Ashley + Brenden met when he moved back to Michigan after living in Connecticut for two years post graduation at Alma College. Ashley had moved back to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan after graduating from Northern Michigan University. Soon their journeys would collide and the rest would become history.
Brenden had invited Ashley to his family cottage where he had prepared a homemade Chicken Parmesan meal (YUM!) After getting out all of the nerves, they had quickly became close through chatting all night together, sipping on wine and watching HGTV.
About four years later, Brenden had completely surprised Ashley with a proposal. She came home from work on a regular Monday and on her table was wine, a sweet note, and roses placed in a beer bottle that they had previously brewed themselves. This was a normal occurrence to the two so Ashley didn’t think anything of it. The note had read, “We’ve both been waiting to start this new chapter together, get ready because we have dinner reservations at St. Elmo’s tonight.” For a second, Ashley had thought Brenden was in the apartment hiding somewhere but not long after…he showed up with a ring as he walked right in. They soaked in all the excitement with family and friends as they made their way to dinner!
I am so happy to finally get Ashley + Brenden in front of the camera! I remember when she had inquired, I was SO excited because we had been following each other for the longest time over on Instagram. Needless to say, it was so exciting to finally meet her in person, seriously so sweet and gorgeous!
We strolled the botanical gardens during their session, there were thunderstorms just around the corner but that didn’t stop this indoor session. We even had some time to explore a little bit outside and I am SO happy we did (because let’s be honest, it gets so hot in the gardens), we needed that cool windy air the storm was bringing in. I am so looking forward to Ashley + Brenden’s classy wedding at the Tullymore Golf Resort this October!
Seriously, Ashley is so so so pretty!! I cannot wait to see her all dolled up on her big day because she’s going to make one gorgeous bride!
A sweet fact about Ashley’s engagement ring, the stone is from Brenden’s aunt / godmother’s ring!
Ashley’s laugh is seriously so pretty!
These two can nail the serious faces and I am here for it! They are SO photogenic!
The Hoppy Gnome has been a key importance in their relationship so I thought, why not take Ashley + Brenden there to end their session? As we waited on the drinks, I heard all about their Fort Wayne trip (and their love for Marquee’s carrot cake)
Absolutely gorgeous couple photographed in an awesome setting by an exceptionally talented photographer! I can’t wait for the wedding which will be exquisite! These two have it altogether 🙂