Ben Finch Photography » Award Winning Fine Art Wedding, Lifestyle & Editorial Photographer

It could’ve only been orchestrated from above. How else would you explain how a San Antonio, TX-born, Memphis, TN transplant who ventures to Tuscaloosa, AL for college meets a Belo Horizonte, Brazilian-born, Birmingham, AL transplant who speaks English with a Southern accent? Whew! Meet Grant & Fernanda or should I say, the future Mr. & Mrs. Grant Luiken! This is their story.

As I’ve heard it said before, sometimes the most enduring relationships begin slowly. As is the case for Grant & Fernanda. They met for the first time through the University Fellows Experience at the University of Alabama… Roll Tide! After 2 years of friendship they began working together following Grant’s study abroad in Uruguay. On the first day of the job together, sparks began to fly. Who says you shouldn’t date a co-worker?! After much prayer, the couple entered into a relationship together. And that’s what finds us here today!

On a beautiful late April afternoon, Grant took Fernanda to a pre-scouted lookout in Moundville, AL where he had prepared a picnic for the ‘two youngins’ in love!’ At the right moment, Grant got off the tailgate & knelt down to wash Fernanda’s feet. He spoke of Christ’s love of the church (John 13) & it’s model for marriage. “In the same way that Christ serves the church,” Grant said, “we want to serve each other for the rest of our lives.” He then asked her hand in marriage (accompanied by a sparkly ring) & she said, “YES!” {And all the readers said, “Awwww!”} Afterward, they headed back to Tuscaloosa where Grant had an engagement reception party waiting behind his apartment doors. Nice!!!

You can see why I’m honored to share in the stories of couples like Grant & Fernanda. While getting married on New Year’s Eve in Tuscaloosa, AL, they were kind enough to drive up to East TN for their engagement session. And they rocked it out! After discussing our ideas for the session, they wanted to do a vintage-inspired e-session. They had the perfect clothes & I found some great locations which resulted in one of my favorite engagement sessions to date. Without further ado:

We began our session at the Historic L&N Depot & Railroad Museum in Etowah, TN. The old train station & active train tracks provided a fantastic backdrop.

Watching these two interact was really beautiful!

Can’t miss the train!

After the depot, we opted to visit a local Mennonite Community in Delano, TN. A lovely couple in a Muscadine Vineyard… what more could you ask for?

One of my favorites!

And yes! We ate plenty of Muscadines… fresh off the vine!

Beautiful!

And, across the highway is the Hiwassee River. (Btw, I was standing at the very edge of a log that was hovering over the water for this pic, I seriously almost fell in at one point).

This nearby field was perfect.

And we ended the afternoon with a short hill-top hike to catch sunset while enjoying our Muscadines.

I love these two pictures so much!

Clearly one of my favorites!

Grant & Fernanda, I am so happy for you & your families. You are such a pleasure to meet & I can’t wait to ring in the New Year with you guys. I hope you’ve enjoyed your sneak peek!