I am obsessed with each and every image captured by ARTIESE of this couples’ engagement session. Seriously. Each and every image. This gorgeous couple now has a collection of images so stunning they probably want to frame them all, and one that we can swoon over for as long as we’d like right here.
From the Bride…My love story with Gabe started later than it should have. My BFF met Gabe in 2007 and announced to me she had found the man of my dreams. Unfortunately, she is a terrible salesperson and although she was quite persistent over the years, her attempts were wildly unsuccessful. Eventually, I found Gabe sitting in my very own living room – she invited him over for a friend’s birthday party. After meeting Gabe that evening, I reluctantly admitted to my BFF that she had been right all along. Maybe it was his big hearty laugh or his silly hat, but somehow I could see myself being really happy with him.
After a few months of BBMing and group outings, Gabe asked me to have dinner one evening. To be honest, I wasn’t even aware that it would be a date for just the two of us! Our first date lasted for 6 hours (good sign!) and at the end of it, Gabe put out THE QUESTION: “where is this going?” Obviously I was completely taken aback since this was only our FIRST date (crazy man!). In between giggling and hiding my face in my scarf, we eventually both agreed that we wanted a relationship that was lasting, serious and godly, with marriage in mind.
As our relationship progressed, so did our adventures. We both loved travelling and eating (Gabe more so than me). We had a great time exploring new lands, but we also had a hard time learning about each others differences. I learnt that Gabe is resistant to sleep, food, and warmth deprivation. Gabe learnt that Cari is a normal human being who always ends up sick and exhausted after a Gabe “vacation”. I learnt that Gabe is a simple man, with simple needs (ie: beer, fried chicken, and basketball). Gabe learnt a lot about cameras, and designer bags/shoes.
But it was Gabe’s differences that I learned to love and appreciate the most. Where I am weak, he is strong. I love how Gabe is so confident and calm about everything he does…including choosing me. Right from the get go Gabe has worn his heart on his sleeve for me and has had unwavering confidence in me. I’ve always been more cautious and anxious than I need to be, but Gabe’s complete openness and honesty always set me at ease. No matter what crazy (and sometimes mean) things I do or tell him, his love for me has never wavered.
Exactly 2 years after our first date, Gabe proposed to me at Evergreen Brickworks. This was Plan B. He accidentally leaked his Plan A to me months ago and I called him out on it. He was devastated, but not defeated. Well actually, I also had an inkling about Plan B, but this time I decided to be kinder and turned a blind eye. Gabe is the worst at keeping surprises (or anything) from me! Obviously I still said “YES!” (how can you resist that face?) and here we are now…getting ready to embark on our greatest adventure yet!
Photography: ARTIESE Studios | Hair: Puzzle Creations