Monica and Christian had quite an adventurous engagement session! Starting in beautiful downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia Monica and Christian showed me around their new home town. After living in Northern Virginia for a few years, these two just purchased their first home in Harrisonburg! We started our session at the courthouse where they obtained their marriage license. From there we explored the side streets of downtown.

Next stop was the absolutely stunning Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. The Arboretum, a woodland sanctuary on the James Madison University campus, is a public urban garden and forested greenspace that preserves native plant species, provides opportunities for research, and promotes knowledge of the botanical and natural world for people of all ages.

Our final stop was the breathtaking Raven’s Roost Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Overlook offers views of Torrey Ridge and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. To the left a path heads from the overlook to a broad rock ledge which is a typical raven’s roost. Ravens and buzzards are frequently seen from this point. At the base of the ridge are the ruins of the old Torrey iron furnace, significant until after the 1880s.

HOW THEY MET:

Monica and Christian met up the same day they matched on Tinder. They had both been in the dating pool for a while and were ready to find that special someone. While living in Arlington at the time, they met up at the Buffalo Wild Wings for drinks. The two immediately hit it off and talked for hours. Three months into dating they told each other they loved each other and knew it was meant to be.

HOW THE PROPOSAL WENT DOWN:

Christian proposed in Key West, FL. Christian’s parents loved Key West and actually got married there, so it was special that is where he chose to propose. The morning of, Christian ordered room service breakfast on their balcony. It was a gorgeous day and from the balcony they could see the pool, the marina, and the ocean. Next thing Monica knew, Christian got down on one knee and proposed right there! They spent the rest of the day drinking by the pool and basking in the sun!

MONICA’S FAVORITE THING ABOUT CHRISTIAN:

“He is so handsome, funny, smart, and genuine. He always treats me like a queen.”

CHRISTIAN’S FAVORITE THING ABOUT MONICA:

“She is caring, thoughtful, cute, and loving.”