When I first starting chatting with Meredith about possible location ideas for her and Sean’s engagement shoot, she casually mentioned that Sean had proposed at Stone Tower Winery and that was a place they were considering. I immediately encouraged her to take advantage of their beautiful property; after having previously photographed a few Stone Tower Winery weddings (and here!), I knew it would make not only a stunning backdrop, but would have a lot of significance to them as a couple since it was such an important part of their story. 

To take things back to the start, Meredith and Sean met online. After chatting for a while, they set up a date and Meredith sweetly mentioned that Sean was the first guy to actually take her on a real date — not just quick drinks at a bar. He is clearly a gentleman and treated her with so much respect that a relationship quickly formed. It was on one of these romantic dates where Sean proposed. As I mentioned above, they had planned on spending the afternoon at Stone Tower Winery to enjoy a tasting and small tour. The tour took the couple around the property, including the actual vines, to see how the grapes were grown and produced before being harvested for consumption.  Sean led her off for some privacy and then needed to brainstorm a way to divert her attention from him so he could drop to one knee… so he pointed out some vultures in the distance (their actual existence remains to be determined =P) and when she turned back she found him ready to ask her to be his wife. 

I get the lucky privilege of capturing their wedding day next June at Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA. I’ve already met Meredith’s sweet mom and know she comes from a long range of JMU graduates, so I am very much excited to celebrate with them, to say the least!