Shelby + Reise
How They Met
It was Freshman year of high school, and Shelby’s best friend (who attended a different school than Shelby), invited her to homecoming. At the dance, Shelby spotted a boy she didn’t know, and had this instant realization. This boy was the one, like THE one. Love at first sight. So, (and this next part of the story is my favorite), Shelby took matters into her own hands.
The boy she saw at her friend’s school was Reise. When it was time for a Sadies dance at Shelby’s school, she knew just who to ask. She showed up outside of Reise’s house with a skatboard in hand. On the back it read, “Sadies?”. Reise’s reaction? He said, even though I did NOT want to go to Sadie’s I said yes, because she was a “snack”!”
The two started dating in their Junior and Senior years of highschool, and the rest is history!
“I saw him there … and I swear it was love at first sight.” – Shelby
The Proposal
Reise & Shelby’s Rainy Engagement Session at the Millwork District in Dubuque
Shelby and Reise are getting married in an outdoor wedding with enchanted garden vibes. So for their engagement session, they decided to switch it up, keeping it super urban. The Dubuque Millwork District was the perfect fit.
On the session day, about 2 hours before we were scheduled to start, I had a major “oh shit” moment when I realized how overcast it was outside. Compounded by the fact that rain was in the forecast.
Shelby and Reise were already on their way, so we decided to roll with it. On my drive to Dubuque it started pouring rain. I texted Shelby again, wanting to float the idea of getting adventurous and playing in the rain instead of moving inside. She was not just OK with it, but really psyched about it.
And when I tell you that “rolling with it” paid off, I mean it freaking PAID OFF. Remember how during the proposal, a spotlight turned on, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” played? Well, after it being overcast for a bit, the sun came out seriously looking like a spotlight to backlight the drizzle of rain coming down. Then a double rainbow appeared. I *was* the double rainbow guy in that moment. “Double rainbow all the way, omg.” (If you aren’t old like me, just google it. 😉)
3 words to describe Shelby, by Reise | beautiful, a “nut”, caring/loving
3 words to describe Reise, by Shelby | goofball, stubborn, compassionate
I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
Reise: “About a year after we got together my grandmother (who raised me) passed away. Shelby was there for me and my family.”
Shelby: “I knew I wanted to spend forever with him almost right away in our relationship, but it really hit home for me when we got our dog. Just seeing him with her and how loving and caring he was towards our dog just really made me realize that that was the type of man I wanted in my life for the rest of my life.”
What is something you both have in common?
Reise: “We both love spending a weekend night at home having some drinks and playing video games on our pcs.”
Shelby: “Our biggest goal in life is to start a family together and be the best parents we can be.”
What is something totally different about the two of you?
Reise: “I am a huge introvert and she is a big extrovert.”
Shelby: “He could sit and play the PC for days on end with no human contact and I need to human interactions with friends and family. lol”
What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?
Reise: “She’s a great singer.”
Shelby: “He can quote almost every word of “Forrest Gump”.”
What part of the wedding are you looking forward to most?
Reise: “Seeing her father walk her down the aisle”
Shelby: “I am so excited for after we say I do and kiss when they announce us as husband and wife for the very first time!!! :)”
Seeeee?! The Lover sunset! 🩷 🩵 💜 Makes my heart happy. 🫶🏻 
Congratulations Shelby and Reise! I can’t wait for your wedding on Saturday! We’re going to have so much fun! 🥂
If you’re a couple who’s crazy in love with each other, and you want an engagement session that feels more like a date night, and less like a staring contest with a camera lens… I’m your girl! Click over to my contact form & drop me a line.
