Alexa and Dino first met in the winter of 2009 at a tennis formal for the University of Minnesota where they both attended. Dino, originally from Croatia, had been recruited by U of M to play for their tennis team. Even though Alexa was not on a team, she’s always open to trying new things and meeting new people so she attended the formal with a friend. To get the formal started, they used a fun little ice breaker to give everyone a chance to meet someone and get to know them. Each person was given a celebrity’s name and the goal was to find the other person who had your celebrity’s significant other. For Alexa, she was Heidi Klum and Dino was her Seal. They found each other and learned they had way more in common than a celebrity love match.

Soon after the formal they started dating. They enjoyed doing everything together. Whether they were eating sushi, going to comedy shows, or just working out; they loved being with each other. After graduation the two moved to New York City to start a life together there. And it was in their cozy New York City apartment where Dino proposed. Alexa still remembers it like it was yesterday, “It was April of 2014 and Dino made me a lovely dinner in our apartment. After dinner, he gave me this ornate book full of photos of us and messages of our journey together. Each page expressing his love for me. At this point, I still had no idea what was happening, I just loved the book so much! Then he brought out our favorite dessert and there was the box with a ring inside of it! I was so surprised! I loved how romantic and intimate it was.”

Between planning a wedding, moving from New York to Boston (Dino was just accepted to Harvard!!), and visiting Dino’s family in Europe, these two made a stop in Northeast Wisconsin for their Engagement Session! For our shoot, we explored the beautiful spots found alongside the Fox River at sunset in the city of De Pere. We walked up and down the trail, across the bridge, along the boardwalk and even checked out the adorable little Locktender’s House right on the water! Dino brought along his guitar because he is an incredible musician and serenaded us while we made gorgeous images. I loved everything about our session and I cannot wait for their Spring Wedding at the Botanical Garden next year!!

Huge thank you to Karly Cullen for Alexa’s hair and make-up and Apricot Lane Boutique for Alexa’s beautiful white dress!