Let me just be honest…these two are amazing!!  Shawn & Stacy are the type of couple that you know are meant to be together the moment you meet them.  They just work perfectly.  They are just SO natural.  From the way he looks at her, to the way she speaks to him, to the way they just fit together effortlessly.  They also have this way about them that makes you want to be friends with them!  Then, to top it off, they are one good looking couple! Basically, I was squealing the entire way through their engagement session out at Upper Shirley Vineyard!

I met Stacy a couple years ago when she was a bridesmaid for another one of my brides.  Her kind heart and fun personality showed through right away!  Fast forward two years – Shawn proposes to her at King Family Vineyard!! I remember seeing that post on Facebook and I instantly said to my husband “I hope they become one of our couples”!  That might sound silly or crazy, but when you know great people who are so in love and genuinely happy, you want to share in that with them!  And, as a wedding photographer, you definitely want to be there to capture the best day of their lives!  So – duh – I wanted  them to join out little CGP family!

This session was the first time I got to hang out with the two of them and we had such a great time!  But, before I get to their pictures, I’m doing something different with these two, in order for you to know more about them & their love story!

How did you two meet?
Shawn and I have actually known each other since middle school!  He was a grade ahead, and had the biggest, sweetest, Justin Timberlake & Britney Spears in their denim days, crush on me.  In fact, he asked me to be his girlfriend!  My bridesmaid & soon to be sister-in-law, Krystle, was in a relationship too and was always talking to her boyfriend on the phone.  This was back before call waiting was a thing, and a girl gets tired of hearing that beeping busy line, so we split up.  That wasn’t the end of the road for Shawn & Stacy though!  We actually ended up going to the Thomas Dale Prom in the same group of friends.  Had I only known my husband was in that limo with me in 2005!  

How long have you two been together?
I waited 10 years for Shawn to realize he should have called me back, and that I was “the one” all along.  Circa 2015, I was living with my best friend, Leanne Ferry, in a two-bedroom loft on 20^th St in downtown Richmond. I had just recently rekindled old relationships with many friends who I had gone to high school with, and we never made dinner reservations for any less than 10 people. One day someone slipped Shawn an invite to dinner, and he came waltzing in. Shawn had just moved into a loft on 18^th street, just two blocks away. After quite a few friendly dates, we decided to be exclusive and I met the family! Almost three years later and I’ll be stealing his last name.

Shawn, what was your first impression of Stacy?
I will skip middle school first impression because I probably just thought she was “cool” and “pretty” and she had great hair…..  Three to four years ago when we re-connected, my impression of her what that she was a very fun, very loving person. One who also seemed to have it all together. She had a good head on her shoulders, good job, and had the same drive I feel like I have. She wants things in life, but isn’t afraid to work hard for it. Obviously, I thought she was beautiful, but it was the way she carried herself and the way she could have fun and laugh everywhere she went. That’s what drew me in.

Stacy, what do you love most about Shawn?
I love, and am thankful, that he is the most supportive person in my life. We’ve tackled more hurdles together in 2 ½ years, than most people experience in their lives. Shawn has always been my biggest fan, rooted for me to succeed and genuinely pushed me to be the very best version of myself that I can be. He’s encouraging, positive, thoughtful, sincere and knows when a hug needs to be followed with a glass of wine, and a heavy pour. He knows me better than I know myself, and he nurtures both me and our relationship every single day.

Now, go ahead and check out their engagement session because it is already a new favorite of mine!

One of my FAVORITES!!!  Anthony says I can’t print this and hang it in my house..even though I love it enough to do just that! (that’s not creepy of me, right?)













What are you most looking forward to about the day of your wedding?

Stacy – We’re most excited to share our love with all of our friends and family. We’ve put so much consideration into our day and keeping all of our guests experiences in mind. We want this to be a celebration for the books, and one that we can look back on and share even more laughs. Every look, kiss and tear will be of pure love and happiness, and we cannot wait to feel all of that. 

Shawn –  We both have really great/fun family and friends. I am looking forward to celebrating with everyone and busting some moves on the dance floor. After a “few” drinks of course!

Thanks for stopping by!!

XOXO – Caiti