Derek & Meghan
Engagement love at the Humphrey’s Estate, Temecula CA
Derek and Meghan are engaged! I was SO excited to not only photograph Derek and Meghan as a newly engaged couple, but also their amazing children at the Humphrey’s Estate in Temecula. I am calling this a “Family Engagement Session” because that’s exactly what it was, and a great time we had!
Together, Derek and Megan have the most polite, funny, unique, kind-hearted children that I’ve had the privilege of photographing this year. Happiness and love does not run short in this family!
During one of our conversations, I asked how they met. Both recounted their sides of the story, which began with Meghan arriving three hours late to their blind date! I have to say, I was intrigued. So, they have graciously provided their love story below for you as well as their sweet engagement photos!
Late to dinner? You just might find true love… Meghan + Derek
Derek:
“One day my buddy came over to the house and said he had somebody he would like to set me up with. He told me that he has a five for five record on setting people up and them getting married on a later date. I laughed at him and said that I would go but I’m not looking to get married! He told me that this girl was a good mother because he knew how important that was to me. He said that she was a fun, good person and he thought we would get along well.
The date was planned about a month out and when the day came my friend and his wife picked me up with the intention that Meghan would meet us there. Well believe it or not she was late! But it was a Sunday afternoon and I didn’t have anything else to do so I waited, and waited. I was on my way up to get another beer, I think we were on our third round before she arrived. As I was walking up to get the beer, I saw this beautiful woman walking through the brewery. I still remember her long beautiful hair bouncing as she was walking with such confidence (even though she was late). She didn’t see me and I grabbed myself another drink along with my friends. The blind date was not the best however she left a lasting impression on me.
We talked a little here and there for the next month or so until we planned a redo date. Well… It didn’t go so well. But again, she definitely had my attention. But after the redo date, while she was driving on her way home she called me on the phone and it made my night.
Conversations on the phone, and texts continued now and then and shortly there after we planned a redo of our redo date. I made reservations for a nice restaurant and told her that I would pick her up this time so she was not late! We arrived a little early so we went to the bar across the street. I had the most amazing time and we never had a moment of silence between us! We were talking so much and having such a great time we actually forgot about our dinner reservation time until the hostess called me on my phone, reminding me.
Late again, we ran across the street and set down for dinner and had a nice meal. We were still talking with one another the entire dinner. Then some man walked up to our table and told us, “I’ve been sitting at my table watching you two.” At first I thought this was a little weird but then he went on to tell us he believes that the way we were speaking with one another and laughing and having a good time, that we will get married one day. Although it was very nice of him and this has never happened to me before, I thought he was a little crazy. Well not knowing this man he must’ve seen something because here we are!
From that night on we have been inseparable. She puts up with me and I feel unconditional love from her. We have shared many moments together and we have seen many sides of each other. Seeing this girl smile truly warms my heart. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and wonder why I’m so lucky. Meghan has opened her life to me and I can’t wait for us to grow old together and be her husband.”
Meghan:
“Derek and I were set up on a blind date. I had never been on one before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I even tried to call it off but Robbie wouldn’t let me. I botched it from the very beginning. I was close to 3 hours late and just wasn’t myself. Derek was either either a saint or crazy because he was still willing to talk to me afterwards. Robbie on the other hand was pretty upset. I felt terrible.
A few weeks later, Robbie suggested that I give it another chance because he really felt that we were perfect for eachother. Derek and I were both hard workers and dedicated parents. Robbie was determined to not let this go, and that led to date 2, a large group date. Well that wasn’t the greatest idea but somehow it led to a 3rd date. There’s that saying that the 3rd time is the charm and I guess there is some truth it that. What an amazing night full of great conversation and laughs. I had never felt so in tune with someone before. He made me feel so comfortable and everything came so naturally. Time just melted away from us. We were pretty much inseparable after that.
Every day with him just got better and better and life became more exciting. On September 17th, at the Steelers home opener in Pittsburgh, in front of Robbie and my mom, Derek asked me to be his wife. I said yes and the Steelers won! I can’t think of a better way to start the next chapter of our lives, Derek makes me feel like the most beautiful person in the world. He is always there to lift me up. He has the biggest heart and goes out of his way to make sure that everyone is happy. I’ve never met a more beautiful soul and I am so beyond grateful to have him by my side for the rest of my life!”
And now…their family engagement session at the Humphreys Estate! Enjoy!
Stay tuned friends for their June wedding! It’s going to be beautiful!