Grant & Rachel are getting married in less than a month here in central Virginia, and we couldn't be more happy we were able to squeeze in an engagement session with them beforehand. The thing they wanted most to remember were the special places that they spent so much of their relationship together: Downtown Lynchburg and the James River. We hiked with them across the downtown and onto Percival’s Island, and they ever went wading in the river, all dressed up, at the end of the night! Which may or may not have ended in a splashing competition. We'll let you decide who won.

Their families have known each other for a long time and neither Grant nor Rachel can actually remember meeting the other. They spent time together as friends in middle school, and the more they were together, the more they liked each other. Grant eventually worked up the courage to ask her out. They went on one date, but then Rachel moved to Montana and Grant went off to school at Word of Life. Still, they kept in touch, and over the course of many fortunate (and unfortunate) events, they both eventually moved back home.

Grant was convinced that Rachel had friend-zoned him, but he tried one more time. She agreed. She gave him three dates to see what would happen, but he only needed two to win her heart over.

In February, Grant staged an elaborate proposal on the Blue Ridge Parkway with help from a few of his friends. She said yes, and they immediately dived into planning their wedding for September of this year. We’re counting down the days! And we’re so glad they took the time to meet us in downtown Lynchburg for this dreamy summertime session!