RB + Jennie are Engaged!

She was the only person he messaged; he was the only one worthy of a reply. Jennie and RB both reluctantly joined the virtual dating world after plenty of coaxing from their friends. During their first date, Jennie confessed that she had a plan… just in case she and RB strike out on their first date.

Jennie, being a planner, had a friend at the ready to bail her out of the date if things didn’t go well with RB. Needless to say, Jennie never had to call a friend. In fact, she wished the evening would never end. RB has an instant likability factor that drew her in. His Southern charm and wonderful sense of humor kept her laughing.

Fast forward five years, and the happy couple are engaged to be married!

Below are some photos of their fun engagement at beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, California.

I love the way RB is looking at Jennie in this photo!

Jennie adores RB, “He is my best friend, the first person I want to tell things to and the one I turn to for guidance, perspective, love, acceptance, understanding and strength. He is a perfect partner for me, and I can’t wait to become his wife.”

We spent the afternoon strolling through Balboa Park in San Diego. Balboa Park is an adult playground. This urban cultural park near downtown San Diego is over an acre and is filled with dozens of lush gardens, incredible architecture, museums, theaters, and the world-famous San Diego zoo. Jennie and RB are drawn to the Spanish architecture and old-worldliness of Balboa Park. It was a gorgeous spring day and the weather was perfect for an engagement session.

How He Proposed:

On the evening of their annual Christmas party,  Jennie was busy being the hostess. After serving appetizers, wine, decorating cookies with all of their guests, Jennie finally had the opportunity to sit down for the first time that evening.

At this same time, RB got up and started thanking everyone for coming – which Jennie thought was a bit odd. RB then asked Jennie to join him by the Christmas tree. Jennie responded with, “Do I have to? I JUST sat down.” She did join him. Still in her apron, RB caught her completely by surprise as he fell to one knee, presented her with a beautiful diamond ring, and asked her to be his wife.

Their friends and family roared and cheered as she answered him, “Yes!” and he put the ring on her finger.

Jennie remembers the amazing energy in the room. The newly engaged couple were surrounded by so much love and happiness, and Jennie was beaming.

RB can recall Jennie’s face full of surprise and radiating sheer happiness. When asked what he loved about that day and what memory will stay with him forever, he simply says, “Her face. It’s always her face.”

Jennie is an attorney and a natural planner. She doesn’t like to leave much to chance. She’s  ambitious, and disciplined about reaching her goals. She prefers to be a quiet observer than the center of attention, and would rather stay in and cook dinner than go out. She’s loyal and honest to her friends and family.

RB is a systems engineer and is most definitely not a planner, so he forces Jennie to step outside her comfort zone (and, despite her anxiety, things tend to work out just fine). RB balances Jennie and consistently challenges her to be better. “It’s amazing to hear him talk about things he is passionate about. I love getting glimpses into that tech-minded brain of his,” Jennie says.

Jennie and RB love Balboa Park’s Spanish architecture and sprawling, picturesque buildings and gardens.  It was the perfect place for Jennie and RB’s engagement session.

RB is more private than Jennie, but he loves that she shows her emotions and can wear her heart on her sleeve. RB finds humor in the day, even in places where you would least expect it. He believes that life should be filled with laughter, and feels utterly grateful that now he has his favorite person to share these moments with.

“I love her honesty, her loyalty, her laugh, that look she gives me when I’m in trouble, her kindness, and that little pop noise she makes when she’s asleep. I love all of it. All of her. There’s a mutual respect for each other, which helps when arguments start warming up. But at the end of the day, we’re in this together as a team, and this life isn’t a battle you want to fight alone. I can’t wait to marry this girl,” RB says.

RB and Jennie, thank you so much for such a fun engagement session at Balboa Park. I think that you both have an instant likability factor! (Jennie, I can’t believe we both studied abroad in Alcala, Spain!!!)  It’s clear that you both found something special and you’ve got an amazing relationship!

Friends and family of the happy couple, please feel free to leave a comment for RB and Jennie to congratulate them on their engagement!

xoxo,

Credits:

Engagement Photography by Kristine Marie Photography

Hair by  Melanie Slagle, Salon Gallery

Make-up by: Katie Bee, Katie B Cosmetics