I met with MiKayla and Mark on a beautiful springlike day at Capen Park for their engagement session! Though, things might not have started to bloom quite yet, the dormant scenery provided pretty neutral backdrops. From the moment I met these two, I knew photographing with them would be so easy because they have the most adorable connection! The way they look at one another is sweet as can be. MiKayla has an infectious laugh and personality and Mark easily keeps her smiling. You can not help but smile when you are in the presence of these two! They truly share something so special. I just adored documenting the giddiness and playfulness throughout their session as they strolled hand in hand. The love they have for one another shined through with every snap of my shutter. I am counting down the days for when I get to have these two love birds back in front of my lens.
How They Met
During October of Freshman year at Mizzou, MiKayla and Mark were introduced on the Tiger Bridge connecting their dorm (Schurz Hall) to campus. A couple weeks after they were introduced to one another, MiKayla and Mark began texting and decided they should meet up. They had their first date at the Plaza dining hall for lunch just the two of them! That lunch lasted over 3 hours and they ended up staying for dinner too. MiKayla and Mark could not believe that they had just stumbled upon someone with so much in common. They had so much to talk about, they didn’t want to leave. Their conversations continued for hours even after the date!
Mark – “The first time I was like “wow, this chick could be my wife”, was when a group of our friends was hanging out in one of the dorm rooms together. MiKayla and I were talking about farming and looking at maps of our farm ground/equipment and from there I knew she was a true farmer’s daughter. From there I knew she was definitely wife material.”
MiKayla – “I knew from the second or third “date”. We sat around talking about everything under the sun. We had so much in common, I couldn’t believe it. He understood everything I was talking about and I understood him. He always tells me that there is no way I could have known so soon. But I knew.”
How He Asked
Mark – “I was really worried that MiKayla was going to find out. But, my sneak attack worked and she was hella surprised. I held onto the ring for over 3 months trying to figure out when to get both families together without throwing up a red flag. Then, we almost got Coronavirus over the 4th of July. So, I had to change plans and get everyone together on the weekend of the 18th. I told MiKayla that my sister was going to take pictures down by the point on the lake. I was nervous and antsy because I didn’t know when would be the perfect time to ask.”
MiKayla – “Mark had invited my parents and I up for the weekend to spend time on the lake. He told me that his grandparents, aunt & uncle, and sister & brother-in-law were all coming over for dinner. I kind of got upset because I was hoping not to make it a big ordeal that my family was there and I was just hoping for a quiet weekend. Mark woke up at 1:30 in the morning and put a brisket on the smoker for the family dinner later that night. I went shopping with my mom, his mom, and his sister at some boutiques around town. Luckily, the moms had encouraged me to buy a dress at one of the shops. When we got home, Mark’s sister texted me telling me that we were going to take family pictures, and I proceeded to put on the dress that I had bought that day. When everyone arrived, Mark’s sister said “lets start by taking couple pictures and then we will take some with the whole family.” So, Mark and I proceeded outside. At one point I remember looking at the house and seeing the moms standing in the windows looking out (I knew something was up at this point). We had turned away from the camera for a minute looking for a different angle and when I turned back around, Mark was on his knee. My eyes started tearing up with happy tears. He is a simple man with few words and said “MiKayla, will you marry me?” and that was it. No long story. No cute reasons. Just straight to the point. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. If it had been more sappy, I would have questioned it 😉 We are very family oriented and having the family there made it even more special.”
It’s evident that MiKayla and Mark are meant to be! We are so excited for their upcoming wedding when they officially get to say I do! Enjoy some of our favorites during their engagement session.
