Rachel & Joey had a chance meeting one night when they literally ran into each other as Joey was leaving Moran Street Brewery. It sounds to me as if their fate was written in the stars that night. They decided to have a romantic boathouse engagement shoot where Joey had proposed to Rachel, and they followed it up by going back to that very same bar where they bumped into each other to take a few shots there. They make such a stunning couple!
Photos by Charis Rowland Photography
What was your first date like?
We went to Macaroni Grill for dinner and some wine. It was tons of fun getting to know each other and we clicked instantly.
When did you know she was the one, how long had you been planning to propose before you finally popped the question?
I knew I wanted to marry Rachel last December when we went on a vacation in Key West, FL. It was so much fun just the two of us and I knew I wanted it to last forever. I had been planning to propose for a couple of months before her birthday and though that would be the perfect time.
How did he propose?
He proposed on a paddle boat in Forest Park. Sometimes we would go for walks in the park and I would always tell him I wanted to go in the paddle boats. We never did, but he must have remembered and on my birthday this year he surprised me by taking me on a paddle boat ride. Not only did we go on a paddle boat ride, but he proposed when we got out to the middle!! Such a surprise and so sweet.
Tell us about the RING!
I had no idea he had the ring and I guess it was hiding in our apartment for a couple of months before I ever got to see it!! He picked it out all by himself with a little help from my twin sister. I wanted a vintage style ring and a big diamond of course 😉 I got what I wanted it is beautiful!!! Exact ring I would have picked myself, he did great! It has a radiant diamond in the center and the setting has a lot of vintage detail.
Have you set a wedding date?
9/12/15 at Villa Marie Winery in Maryville, IL.
Can you tell us a little bit about your wedding plans so far?
We have a huge wedding party, each of us has ten standing on our side. We have our friends from growing up, college, and the friends we have met along our way together. We are surrounded by awesome and supportive people. Our wedding will be outside between two ponds at the winery. I have selected a beautiful lace sleeved gown to wear and he and his groomsmen will be in grey. He has the groomsmen in bow ties. He really wants him and the groomsmen to be in fedoras but I have not okayed that yet!!
The maid of honor, my twin sister, is in a minty green and the bridesmaids are in a dusty rose color and a taupe. Our flower arrangements will be composed of ivory garden roses, quicksand roses, lavender freesia, and some other smaller roses. Our colors are blush and pastels, I wanted a vintage feel with lace. The winery is very pretty and has a Tuscan feel. Our reception will be inside and we have hired a dj with tons of lights and a monogram light. We just want all of our guests to enjoy themselves and have a wonderful time celebrating with us. They will all be traveling a couple hours or so, so we just really want it to be fun.
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