Okay, this one’s gonna hit you right in the feels. 💍✨

Chey thought she was just showing up for a sweet little photoshoot with their pet (who’s getting older - cue the tears already). Mitch said he wanted to capture some memories. Innocent enough, right?

What Chey didn’t know was that Mitch had a whole plan up his sleeve - complete with a surprise proposal. That’s right. In the middle of a cozy, sentimental shoot with their beloved pet, Mitch dropped to one knee and turned a simple session into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Spoiler alert: She said yes! ❤️

But wait - there’s more!

Fast forward to Part Two of their engagement adventure: the LA County Fair. This shoot was all about fun, laughter, and full-on arcade chaos. These two weren’t afraid to let their playful sides shine. They rode the ferris wheel, won giant Pikachu (which was 100% on their bucket list), and lived out their carnival dreams. It was cute, chaotic, and perfectly them.

From a surprise tearjerker to cotton candy, fair lights, and stuffed animal victories - Chey and Mitch’s engagement story is proof that love can be both emotional and epic fun.

These two? Total goals.

Meet Carina and Darren, two adventure-loving weirdos who bonded over climbing holds and friendly competition. After 13+ years of climbing under their belts, they met at a climbing gym in Madison, WI - and it was game on from there. With a shared love for the outdoors, travel, and the occasional wine tasting, these two are the perfect match despite their opposites-attract tastes.

They’ve been calling sunny San Diego home since 2020, along with their adorable dog, Maple Donut (or just Maple for short). Maple’s basically the third musketeer on their many outdoor adventures.

The proposal? Oh, it’s epic. Darren popped the question on top of a Hawaiian peak at sunrise during their 5th anniversary trip in July 2024. Picture this: breathtaking views, the soft glow of dawn, and two souls ready to climb the next big peak together - marriage.

Carina is currently transitioning from her time in the USMC into a faculty role at a local college, while Darren’s busy crushing code as a senior software developer from their home office. Together, they balance the chaos and calm of life beautifully - with a whole lot of laughter and love.

What makes their love story so special? Their “go with the flow” vibes, their passion for climbing, and that sweet competitive spark that keeps things exciting. Two happy weirdos who found their forever climbing partner - and we’re here for it.

Here’s to many more climbs, travels, and game nights for Carina, Darren, and Maple!

First of all - congratulations! You just got engaged, and this is one of the most exciting moments of your life. But after the initial wave of emotions settles, you might be wondering… what now? Here’s a guide to help you soak it all in and take the next steps.

1.  Take It All In

Before diving into wedding planning, pause. Breathe. Look at your partner and let it sink in. This moment is yours - celebrate it in whatever way feels right. Pop some champagne, have a quiet dinner, or just spend time together reminiscing about your journey.

---

2. Share the News (Your Way)

Not everyone wants to do the classic ring selfie, and that’s okay. Decide how you want to share your engagement - whether it’s a private call to loved ones, a heartfelt Instagram post, or a full-blown engagement party. Just remember: tell your inner circle before posting online.

---

3. Get Your Ring Insured

Not the most romantic step, but absolutely necessary. Look into jewelry insurance or add it to your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Better safe than sorry.

---

4. Start Talking About Your Vision

Before jumping into bookings, have a conversation with your partner about what kind of wedding you both want. Intimate backyard wedding? Grand ballroom affair? Destination elopement? Align your vision before family opinions start rolling in.

---

5. Set a Budget

Money talk isn’t fun, but it’s crucial. Sit down together and decide on a realistic budget. In the U.S., the average wedding costs around $30,000, but that number varies widely depending on location and guest count. Prioritize what matters most - whether it’s photography, food, or the perfect venue.

---

6. Choose a Rough Date

You don’t need to set a specific day right away, but having a general timeframe (spring 2026? Next fall?) helps guide your planning. If you have your heart set on a popular venue, vendor or season, booking early is key.

---

7. Research Marriage License Requirements

Every U.S. state has different laws about marriage licenses, waiting periods, and required documents. Check your state’s requirements early so you don’t run into surprises down the road.

---

8. Plan an Engagement Session

An engagement session isn’t just about getting great photos - it's about celebrating your love story at this moment. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get some professional photos done together, capturing this stage of your life, and also to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Pick a location that means something to you, whether it’s your favorite coffee shop, the city where you met, or an epic landscape that matches your vibe.

---

9. Build Your Vendor Dream Team

Photographers, videographers, planners, florists - the best ones book fast, sometimes over a year in advance. If you have must-have vendors, reach out early to secure your date.

---

10. Enjoy This Season

Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but don’t let it consume you. Make time for date nights, spontaneous trips, and just being engaged. This is a once-in-a-lifetime season - soak it in.

---

What NOT to Do

• Don’t rush into planning. Give yourself time to enjoy yourself before making big decisions.

• Don’t feel pressured. Family and friends will have opinions, but this is YOUR wedding.

• Don’t compare. Social media can make you feel like your wedding has to be extravagant - focus on what’s meaningful to you.

Planning a wedding is a journey, and photography is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your love story deserves to be told in a way that’s real, raw, and authentically you. Let’s capture this season of your life - reach out to book your engagement session or inquiry about your wedding date today!

---

Ready to Capture Your Engagement Story?

We believe your love story deserves to be told in the most authentic way possible. Let’s ditch the awkward poses and create something real, raw, and uniquely you.

📖 Want more wedding planning tips? Get our FREE Ultimate Guide to Documentary Wedding Photography! Download Here