A Heartfelt Engagement Session

October 8, 2025

McKenzi & Devin at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center

There’s something so special about the Blue Ridge Parkway — the mountain air, the soft golden light, and the sense of calm it brings. McKenzi and Devin’s heartfelt engagement session at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center was all of that and more. It’s my new favorite spot for sessions and the perfect setting to capture their love story.

When a couple describes themselves as creative, fun, easygoing, and hardworking, you already know their session is going to be full of warmth and laughter. And that’s exactly what it was with McKenzi and Devin.

These two are such a perfect balance. McKenzi, an elementary school teacher, brings a creative spark and caring heart to everything she does. Devin, who works in quality assurance, is thoughtful and kind, always ready with a clever joke or sweet gesture to make McKenzi laugh. Together, they’re the kind of couple who make you smile just being around them.

A Love Rooted in Friendship

Their story started in the most unexpected way. They were lab partners who weren’t quite sure what to think of each other. As McKenzi puts it, “We were iffy of each other that day and weren’t fans of each other.” Devin laughs remembering how an average day at school became a turning point that changed both their lives.

Over time, that initial uncertainty turned into friendship, and then something much deeper. From “iffy lab partners” to soulmates it proves that the best love stories often begin when you least expect them.

The Sweetest Surprise

Their engagement was straight out of a fairytale and Devin planned it all in secret! He spent months quietly organizing the perfect moment, calling friends and family to be part of the big surprise.

What McKenzi thought was a casual day exploring a historic garden quickly turned into a memory she’ll never forget. As they walked down a hallway of trees, she began to notice flowers and big letters spelling out “Marry Me?” Friends hiding behind the bushes captured every beautiful moment.

And just when she thought it couldn’t get any better, Devin had one more surprise — a celebration with more friends and family waiting at a local brewery to toast their new chapter together.

Their Favorite Things

At home, McKenzi and Devin share life with their three cats, Phoebe, Lily, and Oliver. They also have two turtles, Pickles and Bubbles (yes, they’re as adorable as their names suggest!). They love quiet nights watching movies, drives with the windows down and music up, decorating for holidays, and exploring favorite spots like downtown Staunton or Dulles Mall.

McKenzi’s favorite thing about Devin? His humor and ability to make her laugh even when she’s trying not to. Devin admires her kindness and how she always goes out of her way to care for others, from her students to strangers in need.

Looking Ahead

For both of them, being engaged feels like the exciting start of the rest of their lives together. They love dreaming and talking about their future, both in sweet and silly ways, and can’t wait to officially call each other husband and wife.

McKenzi and Devin, your love is equal parts joyful, genuine, and full of heart. It was such a treat capturing this chapter for you and I can’t wait to celebrate alongside you on your wedding day!