The morning of Sophie and Zach’s engagement session, we were among the first guests to arrive at Longwood Gardens. The forecast called for a few inches of snow but our plans weren’t thrown off course. We walked up to the warm greenhouses admiring the gardens and aged trees covered in a fresh blanket of snow.

Sophie is one of my closest friends so it was such a treat to take pictures of her engagement session with Zach. The usual crowds were sparse due to the weather. We were so happy to have most of the greenhouse to ourselves for pictures.

Sophie and Zach met like many couples do nowadays, on an online dating app.  Sophie was reluctant to even create a profile, but an encouraging friend motivated her to give it a try. When she found Zach, there were so many similarities right away. He had a love for Jesus, running and dogs–definitely some of Sophie’s favorite things! The app was quickly deleted once they started talking. They were already planning their first meet up. If you know either of them, you can probably guess what they chose to do. Yes, running. And not just a jog. A 6 mile run.

One of Sophie’s “must have’s” in a future husband was for him to not only enjoy running but for him to push her to be better. Sophie is a wonderful, kind and very selfless person. Not only does Zach help her with her running, most importantly he shows Sophie her own value and loves her unconditionally. It makes my heart happy to see my best friend loved so well.

Less than a year later, Zach planned a special Saturday morning run that would change everything. As they were slowing down and getting close to their starting point, Sophie noticed someone in the parking lot. She thought huh, they had a dog and flowers but it was possibly a coincidence. As they got closer, she realized it was Zach’s sister! She held a bouquet of flowers in one hand and Sophie’s beloved Corgi, Leroy in the other. Zach knelt down to retrieve the engagement ring tied to his collar and popped the question. She obviously said yes!!

Taking pictures of these two at Longwood Gardens was surreal. I know Sophie and I have been praying for her future husband and it’s so cool to see them together. Sophie is full of smiles and peace when she’s around him. Zach in turn dotes over her and looks after her with such care. Their pictures were of course adorable because these two are head over heals for one another.

They are celebrating their marriage with an intimate destination wedding in North Carolina. I cannot wait!!