What do you get when you mix amazing architecture with a love story? Probably Melissa & Doug’s engagement session with photographer David Abel. When we saw this session come across our desk, we were smitten with the beauty of it all! Take a look, and listen to their story …

How did you meet?

It was a Wednesday night. We met each other on our first date at Toast New American Gastropub, a restaurant that was a happy in between from where we each lived, after we had been messaging one another for two weeks. Thankfully, we looked liked we did in our photos! We sat at a table for two at the window, and the date went well enough that we each ordered a second drink. At the end of the night, Doug asked for my number and said that we should do this again. And we did. Best decision ever.

Tell us about the proposal!

After an adventurous kayaking excursion on the James River, we went to a place where we could enjoy the view of the river from afar vs. from within. Upper Shirley Vineyards.

We sat on their back porch with lunch and a bottle of Blanc de Blanc and relaxed…for only a little while. Soon we were walking around the entire property (in 97 degree heat) and ended up in the vineyards, just the two of us. I was ahead by a few steps, asked to turn around, and saw Doug on one knee, with a ring in hand. I screamed. I cried. I smiled. I said yes!

And soon I experienced all those same emotions again when our celebratory dinner turned into surprise engagement celebrations with the best party guests ever!

Soon, we’ll wed and celebrate our marriage at the place of the proposal, three years from the day of our first date!

Photography: David Abel Weddings | Submitted via: Matchology

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