It all began at that fortuitous Radford, VA gathering place, Riley’s. One of a few popular watering holes in the small college town, it wasn’t uncommon to bump into people you’d seen around campus in the little bar. James, a UK-native brought to RU to play tennis, was used to attention for his British accent, so when Deanna didn’t give him a second look for the manner in which he spoke he found himself intrigued. So he stopped her, introduced himself, and they got to talking. At the end of the night, James mentioned that he had an 8 am class that he was worried he may not wake up for so he slyly asked Deanna if she wouldn’t mind texting him early the next morning? You know, purely for academic reasons. And she did text him. Whether or not it was for academic reasons, we may never know, but it was the start of something a whole lot bigger than either of them knew at the time.

As the semesters wore on and they grew in their love, the time for graduation came and James returned home to Surrey. Deanna stayed on at RU to pursue her master’s degree, which meant that intercontinental visits were few and far between. Deanna’s second graduation came and James made a few special arrangements in order to surprise her with a visit, and surprised she was. She was completely in shock, however, when James’ visit culminated in him down on one knee at the Ritz Carlton with a sparkly ring in hand, asking if she’d be his.

James and Deanna, I can’t tell you HOW MUCH I’ve loved getting to know you both! Your love is absolutely fascinating, and this crazy whirlwind of an adventure you’re on is only going to get more amazing as the months pass. I cannot WAIT for your UK wedding next June!! If you guys look this good in DC at 6 am, Lord help us when we shoot in London next summer. I’ll be brushing up on my British between now and then :).

We began at Union Station at dawn…

Y’all are a ridiculously attractive couple.

Deanna, you even WALK gorgeously!

James, I promise we’ll work the Union Jack into our London session!

Don’t you love them??

Favorite!

No, THIS one is my favorite. Especially because it’s in my favorite Capitol Hill tree!

Outfit details:
Blue dress: Forever 21
Red heels: Madden Girl
Blue +white top: Forever 21
White trousers: Next
Tan sandals: Express

Happy Wednesday!