Ryan’s cousin Steven has always talked about how much he admires our marriage.  Being a part of our wedding day at a fairly young age made a big impression on him I think.  He saw the kind of love that we share and knew that he wanted the same for himself someday.  After spending some time on Saturday with he and Chantel, his bride-to-be, I’m very certain that he’s found the one.  Chantel & Steven are one of those couples that you spend a little time with and you can’t help but say to yourself, “Yep.  These two were made for each other.”  Chantel is definitely the jelly to Steven’s peanut butter :-)  They compliment each other so well.  We had so much fun finding out what an amazing woman Chantel is and seeing the romantic side of Steven.  He’s no longer just our smart and silly cousin, he’s a man in love.

(Please sign the guestbook if you’d like to be notifed when the rest of their photos are online.)

Their engagement session was actually a gift from Steven’s mom Linda (also known as our fabulous aunt), so we actually knew that we’d be hanging out with them even before THEY did!  These two met at the dorms at Arizona State University so that’s where we headed to start the session.  This first one was taken right outside Steven’s old dorm room where they had their first kiss.  So cute!

We were a little worried that Steven would feel weird being all cute in front of us, but we found out pretty quickly that wouldn’t be the case.  They were affectionate the whole day!

Our second stop was a beautiful and serene garden in another part of the campus.  There’s just something about Chantel’s playful feet that makes me love this one.  I know . . . I’m weird.

Steven: you scored yourself one gorgeous gal!  Well done!

You’re not lookin’ too bad yourself there cuz!

This is one of my favorites from the whole session :-)

There were so many fun backdrops to shoot on campus!  We had a blast wandering around together and hearing all their fun memories from each place.

Next we headed to downtown Phoenix to relive a few engagement night memories with the lovebirds.  And as you probably already guessed, I was super excited when Chantel whipped out these AWESOME yellow heels!

The night Steven proposed, they went to see a show at the Orpheum Theater and then took a walk down to the Arizona Center.  In this very spot just a week earlier, they stood underneath the thousands of sparkling lights, and he asked her to marry him.  And of course, she said yes!  Our little Steven is such a romantic!

Just love the emotion in this shot.

I couldn’t decide between these two – I just love them both!  And for the record, we didn’t ask Chantel to run around downtown without her shoes on.  It was actually her idea after walking a few blocks and they just happened to make awesome props for the photos!

Brilliant colors to compliment a equally, if not more brilliant couple :-)  If you’ve never had a chance to check out the Orpheum Theater before, you should.  It’s an amazing 1920’s building with incredible details and architecture.

A-dor-a-ble!

This one is probably my absolute favorite.  There’s just something about the whole scene that is just perfect.

Couldn’t pass up the chance for a little silliness too!  Now THAT’S more like the Steven we know!

On our way back towards the car, we arrived at this intersection just in time to do a couple quick shots as the Light Rail sped past.  Love the motion of the train.

Click the slideshow button below for more images of this GREAT couple!

Steven & Chantel: we had a blast hanging out with you guys!  Thanks for letting us capture your sweet love for each other :-)  Can’t wait to watch you two become man & wife and enter into the most exciting journey of your lives.  We love you guys!