It was while they were both attending Penn State that they first saw each other, on the course of a 5K mud run in support of wounded warriors hosted by the ROTC. Charissa committed to do it with her sister on a whim, but while running through the course she climbed up to the top of one of the walls, looked down, and noticed a “tall and attractive” marine standing below taking pictures as he helped supervise the event. She called down to him and asked him to take her picture high up on the wall, which she later claimed was her best attempt at getting his attention. ;) Later he posted the photos on facebook and their mutual friend tagged Charissa in the picture he’d taken of her, which prompted Ian to friend-request this cute curly blonde haired girl, but left the matter at that as his upcoming Marine Corps training was sure to keep him busy that summer.

It wasn’t until the fall when they were back at school beginning the new semester that they both happened to attend an on-campus church for college students the same night, by chance. Charissa immediately noticed this “tall and attractive” marine, knowing she remembered him from somewhere. Something clicked in her brain later as she recalled his familiar face, and that night she boldly messaged Ian on facebook, the first time they talked since their short exchange that day at the mud run.

They met up officially the following Sunday for church, then attended the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Penn State together later that fall, and from that moment on, haven’t stopped learning and caring for each other. Ian proposed on December 31st at Longwood Gardens before they joined their friends and family for a party to celebrate and look forward to both the New Year and their new lifetime together to come.

Ian + Charissa! Oh goodness, I can’t wait for July 5th!! I know it is going to be truly amazing!! I feel so honored to be your wedding photographer and to capture this sweet season for you! Enjoy a few of my favorites from your engagement session and hurry July! Xoxo!