Moab Engagements: Shelly + Ryan

They met in the fall a few years ago, mountain biking with some mutual friends. And while Ryan isn’t the most forward person, he knew there was something different about Shelly. He knew he needed to see her again.  So he asked her to hang out. You know, as friends. Harmless enough, right? Yet during these “hang outs,” Shelly couldn’t help but notice how meticulously planned they were. And she knew they were a little more than just get togethers.

Fast forward a few months to December. As they were “hanging out” on Christmas Eve, doing a little night skiing, Ryan mentioned he had no plans for the holiday. Shelly wouldn’t have any of that, and invited him to spend it with her family. Ryan’s take on it: She’s asking me to spend Christmas with her family?! A little fast maybe, but that must mean I’m SO in!! Shelly’s take on it: No one should spend Christmas alone! I’d wouldn’t let that happen to any of my friends, so of course Ryan is welcome… Hahaha. But no matter the reason behind it, they spent the holiday together.

Naturally, they went on to ring in the new year together as well.  And that night? That was the night everything changed. Because what’s New Year’s Eve without a kiss at midnight? Oh yes, that kiss sealed the deal for them. That kiss turned their world upside down, and it’s been that way ever since. And if you ask me, I don’t think they’d have it any other way.

Shelly and Ryan, I don’t even know what to say. You guys are such genuine, caring, and giving people, and I feel so honored that I can now call you my friends! Thank you for trusting my vision and putting up with my random outbursts of squealing. I’m so glad you guys had fun in Moab, but I’m pretty sure I got the better end of the deal : ) And I can’t WAIT for your wedding next month!! I know it will be nothing short of fabulous.

How adorable are they?! I love how Ryan is absolutely smitten with Shelly : )

Shelly and Ryan love to mountain bike together, so it was only fitting that we shot their engagements in the red rocks of Moab, one of their favorite places.

GQ much?

The wind was a little chillier than we would have preferred (ok maybe a LOT), but it’s ok because that’s why we girls get married anyway, right? So our boy can keep us warm : )

Lurrve this.

Oh hi, my name is Shelly and I’m gorgeous.

And this is my fiance Ryan. He’s not so bad himself.

Workin’ it.

You guys are just fabulous.

This makes me sigh. Of happiness.

How awesome is Shelly’s ring?! Ryan bought the stone while they were traveling abroad.

Ok quick little preface to this next set. Shelly had seen pictures in Moab with bubbles, and she loved them. So they brought a bubble machine for some their pictures. Well remember that wind I mentioned? We could not for the LIFE of us find a spot that was windless enough for the machine to work! It was so frustrating. We had basically given up. Then, of course, when we weren’t looking, we happened upon this rock in the middle of nowhere, and it worked PERFECTLY. Murphy’s law lol. But I’m so glad we found it : )

The bubbles reflecting on the red rock was lovely.

And is anyone else loving how Shelly’s hair matches the rock? Because I do.

Gooorgeous.

And now for my favorites. When the sun starting setting, the light TURNED TO BUTTER. It was sooo yummy. Yes, yummy Ryan ; )

No words.

They are stunning, no?

I’ll finish with this. 

Thank you again, Shelly and Ryan, for such an incredible weekend!