Cedar-rapids-engagement-photographer It was a gorgeous, though a bit windy, evening when I met with Brandon and Paige at Brandon's family farm for their engagement portraits.  We began the session with a very special addition to the photos, Paige's tractor.

Cedar-rapids-wedding-photographer Their engagement story features this tractor.

"We were traveling to go pick up a tractor I had just bought. I noticed his sister was extremely excited about this tractor, and I had no idea why because she isn't a tractor loving kind of girl. We bring the tractor back to his parents place and his sister and brother in law were both there, again I thought it was strange because it was just a tractor that needed some work done to it so it wasn't anything special looking. Well we went inside for a bit then decided to go unload the tractor. Brandon asks me to get on it and try starting it, which I did without hesitation (not my first time starting a tractor). He then asks if there was anything on the key so i looked down and pulled it out to observe it more closely not even wondering why he would ask such a random question and that's when I noticed a ring hanging from it with a purple ribbon. Me being totally oblivious had the quickest thought of "oh no did the guy we bought it from accidentally leave this ring on it" (Lol). Then after I quickly realized that my initial thought doesn't even make sense, I looked down and saw Brandon on one knee and he asked me to marry him! And come to find out his sister and brother in law were in on the gig because they were tasked with taking pictures and a video of the deal!! I was suppose to see the ring hanging from the key before I tried starting it but out of habit and bulky gloves I didn't even notice it was on there and I think that goes to show I was not expecting a proposal that day :)" -Paige

Iowa-wedding-photographer What a great engagement story!!

Midwest-wedding Iowa-engagement-photographer Paige and Brandon first met freshman year of high school.  Paige shared, " We met during our 9th grade science class (I know, cheesy right!). We both knew of each other before then just because we had been in the same middle school but we hadn’t actually talked with one another or even been in the same class until the 9th grade science class."

When asked if it was love at first sight, they answered, "Yes!" 

"For him, he said he had a crush on me since the 7th grade but never had the courage to say anything to me (Lol). Once we started dating he said he knew I was the one right off the bat. For me, I had unknowingly seen him a summer or two before at the Hawkeye Downs motocross races and I remember looking at him like he was the guy of my dreams haha I even remember going back to the bleachers and telling my mom that I hope to one day find someone like him!! When we started talking/ dating I told him I felt like that day I saw him at the race was foreshadowing or hinting where I would end up being." - Paige

What a beautiful love story!!

Iowa-engagement After Brandon's family farm, we headed over to Amana.  Such a gorgeous location for this beautiful couple!

Amana-engagement "Our first date we went to Applebee’s. We still go back there and say “there’s our booth!” He even remembers what I wore on the date, which I think is impressive." -Paige

Amana-colonies When asked when they knew this was the one, Paige shared, "I would say our love at first sight answer could come into this question too. For me, he sealed the deal I guess when I learned of his patience, kindnesses, and tremendous work ethic. Also, I just couldn’t see myself being with anyone else but him. For him, he says he always knew I was the one because I wasn’t like any other girls and when he's around me his heart feels "tingly" (Lol)."

Amana-iowa Iowa-love-story It was hard for them the pin down their favorite memory together.  "There are so many!! For me my favorite at this moment in our lives has to be his proposal! For him he says its a tie between our first ski trip to Colorado together (which is another favorite of mine) or our road trip to Memphis, TN." - Paige

They love to spend time together skiing in the winter and outdoors or on road trips in the warmer months.

Timeless-wedding-photography Authentic-wedding-photography "I love her character and determination" - Brandon

"I love his kindness and humor (and his eyes)!" - Paige

Engagement-portrait Destination-wedding-photographer Cedar-Rapids-engagement

It was such a beautiful evening, made even better by getting to know these two love birds more.  I cannot wait until their wedding next summer!!

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