Blake + Tony | Rich Fountain, Missouri Engagement Session

Blake & Tony | Engagement Session at the Farm & Gasconade River

I had so much fun with Blake and Tony during their engagement session!  From the very first text Blake sent me that morning, full of creative ideas, I knew it was going to be a memorable day!  She had planned the sweetest little picnic for her and Tony at his grandparents’ farm, and it was pure magic!  With bubbly in hand, they toasted to their engagement, just the two of them soaking in this special milestone!

But Blake wasn’t done with surprises yet.  Knowing how much Tony loves his cows, she made sure to include them in the portraits.  Honestly, the light couldn’t have been more perfect and the cows were the background stars!  I’m sure those portraits will be Tony’s favorites.

And then came one of the best parts, celebrating their pup Leon’s 5th birthday!  Blake had secretly prepped everything the night before.  She sewed a handmade banner that read “HBD Leon,” crafted a pillow in the shape of a 5, and even baked Leon his own personal cake!  When Blake’s mom brought down all the goodies along with their dogs, Leon and Boone, Tony was caught completely off guard!  His laughter was priceless as he took in all the thoughtful details Blake had put together.  It was a little bit of organized chaos with two excited pups, but we managed to capture some sweet portraits with everyone smiling…pups included!

We ended the evening just down the road at Blake’s family’s property by the Gasconade River.  Golden hour draped everything in soft, dreamy light, and Blake and Tony leaned right into their playful personalities!  With their dogs splashing in the background, they ended the session splashing river water at each other, laughing and soaking in the moment. It couldn’t have been a more fitting way to wrap up their engagement photos.  I love how much fun they had and how laughter is always present around these two!

How They Met

When asked about their story, Blake and Tony shared the sweetest details!  They’ve known each other since childhood, with crushes that go all the way back to 6th grade.  Blake said she doesn’t even really remember a time without Tony in her life in one way or another!

Their first big date was at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Tony had a little trick up his sleeve, he asked Blake to come along under the pretense of helping him pack up his house that he had sold.  Instead, he surprised her with a helicopter ride over the lake!  Even though Blake is afraid of heights, she trusted him and went along for the adventure!  Afterwards, they went mini golfing twice, because they’re both competitive!  Tony won both rounds, but ice cream afterwards helped smooth things over with Blake!

Their official dating anniversary is in the fall of 2022 but Blake says Tony has always been special to her, and she knew deep down he was “the one” long before that!  During their engagement session, when prompted, Tony revealed he knew back in 6th grade that Blake was the one for him!

How He Asked

Tony proposed on March 2, 2025, and the story is as endearing as it is hilarious.  It’s one full of twists, laughs, and a little bit of chaos!

The day started off as any other day.  They went to church together, then Blake had planned to pick up a painting in Jefferson City.  Later, there was a birthday lunch planned at Tony’s parents house.  Tony kept reminding Blake over and over that he was free to go with her and really wanted to come along, he told her five times!  Blake finally told him, “yes, you can come, you don’t have to make excuses to hang out with me!”

On the way back from picking up the painting, Blake needed to stop at her grandma’s house to grab a package.  Her mom happened to be there, too.  Tony assumed her mom knew about the proposal (since he had asked Blake’s dad to tell her), so he planned to wait in the car.  But at the last second, he decided he’d better come inside to make sure everything went smoothly.  Blake didn’t think much of it, but when she asked her mom what she had planned for the day, her mom said she and Blake’s dad were going to Tony’s parents’ later for the birthday lunch.  Blake was confused since she didn’t know they were invited, and her mom was equally confused because she thought Blake did know.  Turns out Blake’s dad hadn’t told her mom about the proposal plan! The whole secret was unraveling in real time!

As Blake tried to figure out what was going on, she started making phone calls, to her sister, to Tony’s mom, and each call only added to the confusion.  Eventually Tony’s dad, who did know about the proposal, stepped in and told his wife that Blake’s dad had invited himself, and they blamed the mix-up on him to keep things under wraps. Tony knew then that his secret was hanging on by a thread, but he kept pushing forward!

When it was time to go to the birthday lunch, Blake changed into comfy leggings and a crew neck.  Tony, who never cares about outfits, suddenly asked, “Are you wearing that?” Blake thought that was strange but brushed it off.  She even threw on an old farm jacket since they’d be running the dogs later.  Tony suggested she switch jackets or at least bring another one, another sign he was nervous.

When they got to his parents house, Tony wanted to run the dogs and suggested taking Blake out on the side by side to see a spot he thought would be perfect to build on someday!  He insisted she get out to look, even though she kept saying he could just point.  Finally, she stepped out, noticed the big smile on his face, and saw him reaching for his jacket pocket.  That’s when she realized, this was IT!!  Tony dropped to one knee and said with a grin, “I tried to get you out of that damn jacket,” before asking her to marry him.

Blake was so shocked she didn’t know what to say at first.  She kept asking if he was sure, and finally blurted out, “Sure!” (which Tony won’t let her live down.)  But of course, it was a happy “sure”, what she really meant was yes!  Soon after, both of their families came together at the birthday lunch, and they spent the rest of the day FaceTiming and visiting friends to share the news. Despite the funny mix-ups and near-misses, Blake says Tony did an amazing job, and she wouldn’t trade that day for anything!

When asked what they love to do together, Blake and Tony shared that they enjoy running their dogs on the farm, checking cows, hanging out with friends, and getting hooked on good TV series!  While remodeling their house isn’t always fun, they love the time it gives them together.  Sundays are reserved for grilling, relaxing, and enjoying each other’s company.

Blake admires Tony’s huge heart, his ability to make everyone around him feel seen and included, and his hardworking, genuine nature. She describes him as happy, genuine, and caring.  What she looks forward to most about their wedding day is making it official and seeing his face when the church doors open and they lock eyes at the end of the aisle!  I cannot wait to have these two back in front of my camera again!  I know their day will be one for the books!