If you have a chance to marry someone that looks at you the way Chandler looks at Tara, the do it. 100x over!

I had the amazing privilege of photographing this couple's surprise engagement. It was an experience I was humbled to have and will never forget. There are a few key times as a photographer that you realize "This is It." This is why I do what I do. And this was one of those times. 

My husband and I met Chandler when he was just an awkward Freshmen in High School. We were youth workers at the time and had the pleasure of seeing him grow up. Never would I have imagined the man he would grow up to be. He continued to grow spiritually and emotionally throughout the rest of high school and into his college years. That's where Tara came in. In 2017 they were set up on a blind date at a campus church conference. The date almost didn't happen, but as God tends to do, he showed up in the final hour and everything fell into place. They talked for hours over marshmallows and realized really quickly that this was something special. Over the next six months they stayed in touch long distance-Chandler living in SC and Tara living in Florida. After about six months and a few more dates Chandler asked Tara to be his girlfriend.

When Chandler first brought Tara over to our house, I knew. The giddiness and love literally oozed out of them. I remember thinking, "Well that's that!" Chandler being the amazing man he is knew right away that they needed help and guidance in this relationship to do it God's way. He reached out to Bryan and I to spend time with them whenever she was in town. I fell in love with Tara and could see why Chandler was so crazy about her. She had a smile that could fill a whole room and a gentle spirit about her that was infectious. I remember the first time they came over. They stayed not only for lunch but long enough to have dinner as well. Now, maybe they just needed to save on a meal-, but I think they truly understood the concept of family and wanted to learn how to build that for themselves. Our girls adored Tara and everything about them just felt right. 

Fast forward to June of 2019. After a year and a half of long distance dating, Chandler took the leap to move to Florida. We weren't surprised when we got the call a few weeks later that he was planning to propose. Naturally we prepared for a trip down and got the camera ready!

Tara's reactions that day were priceless. So surprised and so in love. I feel so honored to have been part of such a special thing. 

One of the most amazing things about Chandler + Tara is their completely pure relationship. In a culture that values "do what feels good" and deny yourself nothing, they wake up every morning putting God first. Their first kiss will be on their wedding day and that is something worthy of respect. What an amazing foundation they are building on. 

I hope you enjoyed their story and all of these images from that day!