Auriel and SJ’s engagement session was in the Red River Gorge on an epic hike to Auxier Ridge. We had so much fun exploring and getting to know them along the trail. The hiking trail starts off walking through the forest until you reach one of the prettiest overlooks in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Epic rock formations can be seen all along the ridgeline, with different vantage points offering gorgeous views. We had so much fun going on the adventure with Auriel and SJ, hearing all about their love story and chasing that magnificent sunset.
Auriel and SJ first met as medics in the same National Guard unit. Auriel looked up to him at drill because he was so knowledgeable but didn’t think any more of him until they were put on COVID orders. That meant they were put up in hotels, moving around the state of Indiana, and helping out with testing and vaccine sites. SJ invited Auriel into his room to drink whiskey, and they binge-watched Westworld every day after that. After several times coming over, one thing led to another, and they started dating. Their first planned date wasn’t for two months! They didn’t know if they could get in trouble with the Army for dating since they were in the same unit, so beforehand, Auriel and SJ were just sneaking into each other’s hotel rooms to hang out, watch tv, and order Doordash. Two months later was Auriel’s birthday, and they were in hotels over an hour away from each other, and they didn’t have their own cars up there! SJ got a rental car and came to Auriel’s hotel at the Home2Suites. He made her the best dinner he could, with it being a hotel room, and then he took Auriel to Chicago the next day. It wasn’t until about seven months of dating that they confided in a good friend and leader to ask him for advice and learned that they would not get in trouble for dating since they were the same rank! Together Auriel and SJ love watching tv together and playing video games. They also love playing the board game, Mansions of Madness and DnD.
SJ knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Auriel. He was packing for AT (2 weeks of training) and decided to go ahead and pop the question in their basement. Auriel was so excited to celebrate, but SJ had to continue packing because he had to leave at 3 am the next morning! SJ finally finished packing, and Auriel was still so excited that she asked him to propose again so she could really feel and celebrate all the excitement with him! We are so happy for Auriel and SJ and wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure! They plan to elope in beautiful Alaska this December for an even more adventurous wedding day.
Engagement Session Location: Auxier Ridge, Red River Gorge
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/auxier-ridge-trail-to-courthouse-rock
Engagement Ring: Diamond Galleria
Engagement Photos by: Kevin and Anna Photography
https://kevinandannaweddings.com/
