Apr 19
Vote for your Favorite Couple!
Written By Katie
We received some fabulous entries for the 2 hour engagement session giveaway from Derren Raser Photography! It was extremely hard to narrow those entries down for us, so we ended up choosing four finalists! Please meet each of our couples below, and vote for the couple below that you would like to see receive the two hour engagement session with the CD of images! Each couple has shared with us their story on how they met each other as well as where they would like to take their engagement pictures.
Voting will end this Sunday, April 25th and we will announce the winner on Monday, April 26th.
Couple #1 – Kate & Jimmy
Jimmy and I met on the Internet when we were 15 years old. We were just looking for someone to chat with, but we immediately hit it off and started talking on the phone shortly after. We lived an hour apart (him in the country and me in the city) and obviously couldn’t drive yet, so we had no real plans to meet, although we were becoming great friends. But on the Fourth of July that year, he told me his family was attending a festival in my hometown. He shyly asked if I might like to come and meet him? My parents were a little apprehensive about it, but they were supportive and took me to meet him. We spent the day walking through the fair, eating ice cream and almost, /almost/ holding hands. When I had to leave that night, with a long hug under the fireworks, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I found a way to see him again.
I was right, and once we turned got our drivers’ licenses, we spent every weekend driving back and forth to meet each other. We went on this way for the rest of high school and through my first year of college, when I moved even further away (a good three-hour drive). We were in heaven when Jimmy was accepted to the same school and, for the first time, we lived near each other. He hit it off wonderfully with my friends, and it was hard to believe he hadn’t been part of the group all along. We moved in together during his junior year, graduated together, and ventured out into the “real world” together, moving to Columbia for full-time jobs. It’s been an adjustment, not being in school any more–but facing it together has made it so much easier and more exciting.
One morning this past November, just before sunrise, I woke up to find Jimmy already awake and watching me sleep. He apologized for waking me up, but told me he just couldn’t wait any more to ask me if I would be his wife. I said yes, we both got a little teary-eyed, and now we’re planning this new adventure together. We’ve been together nearly 8 years. Jimmy and I have truly grown up together. We have shared the best and worst moments of our lives, and there is no one on Earth who knows either of us as much as the other. I can’t imagine my life without him, and I couldn’t be more excited to spend the rest of it with him.
Where would they like to have their engagement pictures at: They are both art and movie buffs so their two favorite locations would be Laumeier Sculpture Park with its phenomenal artwork and open spaces and also the Tivoli Theatre with it’s memorabilia and vintage charm.
Couple #2 – Kristin & Greg
My name is Kristin and I met Greg in a high school algebra II class. He sat next to me but we only spoke a few times. I found out later that he had a crush on me and had tried flirting but I always ended up ignoring him! About a year later we ran into each other at the college we were both attending. We stood and talked for a while and he asked me out a few days later. We went to a movie and while we were in the theater it started to snow….hard. We went outside and everything was covered. After having a quick meal we got into his car and began to drive home. The roads were covered and it was still coming down hard. The 20 min drive ended up taking us over an hour! My parents ended up inviting him to stay the night since the roads were so bad and he ended up sleeping in my brother’s room. The day after we went sledding and both agreed that it was the best weekend of our lives. About a month later Greg left for Marine bootcamp. Well by then we were head over heels for each other. We wrote letters back and forth for the three months he was gone and by the time he graduated we knew that we were meant to be. That was two and a half years ago and we are stronger than ever! Greg is based in California and I live here in Missouri so we only get to see each other a few times a year. He got back from Iraq last fall and he proposed to me on his Christmas leave! After breakfast and a day of shopping (for me of course :)) we went to the park which is where he popped the question. He is deploying again this fall and we plan on getting married a few months after he gets back next year. We are both just so excited to spend the rest of our lives TOGETHER!
Where would they like to have their engagement pictures at: The math class where it all began or a sunflower field by Kristin’s house.
