Y’all, I’ve been wanting to go to New York City at Christmas for years. It all started the morning I watched Miracle on 34th Street for the first time as a child. Obviously once you watch the movie you realize that the most miraculous things happen in NYC at Christmas, so when I heard the story of how Ryan asked Rachel to marry him, well, it was perfection. Like myself, Rachel & Ryan had been talking about going to visit New York City together for years. Last Christmas, while Rachel & her family were vacationing in the Big Apple, Ryan flew up to surprise Rachel with the time together in the City that they’d been dreaming about. Then, to top it off, on a stroll through Central Park he asked her to marry him! How magical is that? You did good, Ryan!

Once we started talking about locations for their Engagement session – something natural with a city vibe – I knew Piedmont Park was our ticket. Just about as close as we’re gonna get in Atlanta to Central Park (a nod to where they were engaged), it fit the bill. And to add icing to the cake, we continued our time with a stroll down Peachtree and wine on the patio at Intermezzo. As the rain rolled in, the resulting photos reminded me of the streets of Paris in the rain. *swoon*

Rachel & Ryan, y’all are just too cute for words. And, the way you care for one another is so refreshing. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your story with me. I hope these images will always bring back special memories of your Engagement time together. I’m excited to capture your wedding next May!

Fun fact about Rachel & Ryan – She’s in school at USC and he’s at UGA. Sorry, Ryan, but I’ve gotta root for my home state on this one — go Gamecocks 😉

Rachel, like Ryan said – you’re going to be one gorgeous bride!

Don’t Rachel & Ryan have the cutest smiles?

After a few more around Piedmont Park, we headed into the city as a romantic rain began to fall…

Doesn’t it feel like we could be in a café in Paris? Oh la la…

Rainy nights are so romantic…

Congratulations again, Rachel & Ryan! Friends & family, feel free to leave them some love in the comments below! Happy Thursday!