Stephanie + Matthew
Steph and Matt met online and spent their first date fishing together in Cedar Falls. It was obvious pretty quickly that they had each found their person.
Fast forward almost 7 years, and these two are #oFishelyGettingMarried. They’re becoming Mr. & Mrs. Fishel, and I could not be more obsessed with their hashtag. How perfect is that?!
“Our relationship blends so well together, and I just knew he was who I wanted to share my life with.” – Stephanie
The Proposal
Stephanie had a feeling a proposal might be coming soon. After all, she and Matthew had been together for five years, and it just felt like the right time.
When Matthew suggested getting his whole family together for Christmas, she couldn’t help but wonder if something was up. It’s not usually his thing to plan a family gathering.
Sure enough, right in the middle of opening presents, he turned to her and said, “I know you’ve waited a long time for this,” before getting down on one knee.
He proposed with his great-grandma’s ring, which also happens to have his grandpa’s birthstone.
It was such a sweet moment, right in the middle of all the Christmas chaos with everyone around.
Stephanie & Matthew’s Cedar Valley, Iowa Fall Engagement Session
I drove to Matt’s Grandma’s cabin in Allison, Iowa, for their engagement session. We got some photos inside to commemorate the fact that Matt proposed there.
I had the pleasure of meeting Matt’s Grandma, and she is the absolute best. Matt’s Grandpa has unfortunately passed away, and I think taking their engagement photos at the cabin is a great way to honor him.
They offered to take me up on the ridge, to a tall grass plain. I was all for it. We had to walk through grass taller than us to get to the top of the hill. It was SO worth it! What an absolutely breathtaking view.
These two often hunt on this land, and during their session, they found a pair of deer antlers that will be turned into wedding decor. So we were just checking things off of this wedding to-do list left and right!
3 words to describe Matt, by Steph | funny, loving, outgoing
3 words to describe Steph, by Matt | fun, loving, thoughtful
I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…
Steph: “Matt was always there for me during tough times of job searching before I found my current job, so it made him very supportive. He and I are so alike. We’re both home bodies, so we don’t go out very much. We love the outdoors, so I knew I wanted to be with someone like him when I found out he likes the same things I do. Our relationship blends so well together, and I just knew he was who I wanted to share my life with.”
Matt: “When she let me quit the job I hated, knowing we would be stretched thin until I found something I liked. Has also been by my side when I’ve gone through health problems. We can do about anything together and have fun.”
What is something you both have in common?
Steph: “Being home bodied and enjoying the great outdoors.”
Matt: “Grew up Catholic, love to hunt, love football, like to travel together.”
What is something totally different about the two of you?
Steph: “I’m a picky eater, and he is not; he’ll eat anything.”
Matt: “She likes makeup, reality TV, chick flicks.”
What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?
Steph: “Loves to make European mounts of deer, a hardcore gamer, big sports guy, and can cook.”
Matt: “She plays fantasy football, she hunts, likes makeup, loves animals.”
What part of the wedding are you looking forward to most?
Steph: “The getting ready process and just soaking it all in with the surroundings of my friends and family, and of course getting to marry my best friend.”
Matt: “Getting together with family I haven’t seen in a while, and marrying my best friend.”
Congratulations, you two! I can’t wait to experience your wedding day with you at Hickory Hills Lakeview Lodge in La Porte City, Iowa!
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.
