Today’s the day! We are so stoked to be shooting Jorey and Grahams wedding today at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. We’re taking a look back at their engagement photos from a few months ago while roaming through the fields nearby in San Diego.

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you guys first meet?

-Graham was a substitute teacher at the local middle school I used to work at and that’s where it all starts. He asked a coworker, "who the cute PE was?" At the time I was seeing someone else and it was left at that for a little while.  The rest of the school year went by and it was the Friday before the new year and I was out with a mutual friend we knew and he was at the same place with all of his friends. She introduced us and that was my first time even seeing him, we instantly had a connection and were glued to each other that entire night, we didn’t leave each other’s side.

You can tell there is a spark! What key factor makes up that spark and how do you find such a deep connection in each other? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together. (pushing each other to new limits, love to travel, foodies, etc.) What makes your relationship unique?

Jorey – “Our relationship definitely reached a new level last year when Graham was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It was a hard time, but it also was a time where we came closer together and our love for each other grew so much more. We really learned how to handle such a tough situation and so early on in our life, I feel that since we were able to overcome cancer we can conquer the world together now. We both love to travel though, and we love anything that has to do with winning or being competitive, especially with each other. People always assume that we work together on games as a team but we actually like to have fun with it and try to beat each other. We both have a love for animals, our fur babies mean the world to us. Some days though when we're tired, it's just as fun staying in and getting pizza, dessert, and movies. It's simple, but sometimes those are the best days with each other.

Graham- “Our relationship is special and unique because of the way we work together and the things we do together to make our time special. I think the way we handle things is pretty flawless. We always collaborate and include each other in decisions and the handling of situations. We also work together when deciding what we do for fun. We are both athletic and love anything competitive, which makes is easy to enjoy everyday activities together. We also love to explore, and there is nothing better than doing that with the woman you love and your best friend.”

How did you know your partner was the one? When did you first know this in your relationship? (these may often be the same moment, but aren’t always)

Jorey – “I knew right away - the day I met him actually. There was something so different right away when I met Graham. I remember being memorized by his green eyes and just lost in his words, there was such a strong connection and it felt so easy as well. Our conversations felt no natural and nothing was forced. I remember calling my mom and telling her the next day that I met someone and it feels like it is going to be something very special. I honestly feel that God placed Graham in my life at the right time because I had previously finally accepted to Him that I was going to wait for the right man, no matter how long it took. And then there Graham was as perfect as can be.”

Graham- “I knew Jorey was the one from the first night I met her. I remember thinking to myself, why am I okay with being out here on the the dance floor just letting it loose? Something about her made me so comfortable, I knew something special was happening. Before the night was over we all went to IHOP and she asked if we could share something after just meeting me that night, but it still felt right. From that night on, we just keep growing and loving each other more and more.”

How did the proposal go down. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the wedding planning process?

So Graham planned a big "family game night/ pot luck" at our house. I had a track meet that day, and the entire time I was thinking that I was missing it all. (I love games and anything competitive) Fortunately, the track meet was way ahead of schedule so I was able to make it home earlier than expected, not knowing he was planning on me being home because he was going to propose). My family stayed and wanted to play one last game so I could join. We were playing Moniker, one of our favorites, and we were on the last round where you act it out. Graham was acting like he was grabbing some props out of the bookcase and he came over to me and handed me a homemade game card with the ring in his hand. The card read "Will you marry me? A question you ask when you are madly in love with your rock, your best friend, your everything. The question you ask when you know without a doubt you cannot live without this person no matter what." At the bottom it was labeled infinity points. I was shocked, especially since I have been waiting and trying to plan to be ready with my nails done and cute outfits. He caught me totally off guard, my nails were outgrown, I was sweaty from being outside all day and I did not look cute. But it was so thoughtful and such an intimate moment with our families, I couldn't have asked for a better night.

If you are recently engaged and planning your wedding we would love to connect and see how we can help with your big day. Whether you are looking for a local San Diego wedding photographer or planning a wedding clear across the country we would love to be a part in capturing your day. We are based in Southern California and love traveling throughout the state capturing photo and video of weddings for couples celebrating their wedding. From San Diego beach weddings to Temecula winery weddings there are so many amazing nearby places to celebrate your wedding. Thanks so much for stopping by our page and hope the wedding planning is coming along, there are so many great wedding photographers in San Diego and we try to share all of our recent engagement photos on our San Diego blog. Hope to connect soon!