Weddings in Charlottesville, VA are always preceded by engagement photos, with meaningful love stories that sometimes begin in the simplest of ways. For example, they lived down the hall from each other in a College dorm. From friendship to engagement, Geena and Corey’s engagement story is an example of what it means to begin with a friendship that later turned into a lifelong commitment filled with shared dreams, love, and laughter.
A Chance Meeting at Virginia Tech
Geena and Corey met in 2019 during their freshman year at Virginia Tech, where they both just so happened to live in the same dorm building. Thanks to a mutual connection- Corey’s friend from high school, who also lived nearby- their paths began to cross. During the time of their meeting, Corey was studying Material Science Engineering, while Geena was pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree with plans to attend PA school.
While their meeting started as a friendship, there was always an unspoken understanding between them that this just might be something more. Their bond continued to grow, organically, until they officially started dating. Marking the start of a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep emotional connection.
Falling in Love
What makes Geena and Corey’s outdoor engagement photos in Charlottesville, VA, so special is the very foundation of their relationship. Geena admits that it wasn’t just one moment that made her fall in love with Corey. But a series of qualities stood out from the beginning. This included Corey’s motivation toward building a future together, his kindness, and his natural curiosity. All of which made a lasting impression on Geena. She describes him as someone who is always creating, building, or learning something new.
In fact, one of the sweetest (and most unexpected) moments in their relationship came when Geena jokingly pointed out that his fake ID had her birthday listed. Only to discover that they actually share the same birthday! Silly moments such as that one strengthened their connection and made their story even more unique.
Geena finally realized she was in love with Corey when she noticed that she felt completely at peace and genuinely happy with him, noting that he was “the one.”
The Proposal: A Perfect Mountain Moment
Corey proposed to Geena on New Year’s Eve in Fancy Gap, Virginia, during a quiet weekend getaway in the mountains. After a long car ride, they arrived at their rental cabin, and as the sun began to set, he led her out onto the balcony and asked her if she would spend forever with him.
The moment was completely unexpected. Geena was in a sweatshirt and sweatpants, but that only made the proposal all the more real and intimate. Corey had been carrying the ring in his pocket the entire drive, waiting for the perfect moment.
With their dog by their side and the mountains as their backdrop, the proposal was private, emotional, and unforgettable. This countryside engagement moment perfectly captured who they are as a couple: authentic, relaxed, and deeply connected.
Outdoor Engagement Photos in Charlottesville VA
Geena and Corey find happiness together in the little things. It’s the everyday activities that hold the most meaning, whether walking or hiking with their dog, cooking up new recipes, or spending time outdoors. They find appreciation in the everyday. This shaped their decision to enjoy outdoor engagement photos in Charlottesville, VA, with their sweet pup by their side. Making their session a dash of adventure mixed with the simple moments they enjoy the most.
Searching for Wedding Venues in Charlottesville, VA, and Planning Their Future
Like many couples, Corey and his fiancée set out to plan their wedding with a specific wedding date in mind. But when they began searching for wedding venues in Charlottesville, VA, they found that most were not available for their preferred date. Instead, they quickly shifted their plans, and in the end, everything fell perfectly into place, as if it were meant to be.
They chose a local venue they felt reflected who they are as a couple. A space with a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that is centered around celebrating with loved ones. One of the biggest highlights of their wedding venue? It’s dog-friendly, allowing their sweet furbaby Cooper to be part of their special day.
Even more meaningful is the location itself, which is close to where they hope to build their first home and raise a family in the future.
Looking Ahead to The Future
More than anything, Corey and Geena are excited about continuing to grow together, no matter what the future may bring. Their shared vision includes building a home on a tract of land, raising a family, and creating a life rooted in faith and love.
They’re especially looking forward to the simple, meaningful milestones. Like starting a garden and raising chickens. For them, the future isn’t just about big moments, but about building a life filled with intention and joy. Something that truly defined their outdoor countryside engagement photos in Charlottesville, VA.
Charlottesville VA Engagement Photographer
Corey and Geena’s story is a reminder that the best relationships are built on friendship, shared values, and the joy of everyday life. From college dorms to a mountainside proposal and countryside engagement photos, their future is unfolding before them, but their journey, filled with purpose and love, is just beginning. If you are searching for a purposeful engagement photography experience in Charlottesville, VA, you can find more details on working with me when you reach out at this link.
