AnnElise + Gradon
Gradon and AnnElise met during their freshman year at Wartburg College, where they were both biology majors. AnnElise says that she developed a huge crush on him, and wanted to find ways to hang out with him more and more. Gradon said that they quickly turned from friends that only studied together, to friends that did everything together.
“He became my go-to person, regardless of my mood or how my day was going. He became my rock and my constant.” – AnnElise
Officially Engaged
[as told by AnnElse] Gradon proposed to me on November 3rd, 2021. He started the day off by telling me that he called into work to take the day off (it was a Wednesday). He asked if I wanted to go out for lunch, which I’ll never turn down! 😂 We went to lunch at Pizza Brutta, a wood-fired pizza restaurant similar to where we went on our first date.
He then took us to the Midwest Clay Project, where we had a personal ceramics lesson. We both got to complete a piece and keep it as a keepsake of the day. 😊
After that, we went to a nature reserve, where we spent some time exploring. This is where he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Of course, I said YES!
Gradon had made reservations at Eno Vino in downtown Madison, where we enjoyed a celebratory dinner with a gorgeous view of the capital. We ended the night surprising family and spreading the exciting news.
Gradon said of that day, “Wednesday, November 3, 2021, is a day I will never forget. It was an amazing day from start to finish.”
AnnElise + Gradon’s laidback Madison engagement session.
For this engagement session, we wanted to include some of their favorite places and some of their favorite things to do.
We kicked off their engagement session with a walk down Monroe Street in Madison and wood-fired pizza from Pizza Brutta.
3 words to describe Gradon, by AnnElise | Loyal. Family-oriented. HOTTIE.
3 words to describe AnnElise, by Gradon | Caring. Selfless. Beautiful.
I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
AnnElise: “I realized that he was my best friend. When I was always wanting to spend time with him. When he became my go-to person, regardless of my mood or how my day was going. When he became my rock and my constant.”
Gradon: “I knew I wanted to spend forever with AnnElise when I discovered she made me the best version of myself. AnnElise is my best friend and I am so thankful that I get to spend the rest of my life with her.”
What is something you both have in common?
AnnElise: “We’re both pretty introverted and neither of us are big planners…which makes planning a wedding together interesting!”
Gradon: “We have very similar personalities and could eat pizza for every meal.”
What is something that’s totally different about the two of you?
AnnElise: “Growing up, I was in choir and learned how to play three instruments…Gradon can maybe play the kazoo.😊”
Gradon: “AnnElise loves to read and I hardly ever read books.”
What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?
AnnElise: “Without fail, he always pronounces “pumpkin” as “punkin,” and “folk” with the “l” sound despite how much we like to tease him about it.”
Gradon: “She makes the best homemade pizza in the world.”
These two are so sweet together! I can’t wait for their outdoor Iowa wedding tomorrow! I’m not going to lie, I’m also VERY excited to see their pup, Murphy, again.
If these photos resonated with you, & you’re getting married in Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin click over to my contact form & drop me a line.
