Romantic Engagement Session at the Desert Botanical Gardens

Colleen & Zach’s story actually started way back in middle school, though they didn’t really know each other back then. They went to different high schools and lived their own lives for a while. But fate has a funny way of weaving people back together.

Years later, Colleen’s friend used to house sit for Zach’s family, and when someone they all knew had a wedding out of town, she asked Colleen to fill in for her. That one favor ended up changing everything: it put her right on Zach’s radar. After that, he reached out, they started talking, and the rest was history.

Fast forward to New Year’s Eve, the day Zach asked Colleen to marry him. His family has a place on a canal in Washington, and they were invited to what Colleen thought was just a small dinner with a few family friends. What she didn’t know was that Zach had something much bigger planned. Her whole family (parents and brothers included) were secretly there, hiding and waiting to celebrate.

Zach took her down to the boat launch, saying they might spot some seals. While Colleen was scanning the water, she completely missed the ceramic heart that said “Will you marry me?” until she finally saw it. What started as a quiet dinner for a handful of people turned into a surprise celebration with 20 to 30 of their closest family and friends.

Now, they’re planning their destination wedding and soaking up all the excitement that comes with it.

Colleen & Zach, getting to capture this chapter for you in the desert felt so special. I can’t wait to celebrate with the two of you at your wedding soon!