They grew up in a small town–her right across the road from his grandparents’ farm–and have known each other since elementary school. “We went to the same high school, hung out with the same crowd, and she even cheered during my basketball games,” he says. “Those years paved the way for our relationship today. Even back then, she was the one girl I always wanted to show up at a party.”

Kurt & Stephanie met me in Iowa City at the Old Capitol building downtown for their engagement session. It was the perfect day; sunny, warm, and gloriously relaxing. Spending time with them just made me all the more excited for their wedding later this year!

Can we all just pause for a moment to take a collective gasp at this ring? It’s all of my favorites things: gold, classic, and sparkly.

I stumbled upon this gorgeous alley by complete accident (I was looking for a shortcut from the parking garage) and I love it so much that I may just keep it top-secret and hope that no one but me knows about it. 😉

Stephanie & Kurt started dating in 2011 and both talk about their first date (dinner & a movie: Kung-Fu Panda) the same way, “He obnoxiously laughed through the entire movie.” He adds, “Luckily, it didn’t scare her away.”

But though dinner and a movie started their official relationship, she can’t pinpoint a time when she knew things had changed and she would be with him forever. “I think the more I got to know him and the more time I spent with him, I gradually fell in love with him more and more. He is the most kind-hearted, thoughtful, and generous man I have ever known.”

He says it was when he moved for work. “While moving away, I missed my friends and family, but seeing and talking to her is what I missed most. There was no doubt in my mind.”

He proposed last October when he was in Iowa City for work. “I wanted to propose on homecoming weekend; that’s when a lot of our friends and family were going to be in town. I live across the state, but my schedule for work ended up bringing me to Iowa City the Wednesday before homecoming. The timing couldn’t have worked out better.” With a few mishaps along the way, but the help of some great friends to get it all back on track, Kurt proposed to Stephanie on the balcony of his hotel room with candles sparkling in the darkness.

They are both obviously looking forward to their wedding. Stephanie “can’t wait to celebrate with all my family, friends, and most of all, my husband! I have dreamed of this day my whole life and when [it] finally comes, I want to be surrounded and celebrating with everyone I love.”