Some love stories start with grand gestures… and others start with snakeskin boots and a bold move that changes everything!
Soleil and Caleb’s story began in her hometown of Springfield, at a bar of all places! Caleb had already graduated from Missouri State University and moved back home, but just happened to be in town visiting friends that weekend. And as fate would have it, Soleil spotted him sitting behind her friend, in snakeskin boots, and decided right then and there she might just like to go out with a cowboy! So naturally, she asked him to buy her a drink. And truly, the rest is history!!
A few weeks later came their first real date at Bruno’s Italian restaurant in downtown Springfield. Soleil remembers feeling that mix of nervous and excited, the kind that makes everything feel a little more electric! Up until that point, they had only ever seen each other in group settings, so this was their first time really getting to connect one on one! She describes Caleb in those early days as “mysterious and broody,” which only added to his allure. For the next several months, Caleb came down to visit her in Springfield nearly every weekend. But what she didn’t know at the time? All those “reasons” he kept coming back to Springfield, birthday parties, golf outings, you name it, were really just excuses to see her! I mean, come on!
Fast forward to meeting them for their engagement session in downtown Jefferson City, and it felt like stepping right into the middle of their story! The evening greeted us with some very noticeable wind (like, full on trying to steal the show kind of wind), but Soleil and Caleb didn’t let it faze them for a second. We spent our time strolling around the Missouri State Capitol grounds, laughing through the gusts, chasing light, and leaning into every moment as it came! And honestly? Sometimes the imperfect conditions make for the most perfect memories!
Soleil being a natural model in front of the camera, made everything look effortlessly beautiful! But what I loved most was how Caleb fit into it all. He kept her giggling the entire time, bringing out those genuine smiles that you simply can’t fake! There’s such a sweet balance between them. Soleil and her vibrant, fiery spirit and his calm, steady presence. You can feel it without them even saying a word!
She shared that the moment she knew Caleb was the one wasn’t some big, dramatic turning point, but something much quieter and more meaningful. In a moment where others were making fun of someone for being “different,” Caleb chose kindness. He saw the good in that person, understood them, and refused to join in. That kind of gentle, steady heart, it stuck with her! And honestly, it says everything about who he is!
Together, they’ve built a life that feels just as intentional. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, Caleb fishing while Soleil reads nearby, or cooking together (him on the grill, her baking something sweet), it’s the simple, everyday moments that mean the most! And now, they’re raising their sweet daughter, Birdie, in a home filled with that same love and balance.
Their New Year’s Eve engagement in Columbia feels so them! After a night out that included dinner at Cherry Street Cellar, drinks at Son of a Gun, and celebrating at The Blue Note, Caleb waited until the very end of the night. Right in front of their house, and their Ring camera (which yes, caught the whole thing!!) And despite Soleil’s subtle attempts to check his pockets for a ring box, Caleb had it hidden on a chain tucked into his shirt the entire time! Smooth, Caleb. Very smooth!
They’ve been together since October 2022, and now, as they look ahead to their wedding day, Soleil shared she’s most excited for that moment where it all becomes official, kissing her fiancé, taking his (and Birdie’s) last name, and celebrating the night away on the dance floor! Because if there’s one thing they love, it’s dancing, something they don’t get to do as often now in this season of life.
Soleil and Caleb made this session feel so easy, so natural, and fun! And if their engagement session is any glimpse into what their wedding day will hold, I already know it’s going to be something incredibly special!
Leave a Reply