Park Ave engagements in Winter Park are so sweet, especially when you combine backdrops of Peterbrooke Chocolatier and the gorgeous gardens. Danielle and Ian envisioned a session that was true to the two of them filled with a whole lot of hugs and laughter.
My sweethearts’ story begins with a five year old mixed Rhodesian Ridgeback / Boxer mix, Jetta. When Danielle’s roommate approached her about caring for a family friend’s pup for a bit while the family was moving, Danielle agreed and looked forward to a little furry friend running around the house. What she didn’t realize upon Jetta’s arrival was that she was about to be brought together with Ian. Ian, the son of Danielle’s roommate’s family friend, would stop by periodically to check on Jetta, bringing her treats, food, and new toys, along with whatever else she needed. Danielle looked forward to these little visits from Ian as the two had a clear connection. They just ‘got one another’ from their jokes to that little smirk Ian would give her to make her laugh. Of course it wasn’t long after Jetta’s arrival and Ian’s entry into Danielle’s life that the two began dating.
Danielle fell in love with Ian’s sense of humor and how similar the two of them are, from their love of sports to being active on their off time. Of course, Danielle also loves Ian’s “big arms” in how he gives her the best hugs. For Ian, it is most certainly Danielle’s personality. She lights up his life and has the same goals and aspirations, which has helped their relationship flourish.
While my couple told me they are “not the romantic types,” I must say that Ian’s proposal certainly feels quite the opposite. With Ian working 24 hour shifts as a firefighter and Danielle 12 hour shifts as a nurse, the two make it a point to take time out for one another when they can. Both leaving work one morning at 8 AM, Ian beat Danielle home and told her to back her bags for a small overnight trip to Clearwater. Thinking he just wanted to whisk her away for a little weekend rendezvous, Danielle was not expecting what was to come. The two enjoyed a day filled with relaxing on the beach and playing in the water. As their day winded down, the two headed back to their room to watch the sunset from their hotel room balcony. Right here and then, Ian asked Danielle for her hand in marriage, which she of course said “yes” to!
Wedding advice is so helpful when planning your big day. The best piece of advice Danielle and Ian have received so far was by far to “book early!” As Danielle explains, “you don’t have to rush getting married right after you get engaged. The sooner you book for a later date the better the venues and vendors you will receive. You’ll be able to get your first choice for everything.” Another good tip my sweethearts received was to apply for a travel credit card, as they typically have “big incentives with points when you first sign up.” By putting the majority of their wedding planning on the travel credit card, they have earned enough points to pay for almost the entirety of their honeymoon to Colorado and Hawaii. Danielle, side note, feel free to let me know if you want me to come along to capture your honeymoon across the U.S. – more than happy to capture those travel pictures hahaha!
Of course, the best piece of advice Danielle and Ian have for others would be to, “make sure you find someone that likes to do the same things you like to do. No one is going to be exactly the same, but make sure you both compromise to ensure the other person’s happiness. The balance is great for a relationship.”
Oh and ps. Jetta found her way into Danielle’s heart so much so that she now lives with Danielle and Ian, enjoying the life of being spoiled each and every day.
Venue: Peterbrooke Chocolatier
