Brooks and Jackie are Engaged!

We shot part of Brooks and Jackie's engagement session at The Blacksmith in Washington, one of the couple's favorite date spots. I have had the opportunity to work with Brooks's family for some time, and it has been wonderful seeing him and his family change and grow over the years. Needless to say, I was honored when Brooks and Jackie selected me to tell their engagement and wedding story.

Brooks and Jackie met through a mutual friend back in 2017. Jackie's first impression of Brooks was that he was tall, handsome and funny. Brooks said that Jackie's beautiful smile first caught his attention. Over the course of their relationship, together the two have enjoyed trying out new restaurants, going on walks, and spending time with their families, friends, and their dog, Tucky. They have also always loved taking little trips on long weekends to get away including multiple visits to Chicago for Cubs games.

This beautiful couple got engaged in such a sweet way. They have an Advent calendar consisting of tiny boxes with little doors that open for each day in December leading up to Christmas. This past December, they decided to alternate placing small gifts for each other in their Advent calendar. Jackie would put something in the box for Brooks one day, and the next day he would put something in the box for her. The only rule was that each gift had to fit in the box. On December 4th (4 being Jackie's favorite number), it was Jackie's turn to open. She opened the door, and inside the box was the ring! Jackie admits she was in disbelief at first. Brooks, who stood anxiously behind her as she opened the door, shared that his favorite memory of Jackie to date was how excited she was when he proposed.

Brooks and Jackie were the sweetest, most fun, and epically photogenic couple I could ask for! We had the best time together during their engagement session! I love seeing the way Jackie’s face lights up around Brooks. Her eyes sparkle, and her smile absolutely glows. They are so precious together, and I am so excited for them!

Brooks and Jackie are set to wed at the Stoney Creek Inn in East Peoria this August, so stay tuned for more stories from this lovely couple!