It was pretty much love at first sight... or something like that. Going into college I was really focused on getting good grades, making new friends, and growing deeper in my relationship with the Lord... a man was the last thing I was looking for. I would always hear the girls on my floor talk about this super cute boy named Brady, but never really entertained the conversation. Brady and i had a few "accidental" run-ins on campus, but again, I never thought much of it. After awhile, I think my roommate, Skylar, started to catch on because she would always encourage me to invite him to hangout with us. Finally, I took her advice and invited him to Skylar's birthday dinner and bowling with us. It was that evening that I really paid attention to Brady and got to know him. I just remember walking away from that night thinking "this boy is so genuine and such a gentleman... and DANG cute". From there things just kind of kicked off. I've always been one that kind of enjoyed the chase. Tara certainly made me chase.. I first saw her at an alumni lunch before school actually kicked off. I couldn't believe my eyes, she was so beautiful. I almost had the courage to go talk to her then, but ended up opting out. Our first encounter happened in the chapel. I was already seated when I looked back and saw her with her friend. I motioned for her to come sit by me, but was abruptly shut down with a hand gesture. That one hit me pretty hard. However, I didn't give up and managed to talk to her a couple of times after that encounter. She then asked me to come to her friends birthday party where we spent a lot of time together. The rest is history...

We had a photoshoot planned with Ali & Co. (She's amazing by the way, highly recommend). Brady's two roommates came along with us to baby sit our puppy that we wanted in a few shots. We got to Springfield lake and started shooting near the lake and in this wooded area. After awhile we went back to this cabin for our outfit change. Brady's friends stayed at the cabin to "use the restroom" and Brady and I went with Ali and her assistant to this bluff that overlooks part of the lake. When we got to the bluff we took a few shots before we were told to turn our backs to each other for some shots. So naturally Ali said, "Okay, on the count of three just turn around and look at each other." 1..2..3... and I turned around. Much to my surprise, Brady was on one knee with tears in his eyes asking me to marry him. Of course, I said YES. He even had his friends meet my parents and his parents to bring them up to the bluff, so they were there to see it happen. The whole thing was really special. That is how we got here today and we couldn't be happier!!!