Michelle and Tyler booked their Morais Vineyard wedding with me and we met in person weeks later in downtown Fredericksburg. It was a special treat to just meet with them and hear all about how they met and fell in love, what a typical day/week looks like for each of them and hear about their wedding plans. We also decided to schedule their engagement session in the Fall at Mary Washington University, their Alma Mater.

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It was fun to see the exact spot where Tyler proposed, a pedestrian bridge adorned with the changing leaves. What a lovely spot to pop the question! Growing up in Fredericksburg, I was not unfamiliar with Mary Washington University but I was excited to see the changes over the years and the iconic brick buildings that make it so historically beautiful.

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Michelle and Tyler were also fun to work with and easy to guide into every image. They were so in step with each other the entire time!

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So how did you both meet and fall in love?

“We met during college at the University of Mary Washington, and had an instant connection. A mutual friend threw a joint birthday party for us, as we have the same birthday (different years!). We hit it off and soon exchanged phone numbers, after Tyler crafted a Facebook status claiming his phone lost all his contacts. In actuality, he was just hoping to get my number!

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After a few Chipotle-and-a-movie dates, we entered the relationship zone. From there, we have become the best of friends! I have cheered Tyler on as he played baseball for UMW and is now a coach for his high school team, and he has been so supportive of me throughout graduate school and my first year teaching. We love to laugh and have fun together, whether it’s watching The Office, hiking, or going to a baseball game on the weekends.”

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So how did he pop the question?

“Early in the week leading up to the proposal, Tyler insisted we go hiking the following weekend. However, heavy rain and Easter weekend traffic put that plan on hold. Since it was a nice day, we decided to walk around somewhere to enjoy the weather after our breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Tyler decided that UMW’s campus was the place to go. So we walked around the campus and talked about our time there, pausing by various buildings to reminisce on different memories.

We got to a bridge that overlooks a creek. We stopped there for a bit enjoying the views. Eventually, I told him that I needed to use the restroom, but before I could go, Tyler asked if I could do something for him first. I looked over at him, and he got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. I felt a mix of excitement and embarrassment! Excitement because I get to spend the rest of my life with the person I love most, and embarrassment because I started off the proposal with having to use the restroom!”

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Congratulations Michelle and Tyler! I love your sweet story and the fact that we could photograph your engagement session at Mary Washington University at the very spot of the proposal. Now I cannot wait for your Morais Vineyards wedding next year! Keep scrolling to see more highlights from their engagement session.

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Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Baltimore Wedding Photographer and Maryland Wedding Photographer.  She is also a Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Arizona Wedding Photographer and a Destination Wedding Photographer!