ENGAGEMENT // KRISTEN & TYLER // BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

I know this sounds a little silly, but I think that the coolest thing about being friends with people for long periods of time is being able to see how their lives unfold. I met Kristen through my dear friend Carla about four years ago, when we both lived in Boone. She was one of those people that I instantly clicked with, (I know I say that a lot, but it's true!) - we went to a Do It To Julia concert (now known as River Whyless, go check them out), had some beers and formed a friendship. One or two years later, she sat us down and uttered those two words that have since forever changed her life, "I'm pregnant!!" so Kristen decided to move home, and begin a life with her then-boyfriend, now fiancee Tyler :]

Now they have precious little Jude, and I can sense the peace she has in her heart. I didn't officially meet Tyler until the day of our engagement session in Boone, but instantly I could feel the immense amount of love they have for each other. Tyler was such a good sport, literally frolicking through the grass and making Kristen giggle on command.

I am so unbelievably excited to shoot their wedding in August. I truly love all my brides, but after hearing the amount of detail and love that Kristen is putting into planning their big day.. I may just be a tad bit more excited about this one ;]

Per Kristen's request.. give a listen to "Tupelo Honey" by Van Morrison while scrolling through their session!

[audio: http://www.crazymonkeygurls.com/a/tupelohoney.mp3]

[^ This one is one of my favorites from the entire session.]

ENGAGEMENT // CAITLIN & CHARLIE // BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

I met Caitlin either my junior or senior year of college, at Appalachian. She was friends with one of my best friends, Cameron - we went to one dinner together (Chili's, I distinctly remember) but that's all it took. After that, I felt this bond with Caitlin that I can't really explain. We only hung out a handful of times at school, but she's one of those people you can confide in and come to with problems and know that she'll be there, even if it's just to listen. And after hearing about Charlie for years, I finally met him the day before our engagement session (which was completely impromptu!) He's such a sweet, gentle guy with a passion for Bon Iver that matches my own and a love for Caitlin that is so unbelievably evident. The sky was black at one point and the sun was in and out of the clouds all day, but they didn't care. Their love for each other could light up an entire room.

Do me a favor and listen to this song while scrolling through their engagement session.

[audio: http://turntablr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/03-Holocene.mp3]

ENGAGEMENT // ERIN & WILL // CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

I second-shot these with one of my dear friends, April . Erin has been one of April's best friends since they were five years old, and Will even proposed at April's house last Christmas! I met these guys and immediately felt comfortable with them. You two are so special, so adorable, and so obviously in love.

This is their story, according to Erin..

"I am an employee at an outdoor apparel company named Mountain Khakis and with my responsibility as the Marketing Manager. I maintain all grassroots sponsorships.  One of the sponsorship projects that I have worked closely with for the past 3+ years is the Professional Cycling (road) Team that Mountain Khakis sponsors.  Each year of sponsorship, the team members (riders and management) come to Charlotte (they are based out of Winston Salem, NC) and we presents them with the 101 on MK.

In 2009 when the team came into the office (March), Will and I met for the first time but spent very little time together in the course of that day.  Over the next couple of months, through communication pertaining to the team, we exchanged emails and would occasionally see each other at local races.  In November of 2009, I received a Facebook (yes...Facebook) message from Will.  It was kind of random at first but proved to be a nice conversation of chatting and catching up.   After about 30 minutes of talking, I let Will know I needed to go but looked forward to catching up again soon; in his closing, he finally got the courage to ask me out.  We met at Dolce Vita in NODA in November of 2009 and after closing down the place, we have been together ever since!"

Thank you for letting me tag along, I hope you love them!!