These posts are typically fairly difficult to write. Pre-engagement session, we might email back and forth with a client a few times, learn more about them via social media, and then spend an hour or so chatting as we finally take their photos. It can be difficult to learn enough about them to eloquently tell their story when it comes time to blog. That’s not at all the case with this bride, however. I’ve known Marissa her entire existence. Yeah, she’s my little sister. And you know what? This post is still difficult to write! How do you articulate twenty-seven years of love, friendship, struggles, and successes into one short blog post? I don’t even know. I guess too much knowledge is just as difficult as not enough!

As a family, we were so excited when Marissa met Paul. He’s intelligent, kind…and patient enough to put up with Marissa’s crazy. Just kidding! (Maybe). But in all seriousness, they are two of the best people I know. Marissa is a nurse. Paul has an engineering degree and is currently serving our country in the United States Army. Their dedication and willingness to serve others is immeasurable.

Marissa and Paul just got engaged in July, and are planning the cutest backyard wedding next weekend! It’s been a whirlwind of planning, but we are all very excited to officially welcome Paul into the family. It’s been difficult to find time for engagement photos with Paul living down south the last few months. I’m so glad we were able to squeeze in this quick apple orchard engagement session! Beautiful setting, glowy evening light, and a couple that literally cannot take a bad photo… it was a photographer’s dream. And just wonderful to see my little sister so completely happy and in love with her best friend.

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[Flowers from Stems Market; dress from lulus.com.]