It's hard to believe that these engagement photos were taken by Carlyn K Photography in 20-degree weather on New Year's morning, and not just because that golden Youngstown, Ohio sunshine looks heavenly through the trees in our soon-to-be-bride's backyard. It's because high school sweethearts Chelsey and Randall don't seem to be suffering from the frigid temps at all. Who needs a coat when you have the love of your soul mate to keep you warm through and through? We can't get enough of the joyfulness these two share and the natural beauty of this bohemian ambiance!
The Love Story
Although Chelsey and Randall crossed paths in high school in 2008, they were at two completely different stages in their lives at the time. Chelsey, an incoming freshman, met graduating senior Randall on their first day back at school during lunch and although it seemed like they were on two separate pages, those pages would eventually be part of one epic love story. “I initially thought nothing of our first meeting at lunch, but those thoughts changed as Randall entered my study hall and sat next to me later that day,” Chelsey recalls. “I quickly learned about his quirky humor and outgoing personality, and as the weeks went by, conversations turned to note-writing. We found ourselves waiting anxiously for the next folded-up paper between classes, lingering in the hallways for each other after every bell to make the exchange. Somehow, Ran retrieved my number and started texting me. We were always in contact making jokes or updating one another about our day. Our friendship made a sharp turn as a night out with friends at the movies turned into our first kiss, and shortly after, he asked me to be his girlfriend. We were inseparable!”
As Randall continued to enter a new phase of his life in college, his love and support of Chelsey never dwindled. He continued to accompany her to every single high school dance, and she supported and encouraged him at every sporting event. “I knew Ran was the one about two years after we started dating,” Chelsey shares fondly. “Although he was enrolled at a local college and I was still in high school, he still always made time for me. He even attended every high school dance until I graduated!”
The Proposal
Fast forward seven glorious, love-filled years to December 2014: the night of a sly proposal to an unsuspecting Chelsey at the PPG Rink in downtown Pittsburgh. “The original plan was a double date for Christmas festivities, dinner and ice-skating with our good friends who were leaving for California. However, our friends canceled because a grandparent was in the hospital, but Ran still assured me that we should go alone. When we arrived, I realized the trip was totally worth it! Downtown Pitt was transformed into a little Christmastown filled with lights and entertainment. We had dinner at a cute pub that overlooked the Christmas decor and finished just around the time the sun was setting.”
Chelsey and Randall hit the jam-packed ice rink for some holiday skating, but the bride-to-be couldn't prepare herself for what came next. “I looked over and our friends who had canceled came busting out toward us snapping photos and videotaping as my parents ran from out of the bushes! As I looked over at Ran for an answer of what was happening, he was propped on one knee with the most beautiful, shiniest ring I've ever seen in his hand. Everyone stopped skating and started cheering and I was utterly shocked! I can remember my face burning and my knees buckling as I was escorted off the ice. Our friends who were ‘at the hospital' were actually part of the plan to capture it all! It was such a special moment and I am so fortunate to have images and video of it all! It was one of the best nights of my life and he did such an amazing job!”
The Ring
“My ring features a 1.33 carat round center stone with four smaller diamonds on each side. It has a V-prong head, 18k white gold and very classic. I wanted a ring that had a large focal point with some bling around it and that’s exactly what I got!”
Wedding Date: August 7, 2015
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