They say love finds you when you least expect it, and I’d bet neither of these two expected to find their soul mate in Auburn that day they met back in the fall of 2016. Charlsie is an Auburn graduate and Ryan was raised in south Louisiana and is a huge LSU fan. The two were in Auburn cheering on their rival tiger football teams (Auburn v LSU) when they found themselves at the same bar after the game. Ryan saw her from across the room and walked up and introduced himself. Sounds cliche, but the rest was history!
I had the best time meeting Charlsie & Ryan and spending the afternoon getting to know more about them! They dated long distance for two years before Ryan proposed in downtown Birmingham. For this reason, we thought it’d be appropriate to visit the spot where he popped the question during their engagement session. I loved hearing them reminisce on that night and tell the story of how he proposed! Charlsie and Ryan will wed this weekend at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans! With Ryan’s history in the Army and the holiday weekend, the pair thought it would be a perfect tribute! Congratulations, you two!!
Charlsie, you have to tell us more about how Ryan proposed! Was it a complete surprise?
Ryan and I had talked about getting married, and I knew that he would be proposing sometime soon. He took me out to a nice dinner during which he essentially told me that he would NOT be proposing in the immediate future. He wanted me to be able to better focus on applying to graduate schools.
Slightly disgruntled, I finished our meal and we began walking to the Elyton Hotel down the street for a drink at their rooftop bar. Along the way, I made the comment that I enjoyed having him to myself while he was in town. To which he replied, “That’s too bad because you’re going to have to share me a little longer. All of your friends and family are waiting for us on the rooftop.” He dropped to a knee on the sidewalk of 1st Avenue and asked me to be his wife! We spend the rest of the evening celebrating with family and friends–it was perfect!
Tell us the story behind those gorgeous rubies you wore for your engagement session…
Ryan was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, four years before we would meet. While he was there he purchased a ruby earring and necklace set with the intentions of one day giving them to a special girl. He held onto the ruby jewelry until Christmas of 2017, which is when he gifted them to me. They hold a very special place in my heart! I thought it was only fitting that I wear them during our engagement session.
What’s next for you two after the wedding?
We’re thrilled to be moving to Chicago! We will be attending graduate school and beginning our new adventure as husband and wife.
Dress: Shop Red Dress // Film: Fujifilm // Film Development and Processing: Richard Photo Lab
