John and Lauren {Alexandria, MN Engagement-Lake Brophy Park}

This is a super meaningful engagement session for us because of the two sweethearts it involves.
John was a best friend to my brothers through high school and beyond which translated to basically being another big brother to me! As we all grew up he became a friend to both Brandon and myself and we have been impatiently awaiting the day he’d find that special girl and sweep her off her feet.
Enter: Lauren

John and Lauren are ADORABLE. There really isn’t a better way to describe them! They are so much fun and super sweet together as they banter back and forth. They have an ease to their conversation and are beyond excited to start their lives together as husband and wife.

The day came, John was ready to propose and he set his plan into action. It started off by leaving work early. As the clock ticked closer to his departure he finished up his work, some of his co workers knew his plan for the day and were brimming with excitement. Just as he prepared to head out the door, Lauren walks in!
Assuming John would be working for at least another hour, Lauren had popped in to say a quick “Hi” since she had just arrived in town.
Everyone did their best to cover their surprise and act as normally as possible. Lauren said she noticed one of the gals who was usually friendly seemed to be VERY busy with something…but Lauren didn’t think twice about it. 🙂 She left shortly and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
John made his escape and rushed home. The plan was to set up a picnic at their favorite park. A friend had asked them to walk their dog and it worked perfectly into the plan without seeming suspicious. They’d take their own dog and a friend’s dog for a walk at the park and just “happen” upon this special picnic. It was so fitting.
John loaded the picnic supplies into his truck, having thought ahead he packed things that wouldn’t melt in the heat. He drove out to Lake Brophy County Park and hustled out to the special location.
Now, I have to interrupt this story to explain that the “special location” is WAYYYYY out in the park. I mean, this is no short jaunt. And John is not only running out to it but he’s got his arms FULL of stuff. In hindsight, a little cart would have been a helpful idea I’m sure 🙂 But when it’s for love, you don’t really care, do you? Okay, back to the story.
He spreads out the picnic supplies, setting up this sweet little moment and praying no one would happen upon it while he was gone. He ran back to his vehicle and drove home to get dressed and get Lauren.
They arrived to the park with the dogs and headed off on their walk (I can only imagine John’s nerves as he tried to pretend this was a walk just like any other day). They neared the area with the picnic and John did his best to steer Lauren towards it…it was off the beaten path a bit. He finally got her to head in the right direction and they arrived at the picnic. The moment had come.
There, in their favorite park, in a very sweet, romantic gesture, John got down on one knee and asked Lauren to marry him.
Obviously, she said “YES”! 🙂

It was so much fun to head back to the park and photograph these two lovebirds. We didn’t make it all the way down to the special picnic spot (which was good as it started raining at the end!) but we got to photograph these two in a place that has held so many memories for them.
We are so thrilled for you, John and Lauren. We are so excited for your September wedding and for all the beautiful years of marriage ahead! Congratulations!