Josh & Courtney’s engagement session began on the football field at PORTA high school in Petersburg, where Josh coaches high school football. While we had considered going to another location after the football field, we ended up staying here much longer than expected. The line of trees behind the visitor stands had the most gorgeous light coming through and there were plenty of places to get some great photos. We did end the night at one of their favorite places, so don’t miss those pictures at the end of the post.

Josh and Courtney met when they each “swiped right” on Tinder, which Courtney said is a little embarrassing but also hilarious. They started talking and had their first date in July 2015 at Red Robin, where they eat every year on that date.

Courtney knew Josh was “the one” within a couple of months. She says, “Josh is the smartest, sweetest, most caring person. I knew I wanted him to be mine forever.” Josh knew about a year into their relationship, after she had gone through two football seasons. I guess he just had to make sure she could handle being a football wife.

Josh proposed on April 1, 2018. Here’s how Courtney tells the story,

“It was Easter Sunday and also my nephew’s 5th birthday (and April Fools Day!).  We were getting ready to leave his mom and stepdad’s house to go see his mom’s family, and he said we needed to “take a picture” before we left.  I thought that was slightly out of character for him to want a picture, but didn’t think much of it . We stood in front of the fireplace and took a picture…then he got down on one knee!  I was instantly crying and kept saying “Are you serious?!”.  His mom and stepdad got the whole thing on video.  Everyone though I was saying “Are you serious?!” because I thought it was an April Fools joke. I didn’t! I knew it was real but I just couldn’t believe it.”

This sweet couple loves to hang out at home, go out for dinner, play with their cats Albie and Otis, and going to Dairy Queen for the blizzard of the month. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding next year.

I photograph wedding in central Illinois, Chicago and around the country. If you are getting married and would like for me to capture your day, contact me via the form on the home page or via email at karen@karenshoufler.com.

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