Nathan, Mandi, and I met years back … I’m not even going to try to throw out a number because it’s only going to remind me how old I’m getting. 😉 HA! It’s hard to say exactly when we met because growing up in the same town, it could have been from school, family, friends, sports, etc. It has been fun running into them from time to time at weddings since the high school days. But what’s even more exciting is they are celebrating their very own wedding this fall!!! These two have known each other for a very long time, and it’s exciting to see them celebrate this anticipated engagement. <3
When we got together at my home office for our initial meeting months ago, I could have easily sat there for countless hours hanging out with them! Mandi is so down to earth and as sweet as can be while Nathan is laid back and easy going. We tossed different ideas for their engagement session, but when we talked about the Great Marsh Estate, we all got excited. 🙂 Mandi LOVES greenery and a good sunset view! So these “musts” along with the gorgeousness of the main house and property, as well as the venue located in our hometown, made this an obvious destination. 🙂 Months later, we met on a PERFECT spring day … Gosh, we got so lucky because this rain cloud has been hovering over top of Virginia for a WEEK … and Mandi wore the cutest spring dresses which made my photographer heart so happy! 🙂 We ran around the beautiful property finding ideal backdrops while catching up and enjoying the day out in nature! They are a darling and cute couple, and I love seeing Mandi so happy!!! Her smile is contagious!!! 🙂 I cannot wait to celebrate with them this fall!!!
Nathan & Mandi’s Love Story
How Nathan & Mandi Met
from Nathan’s perspective
Mandi and I met while we were in high school and I was even lucky enough to take her out on a few dates, though nothing too serious. I graduated and went on to college and we kept in touch the whole time. I was even the “college dude” that went back to high school prom with her…which my fraternity brothers have never let me live down. I must have impressed her at prom because she came to Virginia Tech for college with me. Blacksburg is where Mandi and I officially become boyfriend & girlfriend and as they say the rest is history. Mandi and I have been through many aspects of life together from high school to college to living in different states that have all brought us closer. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with this beautiful woman and share many more chapters of life together.
How Nathan Proposed to Mandi
from Mandi’s perspective
Nathan and I were in the OBX in November for the Southern Fried Half Marathon. It was my second year running this race with my best friend, Paige. We had agreed to make it a tradition every year as an excuse to go to the beach for the weekend and all hang out. This year our group grew to include more friends and my family. I was SO excited for a getaway weekend at my favorite place with my favorite people! Fast forward to me crossing the finish line (which is an amazing feeling in itself), I loved seeing the faces of Nathan and my family cheering me on. After my first half the year before, I distinctly remember telling both of our parents how I never wanted the memory of Nathan’s beaming face as I finished to fade. He was grinning ear to ear and looked so proud of me…and probably secretly surprised I actually ran 13.1miles lol. He’s always been my #1 fan and supported me in everything I’ve done. So after this year’s race, we all headed out on the beach to take pictures with our new medals. Looking back, I was definitely a wee bit grumpy due to being hangry and cold (and he still wanted to be my husband lol). I remember wondering why everyone had their phones out for our picture and then realized why when Nathan got down on one knee. I was truly surprised because even as social as Nathan is, I’d never thought he would propose in front of other people. Luckily, the noise of the ocean waves kept what he said between the two of us. Our proposal was so meaningful because he asked in one of our favorite places, even at the same milepost we had been going to for the past 5 years, and surrounded by friends and family (though missing a few). I can’t wait to stand in front of even more friends and family to marry my best friend on September 15th!
Thank you, Nathan and Mandi, for a beautiful session!!! It was nice getting together in our hometown for your engagement session. I cannot wait to photograph your wedding day this fall!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Congrats!!!
Credits:
Venue: Great Marsh Estate
Hair and Makeup by Yisell Santos
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