As an educator, it is a common statement made that our students truly become like our own children. We spend countless hours with them each day, helping them grow and learn so many things about life and their chosen paths in education and who they are and going to be- and this girl is absolutely one of the best. She was in just about every class I taught, and she was one of my most involved FFA officers as well so add in the extra-curricular time and the hours become countless. She feels like my own daughter in so many ways as I've seen her grow so much since we met over 6 years ago! While Brody was definitely one of my strong and silent type students, I can say I can not imagine a better guy for Dei. They truly admire each other and support each other, qualities that are written all over their faces when they are together.

Fast forward to now, and as a photographer I can't believe that our paths are joining once again! As their teacher I got to see them start their journey to discover who they were as a person, and I can't believe that I get to photograph the start of their journey to discover who they are as one! When Dei and I discussed their vision for their engagement photos I could tell they were so excited to get started with the whole process because they wanted to book their first session right away - even though it was zero degrees out!! Brody was leaving for the start of his military career so we quickly got a session set up in Quincy IL to capture their first days as an engaged couple and they turned out to be so dreamy - even though we were all literally shaking the entire time! Three minutes out taking photos, then three minutes in the car thawing out our faces and fingers. Repeat ten times. I will say though, they made my job super easy as they did not stop smiling at each other the entire time! {Their winter session is at the bottom of this blog post!} Now, fast forward through Brody's intense beginning stages of his military journey and they show up at a beautiful park for their summer session and it did not disappoint! I can't wait to see them again on their big day, it's going to be the most enchanting, romantic wedding ever! Take a look at not only their beautiful "enchanted summer" session, but some of my favorites from their winter session as well!

Their winter session, though the temperature was at least -20 degrees, was such a great start to their wedding journey! Check them out below!