I can hardly write this post without stopping every few words to look at my left hand.

I CANNOT believe there is an engagement ring on this left hand! And not only that, but the thing sparkles like crazy under these Starbucks lights!

You guys. Can we just take a second to absorb this? I don’t mean to be self absorbed but WE have been waiting for this for YEARSSSS.  During every wedding and engagement or client meeting, you and your friends all asked:  So, when is your big day??? When is that guy going to propose??? And rightfully so.  Alas, it’s finally here, friends!

I gotta say, I have the worlds best brides and grooms! It’s not like *I* got engaged, but it’s like we all did. So many of my girls… Nikki, Elizabeth, Alicia, Makenzie, Kristen, Kristi, Lauren, Alicia, Chantelle, Marne, Julie, Eryn, Lauren, Kami, Aubrey, Jenny, Anne, Kelsey, Emma, Malerie, Alyssa, Baylee, Lisa, Virginia, Tally, Stephanie, Elise, Tori, Tory, Lizzy, Christina, Melissa, Teen, Heather, Lacey, Stephanie, Sarah, Patricia, Rachel, Fielda, Melissa, Andrea…. just to name a few have been ROOTING for this perhaps even more strongly than I have! ha! Come on, I know you checked Facebook everyday, Elizabeth, for an engagement announcement. ;) And wow, did I really just list all those women?! Talk about awake up call: I am so blessed. B L E S S E D. I get to take pretty pictures, capture some of the BEST days of a person’s life, and what happens in return? We become serious friends. I am so unbelievably blessed. Ladies. Thank you.

I have learned SO much about what it means to be a bride because of you. While I’m snapping away, I’m quiet observing you pretty girls and what makes you YOU.

I’ve learned from Lauren that Modesty is really, truly stunning.
I’ve learned Spontaneity from Malerie.
I’ve learned Graciousness from Lacey and Tally.
I’ve learned how to Let Go and enjoy the moment from Marne.
From Baylee, I’ve learned that it’s okay to OWN your body and rock a dress that shows it off.
Christina taught me to what it looks like to treasure every soul that’s a part of your day.
Julie and Makenzie showed me what it looks like to make a convenant with God at a wedding ceremony.
I’ve learned to make time for the things that matter from Lizzy.
Alicia R. taught me to make the most of what you’ve been given.
From Elise I’ve learned that elegant over trendy is just as, if not more, attractive.
Megan, Kendall, Sarah, Linda, Rachel, Heather… have each taught me that everyone has fun if the bride is having fun. :)

I could go on and on.

Ladies, you have blessed me. Each one of you has taught me a little bit about the bride, the woman, the wife… I want to become. This blog post doesn’t even begin to cover what you’ve taught me. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. For letting me ask candid questions. For being just so excited for me and John. Truly excited. I am almost in disbelief at the authentic responses that my couples have shared.

Can I make you all bridemaids?! Shoot. How awesome would that be? Talk about getting a wedding published. haha

Ladies, here’s to a great engagement. THANK YOU for paving the way for me.

Beyond Blessed,
René

Follow our wedding on Instagram and Facebook using the has tags: #RTPSaysIDO and #ReneandJohnAtLast

Just a few of my girls from the last couple of years…

Marne

Rachel, Coéle, Kristin, Elizabeth

Nikki

Fielda

Kirsten and Makenzie

Heather

Kristi and Virginia

Bri

Baylee and Bethany

Aimee