SKY MEADOW STATE PARK | PARIS, VIRGINIA 

 

These two are amazing and just adore each other! The grace and love I’ve witnessed from them through emails and through our session, continues to blow me away. They are tackling wedding planning as an undivided team with their recent struggle that wedding venue they had already chosen and planned around, unfortunately had to decline their wedding. Something that would be devastating to so many couples, was merely a minor speedbump to them. They acknowledged that it was a bummer and then they were back to thinking positively about the big picture. Michele said to me as we walked towards their session location, that it didn’t matter to her where they get married, just as long as they are surrounded by friends and family.

Michele said that Hunter is thoughtful and sweet. He always makes her laugh and cheers her up if she’s had a rough day. She knows he will be by her side through thick and thin without even blinking an eye. She loves how great he is with his niece and is excited to see him transition into an amazing father one day. “He’s my best friend. I can tell him anything without worry of judgement. If I need advice, he is the first person I always turn to.”

“Even when I was sick last year, he came to the hospital to see me every day, no matter what. He decorated my hospital room for my birthday putting up balloons and wrapping paper on the door! With Hunter, his actions speak volumes about the kind of husband he will be!”

Michele wore this necklace that Hunter’s mom gave to her even before they were engaged. Hunter’s mom gave her the necklace and a card that read “Family is nature’s masterpiece…and we are so blessed to have you in ours” . . . Goodness gracious if that doesn’t pull on your heartstrings!!! What a beautiful and loving statement coming from your future mother in law. Michele said she’s worn this necklace every day since. Michele + Hunter went to high school together and were friends for a long time. Hunter had always had little secret crush on Michele. It wasn’t until they had both returned to their hometown on college break when Hunter was approached by one of Michele’s friends who boldly suggestion to him “Hey, why don’t you ask Michele on a date!?”

Michele is every bit as beautiful as she is kind; I’m positive Hunter didn’t even pause to second guess himself when he finally asked her on a date. 

This was my first session I have been nervous for in a long time! Sam and I have been a team since we started this business. He comes with me on every shoot and we share the reins on posing and directing couples to look their best together. Sam has also been my trusty “Scenic Wide Angle Guy” (he’s my s.w.a.g!) which is such a cool strength of his that adds value to the team. But between conflicting schedules and time constraints, I passed out the option to Hunter + Michele that I could shoot their Engagement session by myself on a spring date to or both of us on a later date in the summer. I am so happy they had faith in me because we had the BEST light and such a fun time together!

The Proposal was a complete surprise to Michele. Hunter had picked out the most beautiful and hand- designed Engagement Ring complete with her birthstone at the center for eye candy.  On January 1, 2016, he coordinated with his now Best Man and his girlfriend (who is also a bridesmaid!) on taking Michele up to Sky Meadows to pop the question. As a double date, the four of them hiked a short distance to the top. They had planned on taking a few cute pictures of each other as couples, so when it was Hunter and Michele’s turn to get in front of the camera, she didn’t suspect a thing!

Spending golden hour with these two was so much fun! They have such a laid back and friendly demeanor.  It felt like we had been friends a long time!  When they finally stepped in front of my camera, I barely had to tell them to do anything. They couldn’t get enough of each other – they’d kiss even before I’d prompt them to! Hunter would grab Michele in his arms and swing her around, genuinely cracking each other up. I was just clicking my shutter away watching them just be themselves! As soon as I’d turn my back to grab a different lens, they’d start doing something super cute and I’d have to spin around say “Wait that was perfect, do that again!!!” They made my job all too easy!

 

Hunter said that he knew he was in trouble early on in their relationship. They would say their goodbyes after going out and he would spend pretty much every minute thinking about when he would see her again. He said it speaks volumes that they can have just as much fun sitting at home watching the Food Network as they do when they go out Winery hopping. “Michele is kind, caring and she makes me smile every day whether she means to or not. She makes me want to do anything I can to make her happy.”

I honestly can’t say enough wonderful things about these two and I have only been around them for a few hours! 

Michele + Hunter, it is clear as day that you are both made for each other. Your happiness was genuinely contagious and you are going to rock the socks off of married life! Sam and I can’t wait until your wedding day!! 

 

Love,

The Tuckers