Sometimes you meet people and think, woah –  how are we not besties?! These two are incredible, I absolutely enjoyed getting to know them both as we explored beautiful Mount Baldy located in the Los Angeles Forest together. They are world travelers with kind hearts, they hustle and pursue their passions and best of all – they do it side by side. It’s so rewarding to meet such amazing humans! Some of my favorite details? The custom engagement ring with lots of history and love, the picnic near a stream with their favorite beer from Eric’s brewery (Route 30 Brewing Co) and Alex’ custom powder blue dress made by her mom!! These two are perfection. <3

Words from Alex below!

How did you meet?

We met in math class in high school. He was a senior and I was a junior. He says I first caught his eye because he thought I was beautiful, but that he realized he really liked me when he would make a witty joke/comment and without missing a beat I would give one right back. He asked me out three times before I said yes. Needless to say, we didn’t do very well in that math class. (But I’m an A student otherwise! lol.)

We started dating my senior year of high school but broke up for three years when I went off to college. We started dating again summer of 2012 when I returned from studying abroad in Italy, and the rest is history!

What is your proposal story?

Eric’s mother had always wanted to go to Hawaii but never had the opportunity. She was supposed to go with a friend in 2017 but had to cancel due to unforeseen financial reasons. Eric and I decided we wanted to save up enough money to take her, so we reached out to his sister and brother-in-law and we all started saving for a trip. We surprised her on her birthday and told her we were taking her.

Last October we flew to Hawaii (first to Oahu, then to Kauai). Eric’s mom told me she wanted a nice family photo in Waimea Canyon so we all got dressed up. The original plan was to go to the Kalalau Lookout, but we had seen a small lookout point facing a giant waterfall in the canyon a few days before so we got out of the car to take photos. That’s when Eric got down on one knee and recited a beautiful speech that had everyone crying before he popped the question.

Apparently, his mom, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew had all worked together to find the location and help him plan the proposal. And they kept it a surprise! It was definitely a memorable and magical moment that I’ll treasure forever.

Why did you choose your engagement location and what do you love about it?

We don’t have any special memories at Mt. Baldy in particular but we love the outdoor forest/field vibe. Plus, we love exploring new places together so this is an opportunity to capture that!

What is your most valuable piece of advice you can share with future couples planning their engagement session?

My most valuable advice is to focus on effective communication, as this process has required a lot of planning and collaboration due to the weather!

What is your favorite thing about being engaged?

I like that we get to call each other “fiancé” which has finally made people treat our relationship with the legitimacy that I’ve long felt it deserves. But my favorite part about it is when Eric comes home, wraps his arms around me, and says “I can’t wait for you to be my wife.” 🙂

Congrats again Alex & Eric, can’t wait for your wedding next year!!

xo,

V

Hair: Ariel Dillick IG: @hair.by.ariel.anne / Makeup: Alyssa Marie IG: @alyss_beauty

Jewelry: Tekin Brothers Jewelers IG @tekinbrothersjewelers