29 Nov lora + richard: promised. a memphis engagement.

Lora and Richard have known each other for a very long time. They have photos of them together in grade school. They were high school sweethearts. And they knew each other before, and after, the accident that changed their lives. When driving home one night, Richard got sleepy, so he pulled over. He took a nap, but the particular way his head fell forward while he slept damaged his spinal cord, leaving him wheelchair bound. Everything changed for him, but Lora remained his one constant. She stayed with him through his healing process, and she intends to stay right by his side. Forever.

Richard asked Lora to marry him at a dinner date disguised as a celebration of her graduation from nursing school. They both knew they would always be together, but faced with the ring, Lora broke down into sobbing tears. She pulled herself together enough to drive them both home, only to start all over again when she walked in to cheers of congratulations by her family. Lora claims that she’s not a crier, all evidence to the contrary. She blames it on graduation stress instead. And looking over at Richard, she smiles, and says, we’ve been through a lot. Whatever the excuse for the unconventional tears, it’s obvious that Lora and Richard are simply overwhelmingly in love. And next month, just days before Christmas, they will pledge that love, and their lives, to each other. As if they haven’t already.

Ed and I met Lora and Richard at their home, where we started off their engagement session in their beautifully landscaped backyard. Richard had even put out some autumn flowers and decorations for Lora.

Ed’s view of the bling.

Lora, you are absolutely gorgeous. While being serious…

And while laughing! This girl has a zeal for life, ya’ll.

I love. this. one.

That lorapetalum shrub in the background is one of Richard’s favorites. The man knows his plants. What you may not know right away after first meeting him is that he also has an awesome sense of humor. Perfect for constantly putting that smile on Lora’s face!

Ed’s ninja angle…

When we were done wandering around their yard, we traveled down the street to a nearby park where we could take advantage of the fall leaves.

Yes, they’re adorable!

My hands-down favorite.

Lora is serious when it comes to kissing her man. She does it right.

I’ll end with this perfect example of their tender love. I think they are both extremely lucky to have each other!

Lora and Richard, thank you so much for hanging out with us for an afternoon! And thank you so much for the wine – it was so thoughtful! I could have stayed all night chatting it up with you and your family! The wedding is going to be amazing!

CLICK HERE to see more photos from Lora’s and Richard’s engagement session. Here’s to being constant. And being there. For whatever life throws at you. And true love. Cheers!