Photos by Alexa Dotson @alexadotsonphotography
THE BEGINNING
It is not very romantic how we met, but our first kiss is a better story so I will tell that instead. We lived at the same apartment complex, and met through mutual friends. He was very kind and patient, and always there for me. He helped me get out an abusive relationship—he was my saving angel. During those first few week together, we spent days staying up nonstop talking and laughing. In one of our conversations I was joking about how every time a boy goes to kiss me I turn away and juke them. One night we were star gazing on our apartment complex rooftop cuddling and I was laying on Jordan’s right arm, and with his other left arm he guided his finger across the sky saying “ look there is a shooting star.” As he moved his hand pointing to the sky his face also turned toward mine. I got butterflies in my stomach because I realized he was going in for the kiss, and I shut my eyes, puckered up leaning in to kiss him. Then he goes “syke!” and turned away!!! We both started laughing. It was the first time a guy rejected me like that, and still to this day he keeps me on my toes and on the chase, which is what I need. We laughed about it for a moment and then shared our first kiss under the stars.
THE ENGAGEMENT
Jordan and I dated for three years before getting engaged, although we talked about it often. At one point, we even drew my dream ring together. On the day he popped the question, it wasn’t really on my radar, and that’s what made it special.
My family owns a beautiful piece of land up in the Uinta mountains where I have a lot of childhood memories, and it holds a special place in my heart. Jordan planned a weekend camping trip for us up their with his brother, and sister in law. One night, Jordan ask me if I wanted to go for a hike and watch the sunset. I actually filmed us walking, and the ring was in his back pocket (I slapped his butt and barley missed it). He took me up to the beautiful open meadow, and it was just us and the sunset. When we reached the top I hugged him, and heard his heart was beating so fast, and when I asked him why he said it was because we went on this long hike. He turned to me and said, “ Hey Sarah, I have a question.” Then he got down on one knee. I stifled a laugh when he slightly tripped over a baby aspen, but he quickly caught himself and said “Will you marry me?” I almost passed out and started crying. We hugged, and it was a little magical moment. Short but sweet, he pulled away with a grin and we made our way back to camp to show everyone the ring. Jordan is not a romantic so I was very proud of him for thinking of something so special.
THE PHOTOS
At the beginning of December we took our engagement photos at the little Sahara at the sand dunes in Utah. It’s only a little over an hurs out of Provo, and you get gorgeous desert views without having to drive to southern Utah. I chose the location because of the landscape: Endless sand hills, less people, and I loved the idea of a more neutral color palette. You could dress in any color option and make the photos perfect. I wanted more of a modern western mood. Like not full out cowboy but more modern classy rancher vibes. Alexa, our family friend, was our photographer. We are so glad we picked her. I was so stressed, and she was really good at keeping the mood positive, fun, and reminding us to stay in love. Jordan hates photos, and the first thing he said after we left was “when do we get to take more?” We love her.
Find more inspirational engagement shoots here.
