Golden Light During a Philippe Park Engagement
Bri and Hal’s engagement session at Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida, was an absolute dream to capture. Framed by centuries-old historic oak trees, magnificent Spanish moss, and sweeping views of Old Tampa Bay, this historic park provided a stunning natural backdrop for a couple whose love story is grounded in genuine support, ambition, and shared growth.
Greek Week Beginnings and Late-Night Library Studies
Their journey began in the fall of 2015 when they were placed on the same team for the first Greek Week at the University of North Florida. While they didn't know each other well at first—though Hal was friends with some of her sorority sisters—it wasn't until the following year that their connection truly sparked. Along with mutual friends, Bri and Hannah would gather for late-night study sessions in the campus library. Even though neither was looking for a relationship, those quiet study hours turned into deep conversations. When the semester finally wrapped up, they spent the entire winter break inseparable. On January 15, 2017, Hal asked Bri to be his girlfriend, and the rest is history.
What They Love About Each Other
What makes Bri and Hal's relationship so strong is the mutual respect and motivation they bring to one another every single day. For Hal, what he loves most about Bri is her incredible drive and ambition. She always puts forth maximum effort in all of her endeavors, moving to the beat of her own drum. She understands that they each have their own individual goals, making them each other's biggest cheerleaders to strive forward.
For Bri, what she loves most about Hal is the unconditional acceptance he offers. He loves her completely for who she is, quirks, awkwardness, and all. He constantly pushes her to be a better version of herself and supports her through every season of life.
A Waterfall Proposal in Chattanooga
After graduating and passing the NCLEX to officially become a Registered Nurse, Bri made the major move to Sarasota, finally bringing their year of long-distance to an end. To celebrate being in the same place at last, they took a weekend trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to hike one of their favorite trails at Falling Water Falls.
The proposal completely caught Bri by surprise. They had discussed getting engaged and even looked at rings, but she had no idea it would happen just days after her move. When Bri asked Hal to snap a quick photo of her facing the cliff, she turned around to find him down on one knee. It was an unforgettable moment in the mountains that set the stage for this exciting next chapter.
Capturing Their Love Among the Ancient Oaks
Wandering beneath the grand, shaded canopy of Philippe Park's historic oak trees and along the glistening waterfront of Tampa Bay, Bri and Hal's engagement session captured the effortless joy they share. It was an honor to document this chapter of their lives as they look forward to doing life together.
