I took a drive out to La Plata, Missouri for Addison and Andrew’s engagement session! A tiny town I had never heard of became the focal point for my Tuesday evening, as we ventured to Addison’s family farm; A property that spans many acres. Addison and Andrew had scouted out several areas around the large property and knew just where they would like to capture their portraits. They were both a little shy in the beginning of the session, but seemed to warm up to the camera as the evening went on.
I enjoyed following the golden light as I documented Addison and Andrew’s connection! I know Addison and Andrew were most looking forward to taking portraits with the cows in the background. Just as the sun was beginning to set beneath the rolling hills, Andrew called them in and enticed the cows with corn to eat! The cows were a little timid at first, but eventually, one gave in and the rest began to follow. The cows just chilled in the background as I snapped away with the click of the shutter. From wide open fields, to barns and grain bins, a wind mill, and corralling cattle at sunset, it was a perfect evening well spent with these two!
How They Met
Addison and Andrew have been around each other nearly their entire lives. They grew up together and knew each other before preschool, however, they weren’t very close until 7th and 8th grade. Addison and Andrew technically never had a “first date”. They hung out all the time for about 6 months to a year before they actually started dating. In high school, their nights would consist of driving to Sonic, driving around their small town, or sitting in a tractor doing homework as Andrew worked through the field. One of Addison’s favorite memories with Andrew is riding in the tractor one spring night as Andrew planted for his Uncle Greg, while listening to Saturday night Country Gold!I
Addison says, as crazy as it sounds, she knew she would marry Andrew before they were even dating. Throughout the previous couple years before they started dating, they just had this connection that was different. After Addison and Andrew started dating, the majority of their friends and family knew they would last even though they were only 16 year olds. Many people still joke that Addison and Andrew are still “just friends.” Addison and Andrew endured long distance for 2.5 years while Addison attended college that was three hours away; it wasn’t always the easiest, but definitely worth it!
How He Asked
One of Addison and Andrews favorite things to do at night is to drive around and check crops. Addison knew something was different this night because they were going farther than usual, and Andrew had asked her earlier that day if she wanted to go with him (he never asks, especially that early in the day). Addison said yes, but didn’t tell him her suspicion. Just in case, Addison went home from work and painted her nails. As they were driving there Andrew wasn’t acting too nervous, but she knew something was going on because her sister called him and asked where he was. So, they drove down to a corn field and started walking to edge of the field that drops off to the Chariton River. Right as they were almost to the edge of the field, Addison saw her sister laying in the corn with a camera. She instantly knew all her suspicions were right, and when she turned around there Andrew was kneeled down with a ring! He was so calm the entire time leading up to it, but Addison was so nervous when he asked. It was a special moment that she had anticipated for a long time!
