Sunsets, sailboats, and seafood. These are all ingredients for one of the most picturesque proposals I've ever seen! I have had the pleasure of getting to know Vanna & Bryan planning their upcoming August wedding, and fell in love with them from the beginning. I personally have an attachment to Charleston, South Carolina because I went to school there my freshman year of college. Every time I visit, I surprise myself with how I can become even more enamored with its beauty and charm. In honor of today being National Proposal Day, we are sharing Vanna & Bryan's proposal photos as well as their engagement session with Jett Walker Photography. Enjoy!
Handley: How did you meet each other?
Vanna: We met when we were nothing going to college at Alabama and went to the same Crossfit gym (Crossfit innovate). We were both currently dating other people and only knew who were each other were. We ran into each other one weekend in Nashville while I was visiting a friend and that was all she wrote!
Handley: How did you know that you had found the person you want to spend your life with?
Bryan: I felt deep down that Vanna was the one the next day after we ran into each other in Nashville but I KNEW she was the one the week after we ran into each other; I took her to church with me on Easter Sunday. I know the moment we held hands and prayed together this was something special. After that I even called my parents and told them that I thought Vanna was the one- and I've never done that before.
Vanna: I knew Bryan was the one within 2 weeks of us being together.. I even told my coworkers at the time "yall I swear I'm going to marry him"- TWO weeks in.. I knew it sounded crazy coming out of my mouth but that's just how I felt. I was the first one to say I love you which is WAY out of my comfort zone- I've always been that typical southern girl who isn't forward first or doesn't text or call guys I'm not dating.. It's how I've always been. But I felt so strongly for Bryan it was so different.
Handley: Please tell us about this perfect engagement!
Vanna: We both currently live in Nashville, TN but are both from Alabama. With Bryan and I both being from Alabama, we travel a ton to see our families on weekends and holidays. So, naturally, when he wanted to go to Charleston, South Carolina for New Years I did not want to drive 8 hours for 2 days. Little did I know, he would propose to me on New Year's Eve. He really wanted to go, so of course I agreed to tag along for the ride. Bryan had a "fun surprise date" planned for New Years Eve Day. He would not tell me a thing about it so I was excited to see what the day would entail. In the morning he told me to be dressed by 2 and just look pretty. We headed towards a restaurant called "Salty Mike's" which was on Charleston Harbor. We finally found it and kept walking... towards the Harbor Docks. Eventually we made our way to a sailboat by the name of "Fate". Bryan chartered Fate for the afternoon. As soon as we climbed aboard we had champagne and catered sushi waiting for us. It was such a dream. Fate's crew consisted of 2 men that catered to our every need and even took photos the whole charter. We already took a few photos at beginning of the sail on the bow and while eating sushi, so I didn't think anything of it. When it was right at sunset we were approaching the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. We went to the bow to take more pictures in front of the bridge right at sunset. That was the moment Bryan asked me to marry him!
Handley: What is your favorite date night?
Vanna: My favorite date night, hands down, is eating at samurai (local sushi bar in Nashville right down from our houses) and then watching a movie in bed!
Bryan: I would say my favorite is being together at the lake.
Handley: What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
Vanna: Being married! DUH haha no but really I'm looking forward to seeing everything come together that we've all worked hard on (mostly you Handley) because it symbolizes our love for each other. I'm such a girl-- I'm so excited to see a ring on Bryan's finger. And I know I'll feel so incredibly loved because of all the people that show up to support our marriage.
Bryan: I'm looking most forward to seeing Vanna walk down the aisle and the smile on her face-- and of course marrying her too!
