Choosing a Cavalier Hotel engagement session is oh so romantic!

And even more fun is the fact that Julie and Ray snuck over to the beach afterwards to share a bottle of their favorite wine.

This is the culmination of a lifetime of love, and I am so honored to be the photographer.

Julie and Ray have a love story that crosses the years, and they are finally tying the knot.

Hooray!

Get to know these two lovebirds and a bit more about their love story.

Cavalier Hotel Engagement Session

How you two meet?

I started working at an awning company in May 1997 and Ray was hired in February 1998. He said he knew from our very first meeting that there was just something about me.

What did you do on your first date?

Our first official date was dinner at Steinhilber’s Restaurant almost a year after we met in February 1999.

What are some of your favorite things to do together?

We like to work out together, go for bike rides, and visit new places.

We’re also just as happy staying home cuddling on the couch or sitting on our back porch swing watching all the birds that gather around our five different bird feeders.

When did you know he was the one?

Ray claims he knew I was the one from very early on, but I had to take a different route to find out that he was the one for me.

We started dating in 1998 and after about 3 years, we went our separate ways, by my choice.

We ran into each other by chance almost 10 years later while I was in a failing marriage.

Ray had waited through those 10 years because he always knew in his heart that we were meant to be together.

We reconnected in 2011 and he has shown me what unconditional love really is.

He waited for me and I have known for the last 8 years that we would be married and spend the rest of our lives together.

Tell Us Your Proposal Story?

Our proposal story takes place on the 20th anniversary of our first kiss, November 3, 2018.

Ray planned for us to have an extended weekend getaway.

It started at Longwood University in Farmville, VA.

This was where he graduated from college so he has many fond memories of his time spent there and wanted me to have fond memories there as well.

We were going to spend a day there and then head over to Charlottesville, VA for two days. While I thought we were just casually walking around campus, Ray took me to the Colonnades where the trees were so pretty and yellow and the sunlight was just starting to dim.

He turned to me and took my hands and told me that he had known for 20 years that I was the one for him.

He got down on one knee and asked me to marry me. Of course I said YES!

He had even planned ahead and had a fraternity brother standing by to capture the moment.

If you had to pick a word for your relationship, what would it be?

Timeless, Everlasting, Resilient – how can I pick just one?

What are three dreams/goals for your marriage?

1. Continue to be each other’s best friend

2. Explore new places and try new things together

3. Always love unconditionally

~ Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.

Walking down that aisle to my best friend knowing that from that day on, our journey to each other will be complete and the next chapter will begin!