College was where it all started. Charlie was one of the first friends she made that first week of school, and Jessica loved the warm, friendly hugs he always gave her when they ran into each other in the hallways. Charlie couldn't help but notice this seemingly quiet, shy beautiful lady... but quickly realized that Jessica would open up only when she felt safe. Charlie rose to the challenge because he saw what a treasure she is, and the rest is history!!

Jessica and Charlie are such a unique couple to me, because I met them separately a looooong time ago! 

Jessica and I were in Awana together way back in junior high, and Charlie and I met through a Bible study in a neighboring town when I was in high school! I never imagined that these two would meet each other and fall in love, but I'm SO thrilled for them because they're such awesome people! 

We decided to do photos at the college where they met, but when the evening of our scheduled shoot arrived, the rain wouldn't let up. Luckily, I was in the area for more than 24 hours... so we were able to schedule a shoot a few mornings later! They were such troopers to get up early and do a sunrise session with me! 

They might have taken little naps when they thought I wasn't looking... :) 

Jessica gave Charlie free reign when it came to her engagement ring, and I LOVE the ring he picked out for her! It's such a beautiful diamond and setting... gosh, who doesn't love a diamond ring?? 

Crown College has acres and acres of land, and I was so happy that we could explore even a part of it! 

Both of them are such outdoorsy people, that they didn't mind hiking into the woods to appease my creativity.... Just check out those beautiful trees!

Jess and Charlie, I'm so excited for your wedding in October and for the day when you finally get to commit to each other for the rest of your lives!! Marriage is so so fun and I'm so happy that you found each other! Love you guys. :) 

It's been years in the making. Christy and James met in college when a mutual friend introduced them and James was immediately intrigued with her sass. He quickly won her over with his huge smile and adorable curly brown hair, and Christy knew this man would be in her life for a long time. 

Christy and I have been friends since forever. I literally have no memory of meeting her - she's just always been there! She is one of the most patient and loyal people I've ever met, and when she told me that James had finally proposed, I literally jumped up and down for joy!! 

Christy's family moved a few hours away when we were little, so we've had a long distance friendship ever since. When she told me she was engaged and gave me the option of just enjoying the day with her or photographing them, I knew I wanted to be their photographer more than anything! If I have the ability to give my close friends a stress-free fun wedding day by being their photographer - I'm all over it! 

Last weekend I met them up in southwestern Minnesota and we wandered around the quiet streets and deserted alleys for their engagement photos. 

Christy has waited a long time for this ring of hers! James worked selflessly and tirelessly to get to the place where he was ready to buy her engagement ring and when he finally proposed, she responded in typical Christy fashion by saying, "Yes please!"

We were having so much fun with their session that we may have accidentally wandered onto private property and were asked to leave... 

But they were too cute to even care and we totally rolled with it. :) 

After exploring the downtown, we headed to James' mom's property - a lovely quiet acreage surrounded by gravel roads and cornfields.

With the most beautiful evening light! 

Seeing as James grew up on a farm, it was only appropriate that we incorporated some machinery, right? 

The day was picturesque, the light was lovely, and these two were so sweet. I could've stayed in that sunset forever. 

Christy and James, I really have no words. I love you both SO much and I'm so honored to be sharing your day with you in this way. Thanks for following me around and listening to all of my crazy ideas and constant chatter. I'm so excited for your wedding day, but even more thrilled that you finally get to spend the rest of your lives together! Love you both!