Whether at Menkveld Farm or Natchez Trace, one thing is for sure: Laura and Dakota are picture perfect and look so in love! They hit up Sara Bill Photography for their sweet & serene engagement session that included strolling through the lavender fields and posing on the parkway of the outdoor atmospheres; ending the session with a glowing sunset. The more images we see, the more we fall in love. Keep on scrolling to see why we adore these two and their photos!
How did you get engaged? Tell us about your proposal.
Laura: Dakota proposed to me at Cheekwood during their Christmas light event. We had talked for a while about getting engaged, but I had no idea how exactly he had planned on doing it. When we got to Cheekwood, Dakota started acting so nervous and quiet that I knew something had to be up. We walked around for a long time, and I kept getting anxious. When we got to the candy cane lights, there was a path that was clear of people. Before I realized Dakota wasn’t right beside me anymore, I felt this tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw him start to kneel down. We were both so nervous and excited that I’m pretty sure all that came out of our mouths was a jumble of words! Im guessing he asked me to marry him, and I know I said yes, but I’m honestly not even sure if I was speaking English or gibberish or what at that point…. all I know is that It was hilarious and awkward and just perfect!
Who have you hired for your wedding team so far?
Laura: Sara Bill was the only person we hired for our original wedding that we ended up asking to help us with our elopment!
What’s your wedding style?
Laura: Well, adventurous is what it ended up being considering we flew out to Wyoming and planned everything else pretty quickly.
What aspect of being engaged has surprised you the most?
Laura: Nothing really changes! I hope that doesn’t sound boring, but I was always so worried (I think we both were) that getting engaged or getting married would be this huge thing that would end up making us freak out. Honestly, it has been the easiest and most seamless experience of my life! My partner is still my partner, and there were no freak outs at all. I think when you are with the person you are supposed to be with, it’s just that easy.
What have you most enjoyed about being engaged?
Laura: I think the excitement leading up to the big day and just thinking about the future. You actually get to start thinking about building a life with someone and what that might look like. It’s a lot of fun, and I loved/love every minute of it!
Tell us about your engagement session. Where did it take place?
Laura: It went so much better than I thought it would. I’m the queen of being awkward, but Sara made us feel so at ease! We went to the Menkveld Lavender Farm and Natchez Trace.
What was it like working with your photographer?
Laura: Sara was very easy to work with. She put us both at ease, and we laughed the whole time. She gave us great direction and had us lean into the awkwardness, which actually helped!
What did you like most about the session?
Laura: I laughed the whole time!
Would you recommend the photographer and why?
Laura: Absolutely! She knows what she is doing and produces great work. She captures honest, candid moments that are so beautiful to get to experience time and time again.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with NBG readers?
Laura: I think the biggest piece of advice I have is to not get too wrapped up in the material parts of a wedding. The biggest thing that matters is that you get to be with your best friend for the rest of your life. Don’t let everything else get in the way; just have fun!
So romantic! Special thanks to Laura and Dakota for sharing their sweet & serene engagement session with us and to Sara Bill Photography for such amazing captures.
