This engagement session was long awaited by me! They were my first session back in the West Coast after my two month honeymoon hiatus with Evan! I was lucky enough to witness their proposal and celebrate with them back then & again this summer and then we will all celebrate them again next June!

Morgan & Gary hold a special place in my heart because Morgan has been my longest best friend ever!! Our moms set us up on a playdate after church when we were four years old & the rest is history. Some of my all-time favorite memories were made with Morgan & I know they will just keep rolling in as our friendships continues to grow. I wish I could write this whole blog post on all our amazing memories but that would involve a lot of embarrassing photos referencing early middle school and high school and really I’m here to talk all about Gary & Morgan!

When Morgan called me to tell me her adventure buddy has turned into her boyfriend many years ago I was pumped, but I was more excited when I got the call from Gary that he planned on asking Morgan to be his wife. He planned a big party at his parents’ home to celebrate their birthdays which are just a week a part. He invited all their closest friends & family and Morgan had no idea what was really happening. Everyone who was there knew the real reason behind the party except for Morgan. It was fun to be there as her best friend & to watch Gary uncomfortably and nervously pace and continually fill the chip & dip. Morgan was so relaxed just chatting and laughing with all of the family, I even had to fool her when I realized the camera I snuck in my purse was missing a SD card (oops!). When the time finally came, Gary took Morgan to the front of his parent’s house to give her her birthday gift and the crowd fluttered. I ran to my photographing spot and everyone waited patiently. I watched as Morgan pulled out her gifts and jumped with joy, it was highlighters and school supplies (she LOVES them! ?) and I thought it was the proposal! Then was even more excited when she finished reading her birthday card and got the biggest surprise of her life. Gary got down on one knee and there were cheers all around!! 

Now fast forward to three weeks ago where I got to document their love in some of the most breathtaking views in Oregon. We took so many amazing photos that I had to write TWO blog posts! Today I am sharing all the stunning views from our little hike in Silver Falls State Park! It is one of the most beautiful places with incredible waterfalls. We stuck to the first one which just cascades down and you can walk behind it!!! The most impressive part was Morgan did it in heels!! We got some really crazy looks but most of the response was “Woah! I would never look that good hiking in heels” and they were so right. Morgan & Gary looked amazing and the views and laughs were definitely worth it! Stay tuned tomorrow for a peek into our session in the winery hills of Dundee, Oregon!

XO,

Mary

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