The dreamy e-sesh from Libelle Photography took place in the beautiful ruins of Georgia’s Barnsley Gardens, the same spot where Rafael proposed to Cristina a couple months before. But as if that wasn’t romantic enough, legend has it that the lady of the manor, Julia Barnsley, was the inspiration for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind. Pure Southern romance with lots of history. The scenic gardens and the golden light give this whole session a romantic and timeless feel.
Their love story…
I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. It was a late August day and the sun was out. I sat outside the university art building to read and enjoy the weather. Moments into my book, I glanced forward and saw Rafael walking towards me. He had his school bag strapped around his chest and books in his hands. A mutual friend who was by my side introduced us. We carried a very short and light conversation, then said our good byes. My friend that introduced us walked away with Rafael and jokingly told him that one day he would marry me.
Throughout the following months I kept running into Rafael in school. We would read together, talk, laugh, and dive deep into each other’s lives. It wasn’t long before we knew we had something special. He asked me one night to meet him on the roof of the highest parking garage. We used to always park there because the view was beautiful, you could see all of campus and the mountain behind it. He gave me a hug and asked me to be his girlfriend.
Three years passed and our relationship grew stronger and stronger. My birthday was coming up so Rafael asked me to not make any plans. He showed up to my house bright and early and gave me a handmade passport. The passport had our faces on it and it read, “Around the world in one date.” So we went on our journey around the world (all in Atlanta, mind you) where we spent the day trying different food, parks, and music. As soon as I thought the day was over, Rafael said he had one more surprise. We drove to an enchanted place called Barnsley Gardens, where our tour took us to these beautiful ruins. Our tour guide had a “sudden” emergency and sped off leaving us alone in the ruins. He took my hand and led me to a spot full of candles. I was so caught up in the moment that the next thing I saw was Rafael on one knee asking me to be his wife. I didn’t just say yes, I said OF COURSE! Four and a half months later, I walked down the aisle and into his arms forever.
Photographer: Libelle Photography / Location: Barnsley Gardens / Cristina’s Dress: Watters / Sandals: Target / Rafael’s Jacket: Vintage / Other Attire: Macy’s
