A Sunny Garden of the Gods Engagement Session

We ventured up to Garden of the Gods in Herod, IL with these two sweethearts on the MOST beautiful winter day for their engagement session!! AHH!! Watching Shiloh & Lee snuggle on the edge of the world was magical.  They shared the sweetest giggles the entire time and were oh so full of LOVE! We are #obsessed!!  Read more about Shiloh & Lee below!

How did you meet?

“I was passing through Atlanta on the way to Savannah, GA to visit a friend and her parents. Lee and I had never taken dating apps seriously but both just happened to be on the same one at the same time as I passed through and we matched! We began talking through social media and planned to meet in Nashville one weekend a couple of months later!” – Shiloh

What was your first date?

“We met at the Flying Saucer in Nashville and had a great lunch. We immediately discovered we had a LOT in common and laughter came easily. We walked to the Johnny Cash museum and had a drink afterwards at a rooftop bar. Upon leaving, Lee got stuck in the parking lot due to his card not reading in the payment machine. This was the first phone call: Lee asking for money! Haha!! We texted each other on the way home and both of us couldn’t wait to see each other again!”

Do you have a favorite date you’ve ever been on together?

“The second date which was in Chattanooga. We really got to know each other and were able to see just how compatible we were. We even discovered we both put pepper in our ketchup! We went to Ruby Falls and explored the cave underground. Shiloh is claustrophobic and when on the elevator going down, Lee talked to her to distract her from the tight space. This was the first time she felt safe with him.”

When did you get engaged?

July 2nd, 2020

How did he propose?

“We had a vacation to Colorado planned during my birthday week in July. We wanted to hike to the top of Pike’s peak, and about a month before the trip, I knew that would be the perfect moment to propose to the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with! After a couple of days in Colorado, we quickly realized the top of pike’s peak was pretty crowded with tourists/hikers and I knew that I didn’t want to propose in front of a bunch of strangers.

The day before the planned pike’s peak hike, we explored another mountain known as Indian Peak Wilderness. I wasn’t sure if this location would provide the right setting but I packed the ring in my backpack just in case!

About 10 minutes into our hike, we stumbled upon a beautiful lake with snow covered mountains in the backdrop. There weren’t many other hikers so we were by ourselves. And that’s when I knew that THIS was our spot! 

After all other hikers had passed by, we set our phone up and took pictures together in front of the lake. Before anyone else could make their way through our path, I told Shiloh I wanted to take some pictures of only her by the water. I made her turn away from me and moved her around a bit to get her in the perfect spot, and that’s when I switched from picture to video without her knowing and made my way back to her side.

Although I had a list of things I wanted to say for the last month, I decided none of that mattered in this moment. It was just her and I and all I wanted was for her to know how much I loved her. So I kept it short and sweet, got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.

After she said yes, I went to get the ring out of the box and she hugged me before I could do so. So, as I hugged her, I was holding the ring between my thumb and index finger, while standing over a bridge over running water. I’ve never held onto anything tighter in my entire life!” – Lee

What are your favorite activities to do together?

“We enjoy hiking, playing with our dogs, exploring new cities, new food, shooting, and board games. We also have fun little silly games we play at home like marshmallow fights, and rating each other on how good our re-enactments from movie scenes are!”

What’s your favorite animal?

“We both love dogs and Lee is also obsessed with moose! Haha”

For the bride: What are three things you love about your groom?

“I love his smile-that was what first attracted me to him! I love that he’s chivalrous-he’s always putting me first. He’s my protector. 

And I love that he is constantly trying to keep me laughing! We always have fun, whatever we’re doing!”

For the groom: What are three things you love about your bride?

“I love her kind, giving heart, her love for her family and friends and her trifle. DEFINITELY the trifle!”

Do you have any pets together?

“We have FOUR dogs!!! (2 each) Oldest to youngest: -Millie (4) Dutch Shepherd Lab mix -Juniper “Juni” (2) Pembroke Welsh Corgi -Fenway (5 months) (again with the Red Sox) German Shorthaired Pointer -Wiley (3 months) Pembroke Welsh Corgi”

What’s something you are both passionate about?

“Helping others and being kind.”

Advice for other couples who are prepping for their engagement session?

“Trust your photographers! If you have questions, ask! Bret and Brandie are so helpful with everything even down to the outfits to wear!”