Dubuque Arcade Engagement Session | Bridget + John

October 26, 2018

Bridget & John met during a night out, at a bar that had one special feature – an old Super Nintendo. They played Mario Bros & Duck Hunt all night, and became instant friends. The two continued to bond over Star Wars, music, and a shared “nerdy-ness”.  I have decided I love working with self-proclaimed nerds, by the way. Every time a couple tells me they are nerdy, they end up being a perfect fit!

Their first real date was laying on a blanket in an open field & stargazing. How romantic is that?! Three and a half years later, after a night out celebrating John’s birthday, he took Bridget to that same field where they had their first official date. He told her it had been too long since they stargazed, she of course agreed, because c’mon… what girl doesn’t want to hear that?

As she got the blanket out of the car, she turned to see John down on one knee. He said, “Will you give me the best birthday present ever and be my wife?” She said yes, and in her words, “jumped around like a lunatic.”

So seriously, raise your hand if you think this proposal was so sweet & perfect. As it turns out, John actually had another plan for the proposal and when it didn’t work out, he improvised and did it this way. I’m sure Bridget would agree, it was totally perfect.

When it came time to plan their engagement session, the two decided we would have the session in Dubuque. Even though they live out of town, Dubuque is where their wedding will be held.

Since they had first bonded over video games, an arcade seemed like a great location for their engagement session. We decided to start taking engagement photos over a couple of beers and a pile of quarters, at the arcade at Backpocket Brewing in Dubuque. We incorporated some of the nature that reminded them of their first date & proposal, by ending our session at The Mines of Spain.

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{3 words to describe John, by Bridget} goofy, stubborn, kind

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{3 words to describe Bridget, by John} nerdy, smart, stubborn

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I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…

Bridget: “We had a stressful day, and to make it better we hallowed out some eggs then filled with paint, and had a egg paint war. He is always willing to be a giant child with me, and can make my worst days better. He’s always up for my crazy ideas.”

John: “When she surprised me with all the Star Wars movies and had a marathon with me.”

>>Speaking of Star Wars, be sure to slow your scroll below to see their light saber photos. They have some really legit light sabers!

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What is something you both have in common?

Bridget: “Both huge nerds, love star wars, weird facts, and debating.”

John: “We love all types of the same music”

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What is something that’s totally different about the two of you?

Bridget: “Our decorating style.”

John: “Our taste in TV shows, she watches some dumb ones. Also i hate dancing, she loves it.”

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What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?

Bridget: “He still thinks Legos are the best gift ever.”

John: “She reads A LOT.”

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I cannot wait for Bridget & John’s Dubuque wedding this weekend! They are getting married in the beautiful glass Atrium at Clarke. Make sure to follow along on Instagram @catherinefurlin

If engagement photos in an arcade, or swinging light sabers at each other at sunset sounds like fun to you, reach out! I love working with couples who have a unique vision for their engagement session & wedding photos. It’s so fun showcasing your personalities in your photos.

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  1. Pam says:

    Love it and very excited to be by your side today! Love you both!! ? Mama Klein

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Located in Bellevue, Iowa
Serving Eastern Iowa +
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Modern wedding photography & family documentary sessions in Dubuque Iowa, the Quad Cities, and beyond. Located in Bellevue. Documenting love stories in the everyday moments & the life changing ones. Focused on creating honest images.