Fair warning: wearing a killer dress to your highschool grad just might result in a future marriage proposal.

FYI: wearing a stunning dress to your highschool grad just might have the intended effect of knocking his socks off!! And in turn, it just might lead to happily ever after one day. Such was the case for our bride + groom to be, Kristin + Al. A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of shooting their engagement session on  location at their current resident city, Ottawa. In between the goofing off and their obvious affection for each other, the real story of how this union came to be unfolded. It’s got a little something for everyone, so sit back, grab a cup o’ java and enjoy!

Ahhhh highschool crushes. Those were indeed the days. Remember them? You’d tell your kindred BFF about the crush du jour and before long the entire school would know. In Al’s case, word eventually got back to him that this flirty, outgoing beauty wanted to take him to HER grad. The answer was a no-brainer and before long the two were inseparable. Fast forward to the Academia Years while Al studied at Queen’s and our couple managed to hang tough during a solid bout of long distance.

But ultimately, heartbreak would set in as the degree was earned, and Kristin was unsure if moving away from Thunder Bay was something she was ready for or not. Break-up number one ensued.

And even while Kristin found herself in another relationship, Al persistently and consistently did his best to woo her back; but she was admittedly just in a different place. Two years of dissatisfaction later and the two of them miraculously found their way back to each other. And to seal the deal further, Kristin packed up her life in TBay and moved to Ottawa which was a “huge” step for her. There has been no looking back, only looking forward and relishing in the joy of being together at long last.

Other random bits of info we gleaned? Well, they could not possibly be any more in love with their two cats, Farnsworth and Lemmiwinks, lovingly named by Al {who specializes in oddball monikers for both animals and people alike}. Not sure if this is public knowledge, but he’s been known to call his true love Kristin “Bootface”, “Weasel” and most recently “Mia” {well that’s kinda sweet, no?!}. But perhaps what stands out the most is the obvious balance these two exude. Kristin: joyful, exuberant, overreacting, high strung. Al: easy going, calming, soothing, romantic {see next paragraph}. It’s a thing of beauty, really!

And for their engagement, Al meticulously planned it out. The symbolism of his bended-knee proposal at the very spot he had given her her promise ring was not lost on Kristin. Somewhere out on the rocks at Chippewa is a place that has become sacred to them.

So enough of the mushy stuff! We are thrilled to post some highlights from this Ottawa E-session. The chemistry between them seemed to leap right off the screen as we edited… leading me to conclude their August, 2012 wedding will result in equally gorgeous shots. Thanks for a blast the other week, guys. REALLY stoked to be a part of your Big Day and hope you enjoy this wee peak at some of what is coming your way. Cheers! — Alvis, Sam + Melissa