Chicago Engagement Session: RaSheila + Ryan

RaSheila & Ryan met back in 2010 through mutual friends while in school at the University of Missouri. As RaSheila tells it, Ryan stalked her for a few weeks, before they were finally able to connect for a blind date. Through school, relocating for jobs and even being long-distance for a few years, they’ve been inseparable for the past 7 years. RaSheila & Ryan have finally settled down in one place—together. They are finally home. So as it came time to capture their engagement photos, I thought to myself: what better way to commemorate this exciting time in their lives then by photographing them together in their new home?! Luckily, they were up for the adventure!

I wanted to photograph them in their natural environment so that I could create images that depicted their true authentic personalities. This journey took us all around their house, from a relaxing conversation in the living room, to a nerf war in the family room, to a pillow fight in the bedroom… if you know either of these two, then you’d know that their true personalities were captured indeed. And what a time we had!!! This is their story….

I feel most loved by Ryan when we’re doing absolutely nothing, riding in the car, laying in bed, walking our dogs… Sometimes during those moments I can feel him looking at me and he'll just say “I love you”. Ahhhhhh it gets me every time!! ~RaSheila

Everything about her face is beautiful, there’s just beauty at every angle. ~Ryan

I fell in love with Ryan because he knew all of my flaws & weaknesses and still loved me. I noticed that when I was with him, I was a better me and I didn’t want to ever live without the feeling I had when we were together. ~RaSheila

I am always on the go, not enjoying the "now" and always trying to prepare for whats next. Ryan enjoys every moment of life for what it is. What’s even more special is when he shows me what I missed/would miss if I didn’t slow down, have patience and enjoy. ~RaSheila

I just love when he holds my hand and how much bigger than mine they are. I feel like my hand was made to perfectly fit inside of his…
We were destined to be together. ~RaSheila

Not to long ago I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. I didn’t take it well as most days I was alone since we were in a long distance relationship at the time. Well, I entered into an intensive treatment plan in the Chicago area. Ryan drove all the way from Columbia, MO to Chicago to attend every treatment with me and to hold my hand through it all. To me that was the more sincere form of romance. It put things into perspective-- that it wasn’t about flowers, nice dinners, or fancy trips, but about someone giving up their time to sit in a hospital room and constantly remind you of how strong and beautiful you are. ~RaSheila

He would give his last to help someone else. He’s the last one to complain and the first one to help someone else. ~RaSheila

The thing that stands out most about the moment I proposed to RaSheila, is standing there and knowing that this was the final step in closing out the long distance portion of our relationship. ~Ryan

When am I most attracted to RaSheila?! All of the time! Especially when waking up next to her every day. I look at her a LOT throughout the day just to make sure it’s real. ~Ryan

She truly cares for so many people & has such an attention to detail with everything that she does, big or small, it’s incredible to watch that everyday, knowing that many people only see the exterior. ~Ryan

I’ve always gotten the “Oh man, you’re the one that can finally put up with everything that makes RaSheila, RaSheila!!", but truth be told, my perspective, it’s kind of the same on my end… ~Ryan

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Click Here to view the full gallery of images from this session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

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