I can’t even begin to tell you how much of a joy it was to spend a beautiful October sunrise with Sara and Nick at Lakeside Park for their engagement session. As a Dallas engagement photographer, capturing their journey in such a picturesque spot felt like the perfect backdrop for this incredibly sweet couple. From the moment we met, their warmth and genuine connection were infectious.

Their love story is a special one—rooted in years of friendship, separated by time and distance, then brought back together in a way that felt like destiny. As I captured their engagement session amidst that calm morning lake, it was clear to me that these two were made for each other. Their story, filled with little moments that became big memories, is one you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to fall in love with this couple’s sweet journey to forever.

From Friendship to High School Sweethearts

Sara and Nick’s love story, unbeknownst to them at the time, began in a crowded high school hallway during their freshman year. Introduced by Sara’s best friend, Athena (who was also a fellow bandmate to Nick at the time – and now one of her bridesmaids!), Nick misheard her name and thought she was called “Star”. (A sweet, funny detail that they both still chuckle about to this day.) What started as a simple high school friendship grew naturally over time. Then came senior year Homecoming, and everything shifted.

At 17, in a purple, sparkly dress that left glitter all over Nick’s car, Sara walked into that night as his friend and left as his girlfriend. But soon after graduation, their paths would take them in different directions.

Sara + Nick’s Love Story

Life led Sara to UTA in Arlington and Nick to Purdue in Indiana. As Sara puts it, long-distance “really doesn’t work” when you’re both diving into college life on opposite sides of the country. They quietly drifted apart and eventually ended things. However, as they neared graduation a few years later, life intervened again.

In 2017, the two reconnected a few weeks leading up to graduation. It was easy, familiar, and filled with the same warmth and comfort they had known as teens. Nick invited Sara on a road trip to Indiana, where he showed her his life at Purdue, sharing the places and people who’d been a part of his college experience. They stayed in his college apartment, explored his favorite spots, like the workshop where he’d built a Baja racing vehicle and the legendary Triple X Diner.

For Sara, the realization that Nick was “the one” was quiet but unmistakable. After reuniting and spending that road trip together, she felt an ease that felt both familiar and new. “It was the same, but better,” she explains. Having both come from Catholic families, marriage was a commitment they both took seriously. But, there was no need for a big conversation—it was simply understood. When they moved in together a year later, their lives intertwined in such a natural way that marriage felt like the next inevitable step.

A Fireside Proposal

In a true reflection of their relationship’s quiet strength, Nick proposed during one of their regular fireside evenings in their backyard. They were playing one of those card games for couples that are designed to spark deeper conversations. And somewhere along the way, one of the questions led them to talk about marriage.

Marriage was something they’d both known they wanted from the beginning. And while they’d talked about it here and there, there still hadn’t been a real plan in place. But there, under the stars by the fire, the timing felt right and Nick popped the question. To which Sara, of course, said yes! And they spent the rest of the night diving into wedding planning.

They decided to keep their engagement a surprise until they had the ring. So, on the day before Mother’s Day, they hosted a cookout and invited both families. And as Sara said: “It’s rare we hang out with both of our families at the same time. But, with it being a holiday, nobody suspected a thing! Nick had injured his finger a day before everyone came over, so it was all wrapped up in gauze and tape. We were telling everyone that story, and I secretly put on my ring while everyone was distracted. We then we said, “In other finger news…” and I showed off the ring to everyone.” What an announcement, I can only imagine the shock and excitement from their families!

Lakeside Park Engagement Session Fun Fact

One of Sara’s favorite memories with Nick is a testament to the little things that make their relationship so strong. Before they moved in together, they went shopping at a mall, wandering into the usual stores without any specific goal in mind. Sara stopped in a store to try on a blue-green dress with purple flowers—a flowy dress with off-the-shoulder straps. She tried it on and showed it to Nick, who told her it looked great. But, not thinking much of it she moved on.

Half an hour later, while at another store, he turned to her and said, “You should go back and buy that dress.” Evidently, he liked it so much he was still thinking about it all that time later. So they did, even driving to another mall to find her size. Seven years later, that dress is still his favorite! And, cutely enough, it’s the exact one she wore for their engagement session. A sentimental choice that made the day even more meaningful.

Lakeside Park Engagement

Their story will continue this May at The Oaks Event Center in Burleson, TX. Where they’ll gather with family and friends to celebrate this next chapter. Sara is especially excited for the reception. A true “dance party” to mark the beginning of their lives as husband and wife. With a love story like theirs, I have no doubt it’ll be a celebration filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.

Sara and Nick’s love story is filled with history, memories, and a bond built on faith and friendship. From high school hallways to college reconnections, shared laughter, and meaningful moments, their journey has come full circle. As they prepare for their wedding day, I’m honored to have captured these early moments for them during their Lakeside Park engagement. And I can’t wait to witness the next chapter of their beautiful story.

If their story has you dreaming about capturing your own unique journey, let’s chat! Whether it’s an engagement session, wedding, or just celebrating a meaningful chapter of your life, I’d love to help bring those memories to life in a way that’s authentic to you. Feel free to explore my blog for more inspiration and reach out anytime! I can’t wait to hear your story and help you tell it in the most beautiful way possible.