They weren’t strangers when they saw each other one afternoon after a Hawkeye football game. They knew each other from high school, but had never hung out. But when they saw each other after the game, now in their college years, they started talking and they just never stopped.

He says he was drawn to her smile. “It was what first got me. She has this little shy, cute smile. I saw it and thought it was absolutely adorable.” While they talked, she realized he was making her laugh…a lot. It really made her want to be around him more and more.

We started their session near Lizzie’s childhood home by Lake MacBride.

This is one of my favorite photos. Lizzie is so gorgeous, no?

Side story about the hats: we had to do some off-roading from her parent’s house to get to this bridge and I hadn’t come dressed appropriately so Lizzie’s mom lent me some socks and boots (thanks Vickie!) and Lizzie’s dad gave us all hats to wear so we wouldn’t get ticks. We all managed to make it through with no ticks and no poison ivy…just lots of sweat from the humidity!

Then we went downtown Iowa City to M.C. Ginsberg, which is not only where Lizzie works as a custom jewelry designer, but it’s also the family business. Because of this, we had complete access to the area and so we were able to go to the rooftop of the building!

Lizzie’s job is to design custom rings, right? So how does one create the perfect engagement ring for a girl who does this for a job?

Lizzie: “My ring has an original asscher cut center diamond with baguettes on the sides.  The original asscher cut was created in 1902 and there are only a few original asscher cut diamonds that were cut by the Asscher family.   When Andy decided he wanted to propose to me, he went to my dad asking for his help in compiling a ring for me.  Andy’s requirement was that the ring had an original asscher cut diamond, because it’s something he had always heard me talk about. (I’m a jewelry designer and love talking about jewelry.) My dad went to his best friend who owns an estate jewelry company to help him find a diamond. They found the diamond, and had my uncle hand-make my ring. My ring was modeled after my mom’s ring, so it’s not only beautiful, but also sentimental in so many ways.”

Stunning and so very special, right??

As if the rooftop patio wasn’t cool enough, we then ventured up a side ladder–yes, I did that…I climbed a ladder, people!!! I’m terribly phobic, but I did it–to the very, very top of the building. And we caught this little bit of magic right here.

I told them that the breeze and the sun made it look like they were on a boat so they did their own rendition of the Titanic scene. 🙂

Lizzie & Andy, you know it only gets better from here! I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding day with you next summer! Xoxo! Emily