After talking online for a month, they decided to meet in person. They picked a halfway point between them, which ended up being in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and met over Easter weekend. “We had talked about meeting [later], but instead, I spontaneously asked her to meet me halfway for the weekend. We watched movies, ate great food, hiked a volcano, and went to church together. She was even more beautiful and fun in person (obviously). I had a blast and knew I wanted to continue with the relationship.”

Stephanie and Sam were back in Iowa over Christmas and so we met up for their Kent Park engagement session. We had no snow and no sunshine, but these two braved the chilly breeze and I absolutely loved being with them and photographing them. They are their own ray of sunshine and they have the most beautiful love for each other.

In October 2014, Sam knew he wanted to propose. “It was a deliberate decision and we had discussed marriage. She motivated me to be a better man, she made me happy, and I wanted to do the same for her.”

He wanted to do it back in Albuquerque where they had first met. “I had it all planned out. We would have an amazing, fancy dinner the night before, and she would return to her hotel room full of her favorite flowers. Then I would say goodnight. She knew it was coming, so why make it easy? The next day, I had bikes reserved. We would ride and see the sights and bike up the volcano we hiked on our first date. I would ask her on the highest spot for miles, special to us.”

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate at all.

“Two days before the weekend, the forecast changed to cold, windy and drizzly. No way was I going to bring the love of my life outside in the elements and make her suffer before I ask! I cancelled the bikes and the volcano idea. I was scrambling. I was driving to ABQ when it hit me – our relationship began through God, so He had the answer. I was able to arrange the church chapel to be open after dinner. Luckily, I had a special Irish claddagh rosary made for her, so I could use that to my advantage. Only problem? I forgot my rosary. So while she was taking a nap after her drive, I snuck out to buy a new one in old town. We got ready (all fancy in our best black and gold attire) and headed to a speakeasy restaurant I found. Incredible setting, amazing food (best steak I have ever had), and a wonderful evening together. After dinner, we headed to the church. She looked a bit confused, but I lead her inside. I pull out the box (OMG!!!) with the rosary (hehe) and we knelt down to pray. At the end, we prayed to St. Raphael, the patron of young couples, and I said a few words. I don’t know what I said – I refused to let myself rehearse something that should be from the heart. But I got down on my knee, pulled out that ring, and the look on her face told me I had done it right.”

I asked both of them what they most admired about the other. Stephanie said she admires Sam’s bravery. She says he is brave, determined, and romantic. He is clearly in love with her and so obviously puts her wishes above his own. Together, they make a perfect pair. He admires her hard-working, perseverant, positive attitude. He says that she is determined, motherly, and does the right thing even if others don’t. “She keeps me in line when I get lazy or off track.”
Sam loves Stephanie’s eyes; he used all caps to describe them. I can see why.