Rachel’s contagious laughter and Robert’s charming smile were the first things that greeted me when I met these two for the first time. I especially loved the way they were making a point to let the engagement season be a playful and date-filled journey leading up to their Virginia wedding next summer. So when the opportunity was perfect for me to photograph their session near their home in Pittsburgh, I couldn’t have agreed more that Hartwood Acres was the perfect setting for Rachel and Robert.
Throughout our time into that famed “golden hour,” Rachel and Robert told me all of the fun things they have been up to while planning their big day, including dancing lessons. So of course, I had to give them the opportunity to practice during our session. The whole evening was a wonderful chance to get to know them even more and witness what a prefect match they are for each other…they have known each other long enough to be comfortable with one another…and in love long enough to know what romance really is all about.
Robert and Rachel started dating during Rachel’s sophomore year of college and have been inseparable ever since. They dated for four years before Robert proposed a year ago. While they currently live in the Pittsburgh area with their puppy, Bentley, they are tying the knot in nostalgic Virginia at Morais Vineyards next summer.
Rachel boasts about how Robert is a skilled event planner, as he organizes the most thoughtful trips and gifts. They had planned on going to a Sandals resort in the Caribbean as a getaway trip, but Robert made it very clear that this was not an engagement trip because they had just built their house the year before and Rachel would have to wait at least a year for a ring. Rachel managed to find out about a special beach dinner he had planned on the trip and he told her it was to make up for not being engaged yet. Since typically, Robert can’t keep a secret to save his life, Rachel believed him without a doubt in her mind. At the beautiful beach dinner, Robert began talking about how he wanted to honeymoon to a Sandals resort some day as well and then he said, “I have something to ask you first.” He came around the table, the waiter came over the ring in the center of flower pedals, and Robert descended to one knee and asked the question! Rachel said it was the most incredible moment, one she could never forget.
Thank you Rachel and Robert for the honor of photographing your engagement session and your big day next summer!
Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer and destination wedding photographer.