Stephen and Kelly met me at the Manassas Battlefields in the wee hours in the morning last week. Already battling with the rush hour, we were fortunate to catch the sun rising just in time! I remember our first meeting together and how excited I was to photograph them. Now after photographing their engagement portraits, I am even more excited for their wedding day at the beautiful Khimaira Farm next summer! They glow with happiness no matter the photo I’m guiding them through. Whether it is a soft and calm moment or fun, their love is envious and evident. Manassas Battlefields has a special place in their heart. Not only is it the very place where Stephen asked for Kelly’s hand in marriage, but it is a place where their families have built memories over the years. As we were walking around the property, we ran across this incredible tree. With the lighting glowing through the leaves, I HAD to ask if they would be willing to climb it. I can be crazy at times but it was too good to resist asking. They were up for anything and made it happen! Ended up being one of my favorite photos from this session. 🙂 Well, I have MANY favorites!!! You’ll see for yourself!
Stephen & Kelly’s Love Story
from Kelly’s perspective
Stephen and my “love story” I guess you could say, started way back when we were kids. Through mutual friends we hung out often and soon realized there was something more to us. We shared each of our first kiss at a mere 13 years old. Soon thereafter the schooling districts changed and we grew apart at cross-town high schools. Years later while I was still in college and Stephen in the Army, we crossed paths again…and caught up on lost time. When Stephen returned home for the holidays, it was as though we never lost touch and nothing had changed. It was well worth the long-distance phone calls and late-night Skype dates from here in Virginia to Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX.
A year later after we began dating he proposed (after getting my Dad’s permission of course <3 ) at a spot very near and dear to my heart. My family spent many Sunday mornings at Battery Heights in the Manassas Battlefields walking our dogs and enjoying nature. Some of my greatest memories as a little girl were there with all of my family together. Knowing this, Stephen prepared a lunch for us and my pup, Dewey. After the lunch and before our walk under our favorite tree, he popped the question with a ring he had hand-picked stones for and designed himself uniquely for me. Just when I thought those years as little kids could never be greater, life was instantly filled with more purpose and excitement. In less than a year we’ll be married, and the first boy I ever kissed will be the last man I’ll ever kiss as well <3
Thank you Stephen and Kelly for waking up super early to make this session happen! Your happiness is so obvious and sweet in these photos! Cannot wait for your big day next summer! xoxo!
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