A University of South Alabama Engagement Session

Joseph planned his proposal to Natalie around the Feast of the Holy Family. The two attended Mass together at St. Ignatius on the feast day. Natalie says she wasn’t suspicious initially, but midway through the Mass she noticed Joseph’s palms seemed a bit damp.

When the petitions that were read focused on the preservation and unity of the family, Natalie suddenly realized what was about to happen! After Mass, the two stayed inside the church to pray, but Natalie noticed Joseph seemed distracted. The sacristans were still cleaning up after the Mass and Joseph was clearly waiting for them to leave. Finally, Joseph couldn’t wait any longer. He leapt up from the pew, grabbed Natalie’s hand and headed up the center aisle.

It was there, in front of the altar, that he got down on one knee and asked Natalie to be his wife! Could there be a more special spot to propose than the place you’ll be standing when you exchange vows?!

I first met Natalie at her sister’s wedding last year! I remember thinking at Rachel and William’s wedding reception that if Natalie and Joseph ever got married they’d be a fun couple to photograph. You should have seen them on the dance floor – joy was just radiating from them!

I later found out that they are both performers, so it’s no surprise that twirling around the dance floor comes naturally to them. I have no doubt that many more joyful moments are to come next spring on this sweet couple’s wedding day!

Joseph custom designed this beautiful engagement ring for Natalie. The rose is a nod to Natalie’s patron saint, St. Therese of Lisieux (who is also often referred to as “The Little Flower”).