Engagement shoots are the best! It is amazing to work with engaged couples, hear their love story, and capture the romance between two loving hearts. Rachel and Darren’s Bloomington, Illinois engagement shoot was nothing short of enchanting.

Rachel and Darren grew up in the small town, but the first time they really spent time together was when they competed in the Science Olympiad in high school. They were partners for the chemistry lab competition and won first place. Afterward, these two science wizards decided to hang out and watch the Big Bang Theory…which seems fitting following a science competition. Instead of watching the show, however, the two ended up talking the entire time. They’ve been together ever since!

The couple said that it’s difficult to say when they knew it was meant to be, since they have known each other for such a long time. They have matured and grown together as a couple, and everything just kept falling into place. For both Rachel and Darren, it just always felt right.

Their time spent together has been full of good times and fun with sci-fi movies and thrillers, board games, brain teasers, reading, cooking, and hikes. They love to spend time with their munchkin cat, Toby, who probably gets as much attention as a child! Darren adores Rachel’s cheery, positive attitude and Rachel cannot get enough of how Darren is so patient and such a great a listener.

It was so fun meeting this adorable couple and seeing how perfect they are for one another during their sunset engagement shoot. We found the perfect locations for this outdoor-loving couple, including the middle of the forest surrounded by greenery and a lakeside spot with the light reflecting beautifully off the water. The engaged couple was full of laughs, and it was clear how easily they were able to make each other laugh.

Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for these lovebirds!