28 Feb deanna + michael: promised. an overton park engagement.

They went to the same college. They both spent time in South America. At the same time. They both speak Spanish fluently. They have the same music tastes and the same interests. They have so much in common, and yet they had never met.

It wasn’t until Michael was moving to the area when he finally met Deanna. Although she was a little out of his preferred age range, he made an exception, because everything else was so perfect. They had their first date at Huey’s, a Memphis icon, and he immediately dismissed the age difference. He loves that she loves what he loves. He loves that he can talk to her in Spanish. He loves that she is the only one who can consistently beat him at SongPop. She loves that he is calm and quiet, and balances her emotional upheavals. She loves that she can talk to him in Spanish. She loves his maturity, balanced by his carefree spirit and his easy smile.

They simply complement in each other. In fact, when they talk about each other, they each use the word complement when referring to the other. Without knowing.

When Michael knew that he wanted to be with Deanna forever, he planned a picnic in the park, right around her birthday. After they had wine and cheese in the warm sun, they strolled through the wooded trails. It was in a clearing where Michael took Deanne’s hand and began telling her all the things he loved about her. Not realizing what was happening, she teased him, “what, are you proposing or something?” Her smile quickly turned to tears as he dropped to his knee and asked her to be his wife. In her surprised glee, she managed to squeak out her assent.

Deanna and Michael will be tying the knot later this year, but wanted to recreate their special proposal for their engagement session. We met at Overton Park for our own version of their picnic.

Their awesome picnic basket was a gift from a family member. Ed’s photo on left.

Deanna knows how to bring out the best in Michael.

My favorite! Deanna and Michael are so natural in front of the lens.

Another favorite. Complete happiness and peace.

After the wine, we strolled through the woods to try to find the clearing where Michael proposed. We never did, but we had fun looking! This may or may not be the spot where I commented on how much I loved the trees without all their branches. Branches, people! That’s what came out of my mouth instead of leaves. It was entertainment for the rest of the day. You’re welcome.

I must confess, I never knew there were trails at Overton, but you can bet I’ll be going back! It was beautiful nature.

But Deanna and Michael sure did dress it up!

The light through the trees could not have been more beautiful. But not more beautiful than Deanna!

A heart carved on a fallen tree. How perfect is that?

Deanna and Michael, thank you for spending the afternoon with us! We need to go back and find that clearing! We loved learning your story, and definitely agree that you both complement each other perfectly. We can’t wait for the wedding!!

If you want to see more images from Deanna and Michael’s engagement session, click the play button on the slideshow below!

[iframe width=”480″ height=”360″ src=”http://clients.amy-hutchinson.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=10c971db099605401CCCCCC01f0014-6rDsgfKACIQIhKwXcpc111111F5F5F5DDDDDDffffffCCCCCC0000.2″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no” style=”background-color:#ffffff;”]

Here’s to Spanish. And being the perfect complement. And overlooking age. Cheers!