Iowa City Restaurant Engagement Session | Shelby + Morgan

The Proposal

When asked about how he proposed to Shelby, I absolutely love what Morgan said. It’s so sweet and relatable, as soon as I read it, I knew I had to share his words here.

“I had actually purchased the wedding ring several months before I actually proposed. I was so excited for the next step. I’d think of all the different ways I could propose and was just waiting until that “perfect moment”… and then it hit me. There’s no such thing as a “perfect moment,” just the perfect girl. And with her by my side, each moment is magical. That fall morning, on our annual trip to the local apple orchard, I just knew. Today was the day. The day she became my fiancé. The day our journey together begins.”

So on their annual trip to Wilson’s Apple Orchard in Solon, they took a little stroll by the creek. There were some white logs set up, and Morgan asked Shelby to sit on them so he could get a photo and send it to her Grandma. Since she knew her Grandma loved to get updates, she thought nothing of it. When she turned around, he was down on one knee, asking her to spend forever with him. Sounds pretty perfect to me!

Iowa City Engagement Session

Since these two met working at Bo-James, Morgan’s family restaurant. We started their engagement session there. We shot inside, out front, and out back. For the second half of the session, we knew we had to include their sweet little French Bulldog Oliver. This little pup has so much personality, and immediately melted my heart with his cute face and tongue hanging out.

Scroll down to view some of my favorite images from their session & read a bit about their love story. Be prepared for your heart to melt when you read what Morgan wrote when asked to describe Shelby in 3 words. #relationshipgoals for sure.

{3 words to describe Morgan, by Shelby} charismatic, supportive, fun

{3 words to describe Shelby, by Morgan} “my whole world” If you prefer an answer of three adjectives: kind-hearted, unique, loyal

What is something you both have in common?

Shelby: “We LOVE pizza!”

Morgan: “We absolutely adore our little French bulldog named Oliver. He changed our lives forever. Also a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Strong family beliefs. Cubs baseball. Crime TV shows. Crossword lottery tickets.”

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

Shelby: “He took me on our first vacation to Las Vegas a few months after we started dating. We were able to spend some quality time with just the two of us, without anything to worry about and it was a great bonding experience. I had never been to Las Vegas and the whole experience with Morgan was absolutely perfect!”

Morgan: “When I actually felt what “love” was… I realized “love” is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning…she was that meaning.”

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

Shelby: “Morgan is a multi-tasker and lives life with spontaneity. I have to complete one thing before starting the next and I’m very detail-oriented.”

Morgan: “She’s an early riser and I’m more of a night owl.”

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

Shelby: “He knows how to tap dance! He doesn’t show off his skills too often, but it’s really cute when he does! He’s also a lawyer and licensed to practice in Iowa. Very smart guy! He enjoys the family business lifestyle better than the desk/court life that comes with being an attorney.”

Morgan: “Sour patch kids are her weakness.”

I am so excited to close out my 2018 wedding season with these two, as they get married at The Hotel Julien in Dubuque tomorrow. When I’m shooting these engagement sessions, the weddings always feel so far away, then before we know it they’re here. Time flies when you’re having fun! Be sure to follow along on Instagram @catherinefurlin for some behind the scenes peeks at their big day!