They met at the architecture firm where they both worked. That first year, they didn’t know each other very well, but became friends slowly over time as they worked together. They began dating in the fall of 2018, but both say the date is pretty arbitrary. They hung out many times as friends–lunch or dinner after work–and it eventually became a relationship as they realized how they both felt.

Jori says a series of little moments led to her knowing James was the one. “One [moment] that stands out is a time when we were having a drink after work and he was asking me about my goals. I think he meant professional goals, but I answered honestly and said that I really care about becoming a mom. I thought he might judge me, but instead, he told me about how his mom had a successful career as a doctor, which she put on hold to raise their family, and then resumed her career once the kids were older. He really respected that about her. That showed me how important his family is to him and made me feel like we have very similar values.” (James says he always knew Jori was the one, but Jori says she doesn’t believe him, hah!)

I met Jori and James in August at James’ sister’s wedding and was so excited when Jori reached out a few weeks later for their own wedding! I adore the Larew family and getting to photograph not one, but two family weddings is such an enormous honor!

Jori and James booked me before they were officially engaged and so it was really fun to excitedly wait to hear about the proposal! They recently went to Greece and Jori “highly suspected” the proposal would happen on the trip. “We were in Santorini in a room with a private roof terrace and the views were incredible. While we were watching the sunset, he pulled out a ring and asked me to marry him. We were both so happy! It was a beautiful and perfect night and I loved that it was simple and private.”

They were back in town this past weekend to visit family and so we worked in their engagement session for while they would be in town. The weather was strange that morning with the forecast calling for no rain and then the radar showing a few popups. I strategically used tree coverage for some photos (like the one below!) and then embraced the mist for others (like the ones on the jetty with the water in the foreground!). Jori and James were so laid back and their trust in me meant I could create great images even with finicky weather.

Jori and James, I am soooo excited to celebrate with you next year!!!