Charley and Oscar’s story goes all the way back to the fall of 2014 at a youth group retreat at Lake Salateeska in Illinois. Picture this, a bonfire, games, a group of teenagers, and just enough courage being built up between friends to go talk to the cute guys across the way! Charley spotted Oscar early on, and after finally making her way over to him, the two quickly bonded over their shared love of St. Louis Blues hockey. And in true confident girl fashion… she called “dibs.”
But their story didn’t take off in a whirlwind right away. Instead, it unfolded slowly, the two of them texting back and forth for an entire year, barely seeing each other in person. No licenses yet, a little bit of nerves, and a whole lot of anticipation. It’s one of those beginnings that feels so real, where connection builds long before the relationship ever fully steps into the spotlight.
Fast forward to February of 2016, and their first official date finally happened. Oscar invited Charley over to his house to watch a Blues game (on brand for them, truly). Charley showed up a little flustered, running late after forgetting about a Spanish extra credit class, and was immediately greeted… by Oscar’s mom. Talk about diving right in!! But as the game went on, the nerves melted away. What started as sitting apart slowly turned into conversation, comfort, and that easy connection they had been building for years.
Many years later, When it came time for the proposal, Oscar made sure it was thoughtful, intentional, and perfectly them. A trip to her grandparents’ lake house, something that felt casual and familiar, turned into one of the most meaningful days of their lives! Charley had her suspicions (especially after being strongly encouraged to get her nails done earlier that week), but Oscar still managed to surprise her. Instead of heading out like planned, he led her to the deck, set up not one, but two cameras, and brought her down by the dock where he had prepared a speech. Before he could even begin, Charley was already tearing up!! And after saying everything he wanted to say, he got down on one knee, making sure his posture was picture perfect, of course, per their friends’ instructions. The day ended with celebrating in all their favorite ways and a surprise gathering with family the next day that made it all even more special.
Getting to photograph them during this season was the absolute best! I met Charley and Oscar at Art Hill in Forest Park, and from the moment they stepped out, they were dressed to impress. You could tell there were a few nerves at the start, which is so normal, but it didn’t take long at all before they settled in. And once they did? Oh my gosh, I was clicking my shutter nonstop!!
These two are so naturally giddy around each other. The kind of giggles that just spill out, the kind of smiles you don’t have to ask for! Every little interaction felt genuine, and it made my job so easy capturing all those in between moments that truly tell their story.
After wandering around Forest Park, we headed over to Tower Grove Park, a place that holds so much meaning for them. Years ago, they took their prom photos there… and now, standing in that same place, newly engaged, it felt like such a full circle moment.
I cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter with them as they plan their wedding day surrounded by all their friends and family! I already know It’s going to be something incredibly special!
Leave a Reply