I officially met Hannah and Danny last week at their engagement session in Columbia, Missouri. As soon as they arrived, I knew the session was going to be so much fun. We met downtown and I could instantly see how adorable the connection is that Hannah and Danny share. These two are both sweet as can be and they light up around one another. I had a blast strolling around downtown Columbia with them as I documented their love. I adored their giddiness and the joy they both have. It made my job easy as ever!
For our second location, we ventured to a private property in Columbia. Hannah was so excited about this location, so I knew I was going to be in for a treat. And wow! This place is stunning. Willow trees are my absolute favorite, and this property had multiple willow trees with gorgeous natural light streaming through during golden hour. This place boasts a large lake, an orchard, and beautiful scenery during the sunset hour. To make the session even more perfect, Hannah’s dad met us at the property with their adorable Aussie. Hannah and Danny’s sweet pup Cali joined us for portraits and behaved like an angel.
How They Met
Hannah and Danny were both in downtown Columbia in the summer of 2017. Hannah was meeting up with her cousin Samantha (now the maid of honor) for drinks. Little did Hannah know, Samantha had texted Danny and his friend earlier in the day to meet up down town in the evening. Hannah had no idea they were meeting up with two other guys when she arrived to Nash Vegas. Samantha introduced Hannah to Danny and they all four hung out the rest of the night and had a blast. That night, Danny had asked Samantha for Hannah’s phone number and the next day they were already planning the first date! Danny is from Boonville and Hannah is from Columbia. They both have so many mutual friends, so they were amazed that they had never met before, but they are so thankful for that night downtown!
The First Date
Hannah: “Our first date was at Logboat. We went over the weekend and luckily we both had quite a few mutual friends there which took some of the stress out of the first date. My bedroom window faced the parking lot of my apartment and I remember staring out the window so nervous for when he would show up. As soon as I got in the car Danny made me feel so calm, we had so much fun getting to know each other and jammed out to John Mayer on the way home. One of our mutual friends was also at Logboat that day and took a pictures of us together which is so fun to look back at.”
Danny: “Our first date was at Logboat, I remember Hannah was wearing an orange flowing shirt with jeans. I tried to play it cool even though I was nervous. Hannah has so many family members, that of course her cousins was there that night, so I was already meeting family members on the first date.”
Hannah decided to move to Kansas City after graduation. She and Danny were worried about making long distance work for the short time she was in KC, but they managed. Once Danny and Hannah started talking about the future and being together in the same town, they both knew they were in it for the long haul. Both Hannah and Danny were willing to pick up their lives and move cities just to be with the other person. Danny started interviewing for jobs in KC and Hannah started interviewing for jobs in COMO because they just wanted to be back together in the same town. They knew they had found the one!
How He Asked
Danny planned a dinner to their favorite restaurant, Murry’s. Hannah immediately knew something was up because Danny could not stop cleaning the house and he never plans date nights, that is usually her job. Once they finished their meal, Danny pulled out the ring and proposed. He did so all while knocking over his chair, which made a very loud noise and all eyes were on Hannah and Danny. After they celebrated at dinner, Danny wanted to go back to their first date location, Logboat. Hannah was expecting to have a quick drink before meeting up with friends to celebrate. Little did she know, Danny had rented the event space at the top of Logboat and all of their closest friends and family members were there to celebrate. It was the best surprise and the most perfect day!
It’s evident that Hannah and Danny are quite the perfect pair! Capturing their love and connection during sunset with a beautiful backdrop made for the perfect Thursday evening. I cannot say enough good things about these two. I’ll definitely be counting down the days until their wedding day next year. I cannot wait to have these two, and their undeniable connection, back in front of my camera! Enjoy a few of my favorites from the engagement session. Many more to come.
