Hannah + Jeff
Jeff and Hannah’s story began one random night at Backpocket Brewery in Dubuque. Hannah almost stayed home after a tough week, but a friend convinced her to come out. That’s where she spotted Jeff, wearing a Chicago Bears hat—which, to her, was the perfect excuse for some playful trash talk about his choice of team. Jeff joked, “She’s from Chicago, but she’s a hater so we had some back and forth about that.”
The banter was light, friendly, and left enough of an impression that Jeff added her on Facebook later. Over the next few weeks, she and Jeff started talking more often. And once things got rolling, they moved fast.
Their spark might have started with some teasing, but it quickly became clear they had something real.
“I could tell we had similar values and we would be good together forever.” – Jeff
Jeff knew birthdays were a sensitive time for Hannah, so when he decided to propose on her birthday weekend, it needed to be a truly memorable celebration. Knowing how much family means to Hannah, he carefully coordinated with her loved ones to make sure they were all part of the plan.
The setup took place at a winery in Hannah’s hometown, where a cozy bed and breakfast with beautiful suites would be the perfect spot. Jeff arranged for Hannah’s sister to set up a clever decoy, convincing Hannah they were going to view one of the suites as a possible getaway for her sister and her husband.
When they walked into the “Italian suite,” Hannah found Jeff waiting, surrounded by rose petals with a “Marry Me” marquee sign lighting up the moment. And just to make it even better, Hannah’s best friend was also in on it, secretly coordinating with Jeff to be there for the surprise.
After Hannah said yes, the couple celebrated with her family, toasting to the start of their next chapter. Hannah recalled, “It was such an amazing experience, and one that I will never forget.”
Hannah & Jeff’s Dubuque Riverwalk Engagement Session
We began Hannah & Jeff’s engagement session at the place where they met (Backpocket Brewery), and ended at the place they will be getting married (the Grand River Center). I absolutely love including these extra layers of meaning in a couple’s engagement photos.
And you all know what else I love to include in a couple’s engagement session? Their dog! We were lucky enough to have their fur-baby hang out with us for some photos on the Riverwalk behind the Grand River Center. So, yes, I’m a lucky photographer!
3 words to describe Jeff, by Hannah | selfless, responsible, loving
3 words to describe Hannah, by Jeff | caring, dedicated, family-oriented
I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
Hannah: “He met my family for the first time after only a few weeks of us dating. He was so great with them, he fit right in. He was so great with my nieces and nephew that I knew this person was the one for me.”
Jeff: “We met each others friends and family and we blended in very well, it all fit very naturally and I could tell we had similar values and we would be good together forever.”
What is something you both have in common?
Hannah: “We both like to have a good time. We are both usually up for doing just about anything when it comes to planning things!”
Jeff: “Our dedication to each other and our future, not letting anything get in the way of that.”
What is something totally different about the two of you?
Hannah: “Jeff is very good with numbers and budgeting, where as I am not. He is also more introverted and less talkative. Whereas I am extremely talkative and could talk to anybody about just about anything!”
Jeff: “I’m in charge of numbers, Hannah stays far away lol.”
What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?
Hannah: “My fiance can sew by hand if there is a hole in clothing. He is actually very good at it and it’s something that I don’t even know how to do!”
Jeff: “She has a Judge Judy addiction, it’s her go to background show she puts on almost every morning and night.”
What part of the wedding are you looking forward to most?
Hannah: “I am most looking forward to the first look pictures and reading our own personal vows to one another. I think this will be a very special moment for both of us. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Jeff reacts when he sees in my wedding dress.”
Jeff: “The ceremony, seeing her in the dress in the River Room for the first time, sharing it with the people closest to us.”
These two are the sweetest! I can’t wait for their wedding Saturday at The Grand River Center in Dubuque!
If you are planning a Midwest wedding, and authentic, joyful photos are your goal, click over to my contact form & drop me a line!
