Courtney & Grayson’s Engagement

Courtney’s wedding is coming up this weekend and we couldn’t be more excited! She’s from the Dalton area and we love working down there and often see people that we’ve worked with before. Courtney was a previous bride’s maid of honor and is one of the sweetest girls…I remember her so well. Her relationship with Grayson has a fabulous story and they have such a connection.

Grant had an amazing time during the shoot and loved all of the images from it.

Congratulations to Courtney and Grayson…we hope you love your images!

How did you meet?
My sorority has an annual philanthropy event called “Anchor Splash”. Most of the fraternities and sororities put together teams to compete in various swimming events. The main event is a synchronized swimming competition. I was assigned to be the coach for the fraternity that Grayson was pledging. It was during this time that we met and started to get to know each other. Grayson likes to say that his swimming abilities impressed me! :)

Anything special you’d like to share about dating?
Grayson and I have been together for over 6 years now, with at least 2.5 years spent long distance. Grayson was in the Marines and was deployed for 7 months and had about 5 months of training before he was sent to Iraq. It was a difficult time, but his Homecoming was one of the most exciting days of our relationship and I will never forget that emotion!

Describe your proposal.
My best friend from high school and her husband moved to China and were coming home for a couple of weeks during September. Her parents were throwing a small BBQ for family and friends on Saturday, September 24th. I knew that it would be a 6-7 hour drive for Grayson to make it to Dalton for the weekend, I also knew that he had been sick the week before and he had to drive to Kansas the following Monday for work. So when I mentioned the BBQ to him, I didn’t expect him to make it. The morning of the party, my friend called me and told me that she wouldn’t be in town until about 30 minutes before the party started, so to kill time I went to the nail salon and got a manicure. While I was there, my friend called and told me that she had arrived earlier than expected and she wanted me to come over so she could see me before the crowd got there. I went straight to her house when I got done and walked up to the front door, and noticed the handle move. I didn’t knock, and after a few seconds, the door finally opened and there stood Grayson with a small little box in his hand. I stepped backwards completely in shock and said “uhhh…what are you doing here?” It was at that point Grayson dropped to his knee and asked me to marry him and all I could do was jump on him and hug him! After a few seconds I realized I never answered him and finally shouted “yes!”

What is your ring like?
My ring is beautiful and is very special for a couple of reasons. The first reason is because Grayson picked it out completely by himself. He didn’t want any hints from me or anyone else! The second reason is because the three stones are from his mom’s engagement ring. Grayson’s parents decided years ago that they wanted to let Grayson use the stones when he decided to propose. Grayson and I have decided that it is a tradition that we want to continue one day with our children.

How would you describe the way you feel about each other?
It’s hard to put into words. We have grown to be best friends and we love each other so much. We’ve experienced a lot during our 6.5 years together, but I wouldn’t change a thing. God has truly blessed us with each other.

Do you have any special plans for your wedding that you’d like to share?
Our dogs, Jack and Clara will be apart of the wedding! Jack (a Newfoundland) and Clara (a Maltipoo) are both very important to us and we’re very excited to be getting married at a venue that is pet friendly!