They met in high school when Andrew moved to Greenville with his family.  Not long after, as they got to know each other, they began dating.  But things just weren’t working.  So after a breakup and some soul searching (and a chat that Andrew had with her dad), they gave it another go.  And things were better.  Not just better, but truer, more real, and more genuine.  And their love has been growing ever since.

As I worked on a roof with Andrew (and his soon-to-be father-in-law!) on a mission trip in 2010 in the Bahamas, I got to see his talent, his dedication to work and his heart.  As I watched Bess play with kids with disabilities, work alongside her family, and make everyone she came in contact with feel like they were loved, I got to see her gifts, her dedication to people and her heart.  These two love each other, but they love the Lord and what He wants even more.  And to know that they will be searching for this the rest of their lives… together… makes my own heart swell.

You guys, it has been a JOY to watch you “grow up” and I am beyond blessed to be a part of this next step.  We can’t wait for your June wedding!

We began our session at Bess’s parents’ house and right off the bat, they were laughing at my jokes!
(Ok, probably not…)

And just like that, a few frames in, she gives me this face.  And that’s when I melted from how stunning she is!

One of my favorite things is when couples don’t just love being together but they love laughing together.
And if laughter adds years to your life, then these two gained at least an extra decade in the couple of hours we were together!

Oh you guys….

This field?  This light?  This couple?  A photographer’s dream come true.

When Andrew proposed, they had gone on a hike and hitched an Eno hammock to a tree.  Except when they climbed in, the side Bess had put up fell down!  So as they reattached it and carefully climbed back in with some extra scratches and dirt, Andrew wrapped Bess in his arms and asked him to spend her forever with him.  Through mud stained tears, she said yes.  And after hearing that story, I insisted they bring the Eno back out for some photos.  Only this time, it was Andrew’s side that didn’t hold up on the first attempt!  At least they’re even now :-)

You guys are adorable.  And that ring!  It’s just gorgeous.

On the right is Bess’s purity ring that she will give to Andrew on their wedding day, in the middle is her engagement ring, and on the left is a ring with her new initials.
I love things with meaning, and this photo is full of just that.

After a quick outfit change, we headed into downtown Travelers Rest to catch the last rays of the sun.

I need to start getting style tips from my clients… they’re always so trendy!

Bess has the best laugh and the best smile!  And it doesn’t take much for Andrew to be able to pull it out of her.