I love getting the chance to connect with an entire family through the wedding process! I first met Katie because I photographed her sister Ansleigh’s engagement and wedding last year! Besides getting to know Katie at the wedding, I also met Nick, and about a week later, I saw that Nick popped the question, and that these two were engaged! I am absolutely thrilled for them, and so excited that we were able to hang out again – this time to take their engagement photos!

I adore that Katie wanted a different style of session than her sister, and we met up right at sunset to capture some glitzy photos of her & Nick stopping traffic on 14th Street! The subtle glow of light between the buildings and the gleam of the cars’ headlights made for a very cool & romantic setting! And, we ended after dark at the Jackson Street Bridge with the lights of the Atlanta skyline sparkling against the night sky! It was a very cool, unique session, and a special thanks goes to Amanda of Amanda Olivia Photography for assisting and helping with the lighting for this shoot! I couldn’t have done this without you! And lastly, I’m excited that Nick & Katie are sharing their love story with us as well, so keep reading! 🙂

“We met in high school and were high school sweethearts. But, he was a senior and I was a freshman. As you can imagine we were just in different places in our lives. Eventually, the age difference caught up with us and things ended. We never lost contact over the next ten years and always kept up with each other. Even though we both dated other people during that time, we never truly forgot our first love. As the saying goes, there is no love like the first. In late summer 2015, after many years we were both single at the same time. So, we decided to go on our second “first date”. From that point on we were inseparable and it was as if nothing had changed over the last ten years. We decided that we never wanted to be without each other again. And, through our rekindled love we were blessed with our beautiful daughter, Lana. I guess we are lucky because even though we were each other’s first love we are also each other’s last.”

“The number one thing I love about Nick is what an amazing dad he is to our daughter. I also adore his love and compassion for animals. His quick wit always keeps me laughing! He is very charming and has been since I met him. He is very affectionate and protective of me and Lana. I admire that he’s such a hard worker and provides for us. I love how he shares all of my unusual interests. For example: Like how our wedding vows will be from a movie by Tim Burton. I love that music is a big part of Nick’s life. It’s his true passion. He’s an extremely talented drummer — Our mini family concerts at night with Nick playing and Lana dancing are a highlight of mine! But, most important of all he is my best friend and I value our friendship just as much as our romantic love. He is my partner in life and my equal in everything. And, with him I feel I am complete. He’s the Jack to my Sally.”

“The thing I love most about Kaitlyn is her ability to make the best out of any situation and the fact that she always wears a smile. I love her beauty, her kindness and her joyful laughter.

I love what an amazing mother she has become and what a wonderful role model she is to our daughter. Over the years, though we went separate ways after high school, my love for her never vanished. We kept in touch throughout the years, and I always held onto hope that one day, our paths would cross again. Though it’s cliche to say, “people who were meant to be together will always find their way back to each other” She truly brings the best out in me.”

“Nick got in touch with our photographer friend, Demetrius and had him help plan the perfect proposal. He had Demetrius reach out to me and asked if we could do a Fall family photo shoot for his portfolio. Of course I said yes! We decided to take the pictures on Halloween since it is my (Katie) favorite holiday. We went to the Botanical Gardens and started taking pictures a little before sunset. Halfway through the session Demetrius told me to “pose” looking the other way so Nick could get down on one knee, and when I turned around there he was with the ring! Once I said YES! My mom, my sister, and my best friend Ansley came out from hiding and made it all that more special to share the moment with them! Nick planned my dream proposal and had all the perfect details — It was on Halloween, he had a photographer present to capture the moment, and our daughter was there most of all! Fairytales do come true.

For it is plain, as anyone can see. We’re simply meant to be.”

Congrats, Katie & Nick! I’m so, so happy for you guys!