Couple #3 – Samantha & Jimmy
We met at a mutual friend’s (Jose) dinner party. I noticed Jimmy the minute he walked in and whispered to my friend that he was cute. However, Jimmy and I didn’t say much more than “Hi” (with enormous smiles) because we were both a little shy. After everyone spent the evening chatting, it was getting late and time to go home. I couldn’t stop thinking about Jimmy and knew there had to be a way to see him again. When I got on facebook the next day, I had a message from him. We started chatting and realized we had a lot in common, and he asked me to coffee on Sunday. I, of course, said “yes”! However, we couldn’t wait that long and I asked him to a basketball game on Friday. That was our first date and it was truly love at first sight. We talked non-stop about everything. We both discovered that we had taken some time off dating to spend time in prayer for “the one” that God had designed us to be with. In less than a week we were “official” and knew it was love soon after.
After a year of dating and talking about getting married for at least 6 months, we had no doubts that we were truly meant to be together. We didn’t see any sense in waiting any longer. However, we both needed to finish college before the wedding. So, we began planning in our minds and discussing our future together. I was convinced we wouldn’t get engaged until after graduation. Jimmy said he wanted to spend a day with me and since the weather started to get nicer we should enjoy a day in the park. I was excited but knew I wouldn’t be able to get off work. The next day, my work called and told me I could have the day off because we were over staffed. Jimmy picked me up and we went to our favorite walking place, a park near our homes. We walked and talked and remembered all the many walks we experienced there. When we got to “our bench”, we sat and enjoyed the sunshine. Jimmy knelt down on one knee and pulled out my ring! He explained how he knew God had brought us together and we shouldn’t wait any longer. I, of course, said “YES”!!!! Come to find out, he asked my parents 2 months prior and had the ring for over a month. He also called my work a month prior and asked my boss to give me the day off.
Where would they like to have their engagement pictures at: They would love any place with beautiful flowers or landscaping. One of their favorite places to walk around together is Forest Park.
Couple #4 – Caitlin & Andrew
Andrew and I met in August of 2008 where I went to college; he went there his freshman year but had transferred to UMSL after that. He was visiting his fraternity brothers and friends up there when I met him, and we really clicked right away. I knew that this was a guy I couldn’t just let slip away, even though he lived almost four hours from me at the time. We decided to give it a shot, and committed to a long-distance relationship, visiting each other every other weekend.
In May of 2009, after we finished our juniors years at our respective schools, we found out that we were pregnant! This was a complete surprise to us, but we were committed to making it work. From my hometown in Kansas City, I moved to St. Louis to be with Andrew. We bought a house, and started adjusting to living together, from previously a long-distance relationship. The change was surprisingly easy: we learned each others quirks and qualities (good and bad!) on a level we never had before.
On January 24, 2010, we welcomed our baby boy Aaron into the world. He is our little sweetheart, and we love him more than we could have ever imagined. He has really connected us as a couple, and given us a bond that will last forever. Watching Andrew with our son melts my heart, he is so gentle and loving, I couldn’t ask for a better Daddy. Andrew proposed on March 31, at around 12:30 am. He had just gotten home from work, and I had a rough day myself. We were sitting on the couch in PJs, having a glass of wine and just talking about our days, when he suddenly got down on his knees, reached out for my hand, and looked me in my eyes. I knew that what was coming was major, but I couldn’t wrap my mind around it at first! He said some of the sweetest words to me he has ever said, causing tears between the both of us. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a beautiful diamond ring, and asked, “Will you marry me?” It was perfect: simple, spontaneous, and loving. It was exactly the right thing at the right time, and its a moment that I truly cherish.
Where would they like to have their engagement pictures at: They would love some beautiful, outdoor shots in the fabulous St. Louis blossoming weather. At such great places like the Botanical Gardens, Tower Grove Park, and even the Zoo.
[polldaddy poll=”3077215″]
caitlin and Andrew are one of the best couples I know. They really deserve this!!
Congrats to Kate and Jimmy! They are such a cute couple and really great people to boot. Please vote for them!
Caitlin and Andrew are an amazing couple and have a beautiful baby boy, they deserve this. Love you guys, good luck i hope you get it.
Caitlin and Andrew are amazing together. Their baby is adorable and their wedding is going to be a very happy occasion for everyone. I hope you guys win!
