It was the beginning of eighth grade that they first met in those awkward preteen years. Charlie noticed her and thought she was cute, and Micka felt the same of him. And so they “dated,” for a few weeks, yet hardly talked like most fleeting middle school relationships go. ;) Although they eventually left those middle school halls behind and moved on to high school, their friendship carried through and they again began dating their junior year, this time “for real.”

Together for nearly a decade, Charlie and Micka’s love and appreciation for each other has only grown with time and remained true through life’s adventures. It was late on Christmas Eve, that Micka pulled into her driveway to see twinkling lights adorning the trellis, lighting a path that led her winding through her backyard with little notes to guide her way. Unsuspectingly thinking it was just Charlie’s romantic presentation of her Christmas present, the notes finally brought her to several trees lit up in the back corner of the yard. Knowing this was the finale, Micka looked around her backyard until hers eyes met those of the man she loves, stepping out from hiding to greet her with the sweet grin she fell in love with so many years before spread wide across his face. He walked confidently to her, took her hand in his, and asked her the words she’d played so often in her head and dreamed of answering yes to… “Micka, will you marry me?” And it was there she was given the best Christmas gift of all… the sparkliest diamond ring and a forever promise from a man she couldn’t imagine life without.

Charlie + Micka are so sweet together and I loved documenting the decade long love that they share! I so loving strolling Longwood Gardens on a misty rainy evening with them and felt like we were somewhere in Europe… the colors were so soft and the scenery and landscaping is just so beautiful and romantic! Enjoy my favorites from our time together and get excited to see these two again in May! Xoxo