It’s been a looong time coming finally getting these cuties in front of my camera for their Divine Park engagement session! We had to reschedule a bunch of times because of the weather, so they deserved this beautifully sunny day! Melissa and Phil were giggling and having a blast from minute one of their session. I could just tell how easy their love feels, and how effortlessly they make one another so happy! We got to explore so much of the park and hit new spots I’ve never been to before heading over to the beach for sunset!
I loved getting to know Melissa and Phil even better and hear more about their wedding plans! I can’t wait to celebrate at Rock Island Lake Club with these cuties next April – it’s going to be such a blast!
Melissa and Phil met in college when she was a freshman and he was a senior. Oddly enough, they didn’t bump into each other on campus. Instead, they actually met through Tinder! One of the things Melissa loves most about how they met is their first date. She said, “He suggested taking me to a Starbucks near our campus. As a freshman stuck in her dorm with no car, I jumped on the opportunity to get out and explore the community! When he arrived to pick me up, he actually got out of his car, met me at my dorm, and gave me a soft forehead kiss upon meeting in person for the first time! I absolutely melted at his confidence but came to find out he was internally cringing at his own boldness. Kind of funny how two people can perceive a situation. Anyway, we got to Starbucks and subsequently talking and found out that we grew up one town away from each other. I also remember texting my friends about “this hot tinder guy I just met” and from the second he paid for my sugary mint hot chocolate, I was in love. That was five years ago and it’s been a great ride since then.”
Seeing their connection in person, I wasn’t at all surprised when she said, “We’re each other’s best friend – like, I’m not kidding. I literally cannot think of anyone else I would name my #1 best friend. We share goals, ideals, laughs, and dreams. We pride ourselves on being self-sufficient but also recognize when we need to relax and enjoy the moment. We love exploring new places and have a goal to visit each of the 50 states! We have a profound respect for nature and love embracing all things green when we can.”
Phil proposed to her at one of their favorite nature-esque museums, Storm King Art Center. She said it was beautiful, scenic, and personal – he found a secluded section of the park overlooking her favorite installation and proposed beneath the changing leaves of fall. How amazing?!
It was such a dream getting to hang with you two and celebrate this exciting time in your love story! I can’t wait until April when you get to officially tie the knot and say yes to forever with your best friend! Congratulations, love birds!!! xo
Can’t get enough of this Divine Park engagement session? Come check out this sweet maternity session from here!
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