It was chilly, but not too cold; it was sunny, but slightly overcast; it was essentially the best weather and best sky we could have asked for in late December. Branna & John had traveled from Pennsylvania to Southern Illinois for Branna’s family Christmas and then they traveled a little bit further the day after Christmas just to see little ol’ me. Oh AND do their engagement session!

Branna had moved to Pittsburgh for her job and was loving the single gal life… until she wasn’t loving it anymore. In a leap of faith, she logged onto Match.Com and two guys later she met the man of her dreams – John. It was his first time on the website and she was his first date. After the fist date they both deleted their accounts – they knew they’d found the one they were meant to share the rest of their lives with! Less than a year from that first date they were engaged and less than a year from their engagement, they’ll be getting married! I just LOVE love stories like their’s!

They met me at one of my all time favorite portrait locations – my parents’ property! – and from there we drove to Downtown Paducah to take advantage of the jolly Christmas decor that covered the area. From the images below you’ll see how effortlessly John makes Branna laugh and what a beautiful smile that creates! I cannot wait for their August wedding!

Girl can wear some red lipstick! I’m so jealous!

I apologize for focusing on her FABULOUS engagement ring so much but can you blame me?!? Vintage art deco is hard to beat! Also, I’m a sapphire and diamond addict… Branna’s lucky I didn’t run away with it while she was changing 😉

Work it sister! LOVE her in the pose!

Favorite image from their session!