Laura and Mark met in Southern California in December of 2013 on a blind date. Things were different with their relationship right from the start. They immediately felt this openness and connection neither of them had ever experienced before. On their third date, they attended a Christmas Party in Los Angeles together and even though they talked with so many people, they loved getting lost in each other the most. By date five, they each knew they had found “the one.” As they sipped coffee at the local coffeeshop, It’s A Grind, they expressed their deep feeling for one another and started on the journey of growing closer together with each passing day.

Mark would take Laura on trips back to his hometown of Greendale, Wisconsin. They would explore Scout Lake and soon it became “their place.” A wooden bench tucked in the trees became “their bench” where they would sit for hours and take silly photos. It was at this very spot, “their spot,” that Mark proposed on the 4th of July 2016. Mark planned every little detail and I love how he explains it.

“Once at ‘our bench,’ I set the phone up across the path, propped up by a stick, with my backpack right alongside. One picture… ‘snap!’ Second picture… ‘click!’ Now it was time for the third photo, only this time I changed the phone setting to ‘Video.’ After slyly removing the ring from my backpack, I made sure the phone was actually recording. Without Laura noticing, I grabbed the ring box, turned around and made my approach to the bench. Instead of sitting next to her in preparation for another ‘click,’ I got down on one knee, opened the box and asked her to marry me. Everything was perfect with the exception of me getting lost in the moment and having to be gently reminded to actually place the ring on her finger. She said yes and couldn’t stop crying!”

It was only fitting that we returned to “their spot,” Scout Lake, for their Engagement Session. Laura and Mark flew from California and I made the drive down on the most perfect spring day. A gentle breeze greeted us as we arrived and the sound of frogs croaking in the distance grew as the sun continued to set. Twirling, dancing, piggy back rides – everything about this session was so much fun. When you spend time with Laura and Mark, your mood is instantly elevated. They radiate joy and love wherever they go. I cannot wait to return to Greendale this July for their beautiful summer wedding.

This is the same shirt Mark wore on his first date with Laura!

Laura and Mark’s adorable cat, Simba, passed away this year but we still wanted to incorporate him in the shoot. They brought his favorite blanket and his collar. From one cat person to another, I totally understand!

The same bench where they got engaged last year! We even found the same stick that Mark used to prop up the camera!