Molly has a way with words. And because she is so gifted at writing, I’m going to switch things up a bit for today’s post + let her tell the story of how she + Matt met, fell in love, + got engaged : ) She sent this to me in one of our first email exchanges + I immediately knew I had one gem of a human being on my hands. So open, gentle, graceful, + loving. We have completely adored every minute we have spent with these two + I’m so excited to share our favorites from their recent engagement session in Milwaukee with you! Enjoy! But first — their story : )

“It all started with an ugly Christmas sweater. Let’s throw it back to 2009, shall we? My best pal + I had just treated ourselves to a girl’s night out at the Nutcracker ballet in downtown Milwaukee as Christmas presents to each other. While the sugarplum fairies were done dancing for the night, we were all dressed up + ready for a night on the town, catching up + shoulder dancing (my signature move). A quick taxi ride later, we found ourselves sitting in booth, in a bar, with no idea that the night would leave me laughing until my stomach ached + wearing a tall, dark, handsome man’s santa hat to complete my outfit.

Matt stood at the bar wearing an ensemble that, on his 6’5” stature, commanded the room. He had hosted his office’s ugly Christmas sweater party earlier that day + was wearing the winning outfit: his mother’s old black turtleneck wool sweater (three sizes too small), that was adorned with a large, 3-dimensional Santa face on the front—an angry, “you’ve been naughty” kind of Santa face, to be clear.  All this topped off with a fluffy Santa hat + a whole lot of jolly.

At one point we caught each other’s eye. Before I knew it, Matt + friends had joined our booth, + we laughed + matched each other’s level of goofball into the wee hours of bar-close.

Six years later, Matt + I are still weaving our love story + discovering in each other what makes our love so rich + steadfast. Our love is grade-A cuddles, quirk, kindness, + respect. It’s continuous love notes in precarious places, superfluous goofing-off no matter the location, being master sweat-pant-wearing-couch-potatoes on a rainy afternoon, + utter nerds together. Matt’s unfailing patience grounds me, + my wit challenges him. His thoughtfulness + virtue take my breath away on the daily. We’ve supported each other through career changes, going back to school, buying our first Milwaukee “love nest,” + one hell of a DIY bathroom renovation [read: grout, sweat, + tears].

On November 15th 2015, Matt + I were up visiting family in my hometown of Oshkosh, WI. Matt kept insisting that we make the short drive to Stoneybridge Stables, the stable where my old childhood show horse lived, to pay a visit to my first love, Marty. Matt knew that the barn was one of my favorite places on earth, a place that gave me solace, the best of friends, priceless family memories, + made dreams come true as I was growing up. After Marty got doted on by us, given an ample helping of apples and carrots, + tucked back away into his stall, I turned to find Matt down on one knee. Matt began with “this is a place that holds some of your happiest memories, + today I wanted to make one more.” I said “YES!” + celebratory alfalfa (for Marty) + champagne followed. I cannot wait for a lifetime filled with moments like that.”

Her ring is gorgeous, isn’t it!?!?

Love these of you, Molly <3

Lake Park provides so many great options for engagement photos!! Paired with a beautiful couple + I’m convinced it doesn’t get much better than this!! : )

This second location was also AMAZING!! Molly did such a good job at choosing spots for their session : )

A FAVORITE : )

You two <3