Shannon and Kip are the sweetest couple! I have known Shannon for a long time through her sister Kathryn, a sweet friend of mine! I have gotten to know Shannon and her adorable, bubbly personality over the past few years. She is one of the kindest humans I know and she is a kick butt ICU nurse! Kip is her perfect soulmate. They were set up by a fellow nurse friend of Shannon’s. Though Kip tried to take a whole month to set up a date, fate happened and they ran into each other sooner at a concert. They went on their first date a few days later.

When it came time for Kip to plan his proposal to Shannon he knew just what to do. He set up a family day with Shannon’s siblings (who she is very close with) to spend a day at a local winery. As soon as they arrived, her siblings in on the secret, insisted that they take pictures in front of the winery. As Shannon got ready for a photo, Kip pulled out a ring and asked Shannon to marry him! She told me she is not even sure if she said yes because of how in awe she was, she just stuck out her hand for him to slip the ring on. I actually happened to be on a winery tour the same day and walked up to the winery minutes after Kip proposed. I was so happy for Shannon and Kip and loved getting to congratulate them in person!

Then came their engagement session. I already knew these two were so incredibly cute, but while taking their photos I realized it even more! Kip would do anything to make Shannon smile and and since it was about 35 degrees they got to cuddle – a lot! We worked our way around downtown Springfield, including a vine wall with beautiful colors, the Capitol building and ended on the Old State Capitol Plaza under the beautiful lights! I had so much fun hanging out with Shannon and Kip and afterwards they treated me to a beer and conversation about their big day at Buzz Bomb Brewery downtown. It was truly so much fun and I cannot wait to hang out again with these sweet friends when they tie the knot next fall!