The theme for this blog post is definitely surprise. Technically, Kat and Allen had already had engagement photos too! Not to mention when Kat and Allen finalized plans with me for this shoot, they were also finalizing plans to ship off to Las Vegas and elope. Shortly thereafter, I was at the airport heading for Utah when my phone pinged and I read an email from Allen saying “Were you just at security in RDU?” Blinking I wrote back, “Yeah! I didn’t realize you guys were leaving now!” Within minutes, they were on the plane and off to forever. Surprise!
At the beginning of our session a few weeks later, I learned that before he and Kat met online, Allen had basically quit cold turkey on dating for a year. Luckily, he dove in the sea of fishes, and surprise! Kat was his first date and his last first date. “We just hit it off,” He said. Their first night out was bowling and Maggiano's for some sophisticated fun.
Kat is funny and easy-going, Allen is thoughtful and kind. A match made in heaven, right? Right! So Allen bought a ring and one night, he headed to her home to propose. He was so nervous. The ring box was shaking a little in his hand. And not only was he preparing for one of the biggest moments of their lives, but Kat ended up getting home later than usual. Surprise! And speaking of…think of the surprise it was to Kat!
Half-jokingly, she laughed, “I was barely in the door, when he pulled out the ring!” “Did you cry?” I asked--because, really, how wonderfully overwhelming that must have been.
“Well, yeah!” Kat exclaimed and held Allen a little closer.
A year from now, Kat and Allen are holding a wedding ceremony for their nearest and dearest, so while they’re technically more than engaged now, they’re still happily centered in the glow of their new lives together and the promise of the years ahead, and as always, my only (un)solicited advice is this: Choose your love, love your choice.
