From the Photographers
There are engagement sessions that feel like a checklist of pretty backdrops, and then there are sessions like Skylar & Ryan's, where the location becomes a character in the love story itself. Morris Arboretum gave us an entire playground to work with: a woven willow tunnel that felt like stepping into a storybook, a swinging rope bridge tucked into the trees, and a miniature garden railway that had both of us grinning like kids as toy trains rolled past our feet. Ryan's cowboy hat and pink trousers brought a playful, unapologetic confidence that perfectly matched Skylar's warm, easy laughter, and somewhere between the rose-covered trellises and a very unexpected dinosaur sculpture, it became clear that this couple doesn't take themselves too seriously; they just take each other seriously. That's the kind of energy that makes for incredible photos. Every stop along the path gave us something new: quiet, forehead-to-forehead moments under that cowboy hat, barefoot walks down cobblestone paths with her shoes dangling from his hand, and genuine, can't-stop-smiling joy that no amount of posing could fake. We left Morris Arboretum already counting down the days until their wedding.
How they Met & The Proposal
The two met on Bumble, and their proposal story is the kind that gives you butterflies just hearing it. They were on a cruise docked in Bermuda, Skylar off kayaking with her mom and uncle while Ryan explored shops near the port. He said when he saw the ring, he just knew that was the one, and didn't even hesitate to get it. He proposed less than an hour later. Skylar had no idea it was going to happen right then.
Best part of being Engaged + Some Advice
When we asked what they've loved most about being engaged, they lit up talking about wedding planning itself. They've loved sitting down at night and just scrolling through Pinterest and finding new ideas, having planned so far in advance that they have time to truly do what they want without too much added pressure. Their advice for other couples? If it's one you like, try to choose a venue that has in house catering, drinks, and bar staff. And beyond that: it's about you. If you like something, do it, and don't put too much credence on what everyone else thinks or what the current trends are. At the end of the day, it's your day, and the process shouldn't feel like pulling teeth. They were honest about money being tight too, especially with Skylar still in school, but they believe some things are worth spending a little more on, because once the day is done, it's done. For them, photography was something they were willing to spend more on to make sure they got exactly what they were looking for.
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