Kate and Jimmy are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They are a wonderful couple, and I wish them nothing but the best in their future together! They are extremely deserving of wining a contest such as this! Good luck you two!
All of these stories are great. I don’t know any of these people but I met my boyfriend online, so I love couple #1’s story! Unusual beginnings with happy endings are great! Congrats to all the couples.
Caitlin and Andrew for sure!!!
K A T E & J I M M Y!!!!
Way to go guys!
K A T E & J I M M Y!!!!
hey i really think kristin and greg should win, they have gone through the hardest times without a doubt, a combat tour to iraq and afganistan thats impressive that they r still together. and thank you for serving, oooorah
caitlin and andrew are the best,and they make a very cute couple. They are great parents and are lucky to have each other. To go through what they have is amazing. i hope you guys win, you deserve it.
Kristin and Greg! He is a military guy who is serving his country deployed to Afghanistan. He makes little money. Come on and support them.
hey this is a great idea. Considering doing something like this with my own company. My vote is for andrew and caitlin, as the wife and I had little ones when we were young and missed out on many fun things and wish we could have had nice pics done. good luck guys.
Samantha and Jimmy are the handfull–and I mean on ONE hand,–of true Christians that walk their talk every day. They are a perfect example of how we all should treat each other and practice faith
caitlin and andrew alll the way! you guys are adorable togetherr
SAMANTHA AND JIMMY!!!! They are truly deserving of this photo session. They exemplify true love everyday 🙂 I love their story!
SAMANTHA AND JIMMY!!!! They are truly deserving of this photo session! They are the perfect example of true love! I loved their story! 🙂
Kristin and Greg have been through more than most people go through in a lifetime. Seeing the one you love most go off to war has to be heartbreaking!! I cant think of a couple more deserving of this gift. God bless you both!
Jimmy and Samantha should win this hands down, they are an amazing couple and amazing people I love you both. Good luck and hope you guys win. Congrats again you two!
Go Kristin and Greg! Good luck!!! 🙂
*has been removed by the owner of this blog* We do not support negative comments.
Goodness gracious, that last voter has got a stick up his or her butt.
I’m voting for Caitlin and Andrew because they are a wonderful couple and yes, it is clear to everyone that Aaron has bonded them and only made them stronger. They are a low key, simple couple who are experiencing life day to day, and I couldn’t be more in awe of how strong they are. Vote for Caitlin and Andrew!
Dear anonymous (the one right above my post),
This vote is for celebrating the union of these wonderful couples, not bashing one of them based on your own personal viewpoints. How dare you try to fit them into a stereotype box. They are happy together and are getting married and that is all that matters. I think that it is simply awful that you are trying to bring them down.
Next time you decide to bash people you don’t know, have the guts to use your own name. Or even better, keep your judgments to yourself.
Congratulations to Caitlin and Andrew on your happy day!
~Jennifer
Boo to mean-spirited people. This is a special time in ALL the contestants lives and none of them deserve any less than complete happiness and a special marriage together. Good luck to each and every one of us.
-A Contestant
Caitlin and Andrew!
Caitlin & Andrew
Thanks so much, Katie, for holding this contest 🙂 It has been really exciting seeing people come out and vote for us (1200 votes?!? seriously?!?) and comment on our stories! I am very excited to see the outcome and hope to see the awesome photos no matter who wins!
Go Kate & Jimmy!
Kate and Jimmy are a classy couple- no doubt about it. Their relationship has stood the test of time and distance. Congrats guys, hope you win! 🙂
Jimmy and Sam are so amazing! They have put all faith in God everyday and they thank Him for his great love that He put them two together.
Thank you to all of the people who voted for Sam and I. We love you all so very much. <3 No matter who wins Thank you for holding such a great contest. Good bye and good luck to our fellow contestents. 🙂
I’m voting for couple #2. I like their story.
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has voted for us, whether you know us in person or not! It really means alot to Greg and I. And to the other 3 couples…you all have amazing stories and we wish you the best of luck!
[…] Forever (please stop on by the Simply & Forever blog to read Caitlin & Andrew’s winning story). They were so much fun to work with, and, as you can see, they have a playful affection for each […]