Liz and Raul have a beautiful love story. They are high school sweethearts. Depending on who you ask, they’ll say they met at different times. Raul claims he met Liz freshman year. Liz claims she met Raul a few years later as a junior. No matter who you ask, they both knew from the beginning that this was it. They had met their soul mate.

After high school graduation, they both went to Gainesville to study at the University of Florida (Go Gators!!). Raul studied biology and history, Liz focused on psychology and behavioral analysis. During their time there, they also had the chance to study abroad together in Rome! Gahhhh! Talk about an amazing opportunity!

After four years of dating, Raul was going to propose in Atlanta at a concert, but he simply couldn’t wait any longer. It was their anniversary and he took Liz out to dinner at Manuel’s Vintage Room (a favorite of ours too!!). After dessert, Raul explained that he had a surprise for Liz. He had her close her eyes as they drove all over Gainesville. They parked and he escorted her for awhile longer. When she opened her eyes, she was at Lake Alice, by the Baughman Center on a little bridge. There were candles lit everywhere and rose petals across the bridge. Liz was in shock and thought it may be a joke, but sure enough, Raul got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

For their engagement session, we returned to their special spot near Lake Alice. Raul and I had connected earlier in the week, so Thomas and I recreated their proposal scene so that Liz could really soak it all in this time (of course the evening of the proposal was a bit of a blur). It was so fun to watch Liz walk up and be shocked all over again!

After walking around Lake Alice, we headed over to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. These gardens have a special spot in my heart, as they were where we shot our very first wedding. The sun came out for us and provided some beautiful light and we walked through all of the greenery that the garden provides.

I feel like the photos can truly show the love that these two share more than my words can express, but honestly, these two are perfect for each other. The way they interact with one another is adorable. They were so incredibly natural in front of the camera. I’m so, so happy for them and can’t wait to see them get married!

Raul and Liz, thank you so much for everything! We’re so excited about being part of your wedding day! You two have such great chemistry, it makes my heart happy. Throw in some Lizzy McGuire music and this whole session was truly unbeatable. 😉 Can’t wait to see you again!! Hugs!

Lake Alice, Baughman Center // Kanapaha Botanical Garden // Slate & Willow for Rent the Runway //