Today’s engagement session is an absolute treat (especially if you love the bright colors, fun lights and excitement of the fair!!). When Betsy first suggested doing their engagement photos at the fair I could hardly contain my excitement! And, I knew the North Georgia State Fair would be a perfect setting to capture this adorable & fun couple!

I first met Betsy through my job as a House photographer during session for the Georgia House of Representatives. I loved her warm personality and the way she made me feel like a special part of the Media family from the start! And, I had the privilege of meeting Shawn during session as well, and I immediately loved them together as a couple. I adore the way they make each other laugh, and the way they support each other is both inspiring and heart-warming! We had such a blast exploring and eating fair food (and Betsy even won a prize at the water gun game – check out her excited reaction below!) See some of my favorites from our time together here and read on to discover how these two met and how Shawn proposed in Savannah!

How they Met – “We were set-up by our mutual friends, Anna and Chris, who thought we would hit it off. One night, Anna and Chris threw a small party at their house with the purpose of introducing us. We were partners in a game of Apples to Apples, which we won, and he got my number at the end of the night. A few days later, we had our first date, and not a day has gone by since that party that we haven’t spoken. We both knew right away that we were meant for one another.”

Betsy, what is it about Shawn that you love the most? – “I love Shawn’s big heart and how he always makes me feel so loved. He’s caring, thoughtful, empathetic, and he has the most kind and generous heart of any person I have ever met. I love knowing that he always has my back and how he never hesitates to help me when I am stressed or alleviate my load when I am working long hours. He supports and encourages me, and I love knowing that he is in my corner. I love that he has adopted my love of UGA football, and lastly, I love that he has become a ‘cat person’ and cares so much for our Todd and Lucy!”

Shawn, what is it about Betsy that you love the most? – “My favorite thing about Betsy is her loyalty and devotion to those she loves. Betsy is passionate about caring for and supporting me, her family, and her friends which is her most amazing quality. No matter what I’m going through she is always there for me and supporting me in the most encouraging and loving way. She really has helped me become the man I am today and I am a better person with her in my life. Betsy is also has an amazing sense of humor which is one of the things that drew me to her when we first played Apples to Apples. We laugh at the same things and share the same goofiness with one another which allowed me to be myself right from the moment I met her. She truly is my best friend and cannot wait to say ‘I do!’”

About the Proposal – “For months leading up to April, Betsy asked Shawn what they were going to do for her birthday. She repeatedly mentioned that she wanted to go to Savannah to celebrate. Shawn knew he was ready to pop the question and wanted it to be nothing short of amazing, but most importantly, he wanted it to be completely unexpected. He knew that if he told Betsy they were going to Savannah for her birthday that friends and family would start to speculate if Shawn would propose on the trip and start to ask questions. So Shawn originally told Betsy that he planned a dinner in Atlanta for her birthday and invited friends and family. Shawn had Betsy convinced that this was the plan up until Friday night when she got home from work. Friday evening, Shawn surprised Betsy by telling her she needed to pack a bag as soon as possible because we were leaving for Savannah for the weekend (P.S. Betsy hates surprises!). We packed our bags and left for Savannah and got to our beautiful, riverfront hotel late Friday night.” (continued below…)

About the Proposal (continued) – “The following day, April 8, was Betsy’s birthday, and we started the day with a nice brunch on the river. We had planned to do a trolley tour that day, so after brunch we hopped on the trolley. Shawn knew he wanted to propose in Forsyth Park, which happened to be one of the stops on the tour. However, when we got to the Forsyth Park stop, Betsy wanted to stay on the trolley tour and had no interest in getting off at the park. Shawn immediately thought his great plan was foiled. But a few stops and some live music later, Shawn persuaded Betsy to go back to Forsyth Park. We walked hand-in-hand through the park and talked about how great our day had been so far. We walked from one end of the park to the other, and as we approached the end of the park, Shawn knew it was time. He distracted Betsy so he could get the ring out of his pocket and said, ‘Hey what’s that?’ and pointed at a building across the street. When she turned around Shawn was down on one knee. Betsy was completely surprised by the proposal. Right after the proposal, a group of people who were hanging out at the park and saw the whole thing, ran over to us and gave us beers and toasted us.”

Congratulations, Betsy & Shawn! I’m so happy for you guys and can’t wait to capture your big day in May!