Flashing ya back today, friends!
To my Freshman year of college. Wow, I was a child. Seventeen years old, and loving my time at Illinois Central College.
I was a part of two of the choirs through the school, and besides my Photography and Graphic Design classes, majority of my friends came from choir.
Well one day I remember being on Facebook, and receiving an invitation to a party from a girl I had seen around in the halls but had never officially met. That girl was Courtney, and little did I know at that time that she and I about one year later would become forever friends.
Courtney and I ended up both transferring to Illinois State University our Junior year of college, and throughout those four years of school, we had endless adventures together. Taco Bell dates, so many sleepovers, heart to hearts, hour long phone calls, seeing theater productions together, going to New York together, seeing Hamilton the Musical together…the list goes on and on.
BUT although I would love for this blog post to be about mine and Courtney’s love story, it’s not. It’s about Courtney and Mike’s perfect, beautiful love story.
I remember one specific evening, sophomore year. We were going on a Taco Bell run, and Courtney was telling me about Mike. This guy she used to date in high school, and how they were starting to talk again.
Welllll friends! I’m here to tell you the story of Courtney and Mike! Get the popcorn + the tissues (you’ll need them)! Here it is:
Mike + Courtney met in high school back in 2010 when they were in band together, but didn’t *really* know each other.
The following year they stood by each other in marching band, still not knowing one another, but Courtney liked his laugh, so she told her friend about Mike’s laugh and that she wouldn’t mind if he asked her to homecoming ((hint hint)). So a few weeks after that, she had a date to homecoming, and a few weeks after THAT, they were dating!
BUT.!!! PLOT TWIST.
Feelings faded and they called their relationship off ((insert sobbing emoji here)).
BUT STICK WITH ME, THIS HAS A HAPPY ENDING, I PROMISE!
Mike was smart and persisted because they weren’t over each other (even though they didn’t tell one another that). So they remained “friends” for the following four years texting, and the occasional hangout, until October 17, 2015.
Mike and Courtney went to the Illinois State University band competition, and at the end of the night he looked at Courtney and said three words that changed it all:
“One more time.”
She said yes, and that was the beginning to their happily ever after.
These two have gone through it all throughout their relationship, but each challenge has just brought them closer together.
From living hours away from one another in college, to post-college internships in different states, to finally settling down into their careers and living in the same city at last.
Two and a half years later in August of this past year, Mike knelt down on one knee in Zion National Park, and asked Courtney to be his wife.
Okay ARE YOU CRYING YET??? because I am!!!
These two mean so much to me, and WOW I cannot wait to capture their perfect day in just four and a half months!!
Shortly after their engagement, not only was I asked to be a bridesmaid in my dear Courtney’s wedding, but she asked me to be her photographer as well! I’ll never be able to form into words how truly honored, humbled, and ecstatic I was and am to take two of my favorite roles on in one day.
We did a mini session at the Morton Pumpkin Festival, and had the best little date which consisted of ice cream, pumpkins, slushies, and so much laughter.
We did a second engagement session at Tawny Oaks Park, and the golden hour sun was RADIATING!
These two. Their love is just so forgiving, so loving, so kind, so adventurous, so life-filled, and so picture perfect. Wait, nah. Better than that! They’re Pinterest-perfect. Throughout their entire relationship I always gave them a hashtag: #PinterestPowerCouple because they oftentimes make crafts and bake recipes off of Pinterest. And they all always turn out PERFECT.
So here’s to my favorite Pinterest couple! I cannot wait to stand by your side and photograph everything about your day so SOON. It has been an honor to be your friend and watch this beautiful love of yours grow and blossom through the years.
Now June 1st, get here already, so I can post this couple all over my Pinterest.
xoxo
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