When two best friends spend seven and a half years building a life centered around shared creativity, thrifting adventures, and deep mutual support, celebrating their engagement becomes the perfect reflection of their story.

For their session, we explored the stunning grounds of Maymont in Richmond, Virginia—wandering through the historic estate, stone pathways, and lush garden backdrops. Jordan brought her signature creative flair to the day, pulling off a chic, effortless look featuring thrifted pieces—a perfect nod to one of their favorite weekend pastimes!

Jordan and Ian’s connection began at a college function right before summer break. What started as an effortless, fun interaction turned into a summer-long bond filled with nightly FaceTime calls until they returned to campus and officially made things permanent. Fast forward through 7.5 years of life together, and Ian planned a proposal at Barnsley Resort in North Georgia—popping the question among the historic ruins with a photographer secretly capturing the moment, followed by a surprise party back home with Jordan’s close friends.

When they aren’t working in their respective careers—Jordan as a Project Manager supporting facility initiatives and Ian as an Aeronautical Engineer—you can usually find them embracing their favorite hobbies together. They love going to local thrift stores on weekends to hunt for unique treasures (many of which are making special appearances in their wedding decor!), relaxing on their back deck with their dog Tucker and cats Binx and Bella, or cooking up a storm. Their shared love for food even sparked a joint side hustle: an Etsy shop dedicated to digital cookbooks and recipe guides, starting with Jordan’s sourdough guide for beginners.

When asking them what they love most about one another, their answers mirror the depth of their bond:

• Jordan on Ian: “Ian is incredibly supportive of me. Whether I have a new idea for us to try for our health, a trip I want us to go on, or wanting to have an Etsy shop side hustle—he approaches every situation with love and confidence. He is my absolute best friend through anything.”
• Ian on Jordan: “I love Jordan’s nurturing spirit. She is very selfless and fantastic with children, pets, and adults. She is extremely motivated, always trying to do better whether that is at work, in the gym, or at one of her many hobbies.”

As they prepare for their upcoming wedding day at Lake Anna, this engagement season is all about celebrating their journey, sharing the excitement with loved ones, and enjoying every moment along the way.

Want to capture your own love story in a way that feels intentional, vibrant, and uniquely you? Head to my contact page to reach out for your upcoming wedding or engagement session—I’d love to connect and bring your vision to life! In the meantime, stick around the blog and browse more real Virginia weddings and engagement sessions for all the inspiration you need.

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