They met at their freshman orientation just after arriving upon campus at Wheatland College, and though Clarke maybe wanted to ignore his mama’s well-meaning hinting… Lauren Hawthorne really was someone he couldn’t help but admire. Not only was she beautiful and genuinely kind to every person she came into contact with, they quickly found they shared so much in common. Both history majors, they instantly clicked and quickly became friends.

Built first in a solid friendship, Clarke & Lauren’s relationship slowly but surely morphed into something more… something neither of them could deny.

Clarke knew Lauren was the girl he wanted to marry and so the perfect plan was set into motion. He enlisted Lauren’s family to all get ready for a “free family portrait session” Lauren’s dad had “won.” When the photographer was “running late,” Lauren’s sister suggested they go take some photos off on their own as sisters to kill time. Little did Lauren know what she was being led into as she walked towards the photo spot her sister had in mind. As they approached, she said “I don’t know if we should go any further… it looks like that guy off in the distance is about to propose.” followed shortly by a “Wait that looks like Clarke…” and before she knew it, she realized it WAS Clarke and she ran up to greet him all the way from Chicago. He shared with her all he admired about her, then got down on one knew and asked her to be his wife… the easiest question she’s ever been asked!

Clarke & Lauren, I am thrilled to be your wedding photographer and seriously loved hanging out for your engagement session! Thank you for traveling in from Chicago for this and just for being so fun and filled with joy! I cannot wait for your July Cairnwood Estate wedding! But for now, enjoy a few of my favorites from your engagement session. :) Xoxo