Alaina and Eli ~ Ohio Engagement Photography Session

As a wedding photographer in Ohio, so much of my job relies on our unpredictable weather.  Thankfully we were blessed with perfect weather for this amazing engagement session.

Alaina and Eli will be happily married soon.  Read their love story below.

 

How They Met

Their grandfathers were good friends and taught together at Wesley Chapel Church in Urbana for many years. Eli’s Grandpa is the Pastor and Alaina’s Papaw Wayne taught Sunday school. Although Alaina didn’t know Eli at the time, his Grandpa became very close to her family when she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four. He would often come to The Children’s Hospital to pray with Alaina and her family. Alaina formed a very special friendship with him.

It just so happened that Eli’s family and Alaina’s family both attended Maiden Lane Church of God. For many years they knew of each other but didn’t officially meet until a little over two years ago. Ironically, Eli was only a few church pews away from Alaina for many years and they never really spoke. Their church has about 400 people, so it’s quite large compared to many.

Alaina and Eli often shared friendly glances and smiles. Then one day Eli messaged Alaina and they started talking. They met in May of 2018.  They have been inseparable ever since.

God knew what He was doing. He had a plan for them that started many years ago. They just had to wait for His timing before their amazing love story could begin. And now they get to spend the rest of their lives together!

Alaina and Eli have become best friends, soulmates and adventure buddies (as they call each other).  They have been together for a little over two years and engaged for six months.

 

 

 

How did he propose?

Eli proposed to Alaina on December 18, 2019. It was a wonderful surprise for Alaina. He had carefully planned out every detail.

He took Alaina on a date to Clifton Mill. He kept telling Alaina that there was a special light show and they HAD to be there at a certain time. But in reality, he had paid a friend, who is a photographer, to capture the entire proposal.  Eli had pre-arranged for Santa Claus to come out of a chimney and say “Eli has a question for you!” And when Alaina turned around, he was on one knee! After Alaina said “YES”, the owner let them carve their initials on the bridge.  The owner also gave them a special ornament. They then met up with their families to celebrate and have dinner together!

 

 

Their Sweet Fur Baby ~ Lexie!

 

Their Future Plans

Eli has his Associates Degree in Computer Aided Design and will graduate with his Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology Management in the Spring— all while still working full time.  Alaina has been accepted into the nursing program at Clark State Community College and will begin in August.

They definitely cannot wait to start their lives together!