Hills and Dales Estate Engagement Session in Lagrange Georgia

Melissa and Cody are a favorite SAPPY couple of mine, but I am also overjoyed to call them friends.  When they invited me to help capture and share their story, I was ecstatic.

About the location:

We shot their engagement session at Hills & Dales Estate in Lagrange, Georgia near Newnan, GA (a little south of Atlanta). The estate was beautiful, and I just know that I could have shot a million photos there, and I would still have wanted to keep going. Not only is the outside of the estate exquisite, but the greenhouse in the back was nothing short of heavenly. The whole location had a soft, romantic, dreamy, Tuscan feel. We met during golden hour, and the lighting was breathtaking.

I simply can’t wait to share Cody and Melissa’s unique bond and storybook love with my SAPPY family. Here is a bit of that story alongside their beautiful engagement session.

Their beginning:

Cody and Melissa’s once-upon-a-time took place in, you guessed it,  a bookstore in Newnan, GA. Amidst all the great love stories and fairy tales, the two exchanged glances.  They began talking, and traded numbers before leaving… They have been together ever since. Talk about a storybook romance.

A few of their favorite things:

Melissa’s favorite thing about Cody is his kind heart and how easily he forgives others, and describes him as an endless source of support and love.  

Cody loves how Melissa compliments him perfectly and gives the best advice.  He loves that she supports not only his big endeavors in life, but also his hobbies.

Their favorite date took place in Serenbe, in the same spot where Cody later proposed.

Their favorite pastimes are playing board games together, traveling, and exploring history together at museums.  Cody is even working on designing his own board game! They also love to spend time at their home with their two cats, Binks and Merlin.

It was about eight months into their love story, when Melissa first knew that Cody was the one:  

“We were in the car together, and I just looked over and him and knew… that he was it. All of our values and ideas lined up. We let each other be ourselves.”

–M

“Cody is very romantic, and he’s a little old school. He writes me sweet notes and puts them in my purse for me to find later. I opened up a wedding planning business a few years ago, and he’s my biggest cheerleader. I’m truly blessed to have someone so supportive! We really found our match in each other.”

–M

A bit of advice from the SAPPY couple:

The two credit their partnership to their mutual respect and ability to fight fair.

“No screaming, no name calling, no cussing. We have a lot of respect for each other, and it doesn’t matter what you say in anger, you can’t take it back.”

–M+C

Their happily-ever-after:

The pair say that they envision their happily-ever-after the same way that they live in the present.  

“I imagine our relationship will look a lot like it does now– we’re happy. We have a simple life. And there will probably be too many cats in the house.”

–M

A note to the SAPPY couple:

Cody and Melissa, I am thrilled and honored to witness, celebrate, and usher in the beginning of your journey.   It is rare that two people find their other halves out in the world, and I can think of no two people more deserving. I wish you both a lifetime of both exotic travels and simple pleasures, board games and thrilling trips, days spent making memories and nights spent reminiscing.  Thank you for letting me share in telling your story.