getting her car repaired and literally “Picked Her Up”! The rest is history!

During our time together at Ewing Manor, Alex and Brandon goofed around with one another and laughed together which brought so much joy out in their photos. After wandering around the manor for a bit, we headed out to another favorite spot of mine around Bloomington…Funks Grove Nature Preserve. With amazing open fields, a white barn, and just a peaceful spot for photos this was the perfect place to show off Alex and Brandon’s relationship! They had a couple of quick outfit changes and I found out a must-have in a few photos was Brandon’s trademark Hawaiian shirt! Sounds like he is quite the collector of them! Love it! And to finish up, Alex changed into an amazing navy dress for sunset photos! She was stunning! These two soaked up the remaining sun left in the sky as they dipped and giggled to the end of our session!

Congrats to Alex and Brandon on their engagement! I absolutely cannot wait to be a part of your day next year!

Warm Regards,

So much fun right?!

I love this location and this couple!

One of my favorite shots!

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