Every once in a while, we come across an engagement session that makes our hearts thump, we’re talking serious pitter-patter beats! A stunning vintage dress contrasted by the gorgeous wood tones of the boat, Lively Schooner, and its red sails… plus the dreamy looks Katherine + Colby share.
Not only do we get to peek at these adorable shots, but we also get the inside scoop into their love story! Read on + be swept away in these captures by Victoria Johansson:
The Boat in the Harbor
Katherine tells us: It was November 2010, and my best friend, Natalie, invited me to a gathering at her church. We were both carefree fifteen-year-old girls, having a great time playing pool in the recreation room with our friends. Natalie tugged on my sleeve, “That’s Colby from Aledo!” I turned to see this adorable guy pushing his brown hair out of his eyes…
Aledo was the rival high school to mine… and football is a HUGE deal for us in Texas. Weeks went by and I eventually forgot about the boy with brown eyes that I had seen at church.
One day, when I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw that “Justin Bieber” hair and messaged him. I was only fifteen, but I can honestly say I fell in love with him in less than a week. We went on a few dates and then had our space for a while as young sophomores tend to do. A few months later he called me and told me how he couldn’t stop thinking about me, and asked me to dinner.
The Dreamy Outfits
How gorgeous is her vintage-inspired emerald gown? It’s from Hazel and Olive Boutique!
As we were driving to the restaurant, he turned to me and asked if I wanted a piece of gum. I said sure and grabbed the closest piece, shoved it in my mouth and crumpled up the wrapper. I turned and saw a look of astonishment on his face. “Aren’t you going to look at the wrapper?” he asked.
I uncrumpled the little piece of paper and the words “Baby, be mine?” were written as Michael Jackson’s hit “Baby Be Mine” was playing in the background. Needless to say, my answer was yes. It’s been an amazing seven and a half years now. He is the love of my life.
How He Proposed:
It had been six years since we started dating. We were finishing up the final details of planning our move to Los Angeles, California from our sweet little town in Texas in October 2017. I had been modeling for a little over two years, and my first, and favorite photographer, Gina Lewis of Studio 73 had asked me to do one last photo shoot with her before I left to the city of angels. Of course, I agreed.
She invited Colby to come along to the shoot at the last minute which is always a delight. It’s truly the best time when you get to do something you love with the person you love. I had my hair and makeup done, and Gina dressed me head to toe in beautiful vintage gowns, and accessories. We drove to a lake in the city of Mineral Wells, Texas. The evening sun was shining down orange rays. The water was dancing like diamonds from the light, and deer were spread out along the land. Prancing beautifully in the distance.
Colby led me down the stone stairwell leading to the lake. It was quiet and serene as I followed him down the steps. I smiled as I heard the click of the shutter while Gina photographed us. We stood near the bottom of the stairs, and as I was pressed against Colby for the photos I heard him start to breath abnormally hard. He was panting, and his heart was beating out of his chest. “Are you okay?!” I asked in a panic. He looked at me with calm eyes and said, “Absolutely.”
He turned to Gina and she nodded. He proceeded to get down on one knee, “Katherine Anne Phillips, will you marry me?”
I smiled at him stunned with happiness and said, “Well, duh!”
Playing up the vintage vibes, Beauty By Tiera crafted these glam curls, while Ashley Yuen Bridal complemented Katherine’s natural beauty with sweet + sophisticated makeup.
Carousel
Carousel
Like an absolute DREAM, right?! Congratulations, you two… and we’re in serious AWE of this engagement session!
photography: Victoria Johansson Photography // venue name: Lively Schooner, Newport Beach, California, USA // hair stylist: Beauty By Tiera // makeup artist: Ashley Yuen Bridal // models: Katie Phillips and Colby Skiles // dress: Hazel and Olive Boutique
Love the colour palette and tones of this shoot. That gorgeous green dress contrasted with the orange of the sails.. love it!
Hats-off to the makeup artist Ashley, Hazel and Olive Boutique for dress. Simply superb wedding
This has amazing written all over it !
Love it ! ♥♥
An elegant story! It looks better than the adventures of Jack Sparrow. Lovely. Arrr!