This is one where I truly don’t know where to begin because I don’t think what I can say will do them justice. Scott and I traveled to Virgina for Lara and Tyler’s Downtown Alexandria Engagment Session over Memorial Day Weekend. Scott and Tyler have been best friends since college so we were really looking forward to seeing them!
Lara and Tyler have been together a little over 10 years now. They were high school sweethearts, went through the awkward stages together of high school dating and have made it through college at separate universities, two cruise ship contracts for Lara’s acting career, multiple marathon training seasons, Ty studying countless hours for his architecture exams, a semester of study abroad and more. Needless to say, they’ve been through everything together.
Tyler was Scott’s college roommate and absolute best friend. They did EVERYTHING together in college. Cross Country and Track, both architecture majors, lived together, had all the same classes and went abroad to Copenhagen together. So actually, I met Ty the same day I met Scott! Instantly, the three of us became great friends, traveling to 10 countries together! It’s crazy how much you can learn about someone in such a short amount of time when you travel with them. And I learned so much about Ty. The first and foremost that he was dating Lara for (6 years at the time). We heard him skyping often, popped in to say hi and meet her via video chat a few times and knew that it was something real. Besides that, Ty was an awesome friend, a terrible dancer [sorry Ty, Scott beats ya there with the moonwalk + I’m no better! Just kidding, kinda.] and an all around amazing person. He has a huge heart, and we all crossed out fingers that Lara was just as awesome!
When we returned to the US, it was a while until I got to meet Lara. It was at her performance in Grease that we finally got to meet [She was Sandy!] and her performance brought tears to my eyes. Honestly, she was freakin’ INCREDIBLE I drove home with her and realized that she had just a big of heart as Ty. Just truly, she’s a beautiful person inside and out.
For years we all busted Ty about when he was going to propose to Lara and he ALWAYS dismissed the question. He obviously knew he was going to, he just wanted to do it on his own time. So, after waiting 9 years you really have to go all out and what Lara thought was just a trip to NY to see Wicked on Broadway turned into Ty proposing ON THE FREAKIN’ STAGE. If you don’t know them, this is super fitting because Lara is a triple threat actress, singer and dancer. So Broadway is kinda her jam.
So anyway, back to the session. It was incredible finally getting to see the two of them interacting together at this engagement session. It was magical. There is just such a strong and deep level of love, comfort and appreciation that they share for each other. When I told Lara to whisper in Ty’s ear one reason she loved him I saw tears start to fall down her face. And then of course I too started crying when I was editing them!
We started the session strolling the streets of Alexandria, the beautiful historic homes, the cobblestone streets, the brick alleyways and the gorgeous wood doors. We then went down to the water to the boat docks as it started to rain. Any other person would be discouraged by the rain but I’m so thankful Lara and Tyler embraced it and braved it with me! I love the boat shots!! So without further ado..
If only every town had historic charm like this one!
Love these wrought iron steps!!
This Winnie the Pooh shot gets me every.single.time.
Love this front porch!! AHH!
These cobblestone streets, all the feels.
Love this one!! So cute!
Clearly it had started raining at this point.. we were all soaked!
Love all these boat shots!!
Oh. my. gosh.
This is the one that made me cry! SO MUCH LOVE.
AH! This is the sweetest!
Scott making everyone laugh! =)
ANDDDD YESSSSSS.
Favorite. Done.
I’m a little better putting my feelings down on paper than I am speaking them out loud sometimes but Lara and Ty, it is so apparent how deep your love runs for each other and I’m so happy for both of you that you found your true love when you were back in high school. I know with my whole heart that you’re going to have such a beautiful life together and I’m so excited to be a part of your journey. We cannot wait for your wedding this December at the Hemingway House in Key West! It’s going to be a BLAST! Love you guys, and I hope you enjoy these pictures that represent such a special chapter in your lives.
comments +