Last week, I was able to spend some time with one of my newest 2021 couples, Rachel + Andrew! We snuck away to Canton Garden Center as well as the McKinley Monument for their engagement session! I had so much fun talking with them, and also catching up with Evette, Rachel’s sweet mother! Funny story: Rachel’s mom and dad came into Quaker Memorial Day weekend and I served them some wings and beer! After talking with each other, they told me their daughter was getting married next year and they needed a photographer! A week late we were in their dining room, talking plans and chatting up all the dreams for their Brookside Farms wedding next March!

Rachel and Andrew met through a mutual friend in college. They hit it off after one night at a friend;s trivia night, and kept in contact even though they were 3 hours apart!
Andrew went all out for taking Rachel on their first official date, as he planned a whole tour of their city! Rachel tole me that he made a cute travel brochure describing the sites they would see and what they would be doing! How crazy cute is that?!

I asked each of them what made them know that they wanted to spend their life with one another, and each one’s answer melted my heart.

Rachel said, “I knew Andrew was the one for me after a few months of dating when we went on our first trip together. On our way back, I realized how much fun I had with him (even with the most boring tasks). I felt that he understood me in a way no one else did and our personalities meshed so well. A day after I realized this, he told me he loved me. Over the years, we’ve only grown closer. He’s always there for me and is truly an incredible man.”

Andrew said, “I knew Rachel was the one due to the growth I experienced with her. Earlier on in the relationship, I was immature and childish (like many guys are), but with her I saw myself grow up into a better person. She was right there by my side through it all, and without her I’m not sure I would be where I am today. As I grew, I felt myself grow much closer to her. My life stopped revolving around just me and what worked for me. It became much more about what we needed to do to achieve a life together that we both wanted and worked for both of us. Now, I can’t imagine my world without her and I thank God everyday that I have her.”

Rachel and Andrew said that when they’re not rewatching The Office for the 100th time, they love to go on adventures! Whether it’s hiking around nearby or taking a spontaneous road trip, it’s always fun to experience new things and make new memories together. 

They both agreed that the detail they are most looking forward to for their wedding day, is committing themselves to each other surrounded by their friends and family. Rachel said cake and dancing is a plus and they can’t wait to celebrate their journey together.