I have a really special weekend in June…it involves two back to back weddings and BOTH weddings are former students marrying the loves of their lives! One of those weddings is that of Alyssa and Eric. So when Alyssa asked me to photograph their big day (via emails and her mother’s help since she was in China), I was pretty darn excited. Not only are they tying the knot in one of the most beautiful parts of the state, but they are planning it in a few months in between living and teaching English in China this past year and then heading off with the Peace Corps not long after their wedding! You can imagine that their families are doing a lot to help them plan within their window of opportunity.

It’s no surprise to me that they have such a thriving friendship amidst their romance because their story began in high school…as friends. Alyssa was an exceptional student and as a teacher, I was thrilled to have her take photography with me as well as AP Art History. I always remember how brilliant and creative she was…as well as a great model for her friends taking my class (and that hasn’t changed…as you can see!). I never taught Eric, but I remember him being in the same circle of friends with Alyssa and many of my other students. They were good friends even then. And their graduating class at Liberty High School is one I remember well and fondly!

Eric and Alyssa were one grade apart but both attended the University of Mary Washington. It was there that they began dating and as Alyssa says, “It was very easy and natural.” These two embody the adventurous, well-traveled couple and their relationship is fun, flowing and real.

While they were together in China for the past year, they both began thinking seriously about applying for the Peace Corps as a couple. They knew it would be difficult to integrate into a community without being married and also knew that if their friendship and love could survive living and working in China together it could survive anything! So here they are, back in the states, planning their wedding together. And I am so honored to be the one to record their big day, as well as get to see so many of my former students who have NEVER left my heart! AND…there just might be a Sugar Shack food truck involved.

So without further ado, here is their beautiful Sky Meadows engagement session, full of the beauty of Northern Fauquier and the chemistry of a couple who is readying for their next adventure together!

Congratulations Alyssa and Eric! I can’t wait for your wedding in just a month and a half!!!

Location: Sky Meadows State Park

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Culpeper Wedding Photographer, Fredericksburg Wedding Photographer, Alexandria Wedding Photographer, Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, High Country Wedding Photographer and a wedding photographer in the surrounding areas.