Life has a funny way of bringing us back to those we love: you can part ways for a thousand different reasons and your souls somehow still find home. It’s like gravity, blissfully lovesome gravity that keeps the other in fine orbit. The secret is recognizing that home when it comes back around and seizing it before it can spin away from us once more — Ali & Colin did just that!
A word from Gloria of McCune Photography:
“Ali & Colin love the outdoors and knew the mountains would be the perfect location for their engagement session. We found a beautiful area tucked away in Lake Arrowhead from the road that immersed us into nature. It was so much fun because we got to play around with several outfit changes, a custom music playlist and champagne. It was definitely one of our favorite sessions!”
Love notes from the couple, Ali & Colin:
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Colin: “Ali and I first met in high school but just as friends and would periodically see each other over the next 8 plus years. Her stunning beauty attracted my attention from first glance but God has His plan and it wasn’t until we both came back from college that we really started to hang out. Ali’s beauty initially drew me in but her contagious laugh and humor, deep care for others, her priority for family, and relentless drive are what made me fall head over heels for her. After dating for almost 4 years, I knew that I needed to make things official and propose. On September 21, 2017 I surprised Ali with a ring at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Surrounded by family and love, we couldn’t have asked for a more amazing day and beginning to our life together. Ali brings out the best of me and continually pushes me to strive just beyond my comfort zone and to achieve just beyond my already high expectations. She is my soul mate in every sense of the phrase and I cannot wait to marry her and to build a family and life together.”
Ali: “I always knew Colin throughout high school because my best friend dated (and is now married to) his identical twin. I remember always feeling nervous around him when we would all hang out but we always both had significant others so it never went past my secret butterflies. We both graduated college, a few years went by and finally became single at the same time. We went out a few times with friends and then he FINALLY asked me on a date! I knew I loved Colin when a certain laugh came out of me. He keeps me laughing and smiling like no one else can. He is sweet, kind and gentle to everyone he meets. I love that he is almost never in a bad mood, he treats our dog like she is his 1st born and he kisses my hands every morning before he leaves for work. I can’t wait to start a family with my funny guy.”
Tell us a funny story relating to your relationship!
Ali: “The day Colin was asking my family for permission to marry me, I was in Cabo on a girls trip. I called Colin to ask him what he was up to and he couldn’t think of a lie quickly enough so he immediately just hung up on me! I was so mad at him and didn’t find out for months what he was really up to!
The day he proposed I walked into the room and it was filled with roses, candles and our song was playing. I kept saying ‘no! no way! no!’ because that is something I say when I can’t believe what is happening! Gloria, our photographer, was taking photos and was getting nervous that I kept saying no as poor Colin was down on one knee!”
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome during your wedding planning.
Ali: “My dad passed away when I was 13 and I know he would’ve loved to have walked me down the aisle and danced the night away with me. I have had a hard time envisioning my big day without him. I know he will be with me in spirit and be proud of not only me but the man I am marrying as well. He would’ve loved Colin!”
What part of your wedding day is most important to you?
Ali: “The ceremony is very important to me as we exchange vows and receive the sacrament of marriage. I recently joined the Catholic Church and Colin was my sponsor. We have grown together in faith and it has become a priority for both of us to incorporate our relationship with God into our marriage and for our future family!”
Colin: “I want to make sure we have the opportunity to step back and soak in every moment both with each other and family and friends. I want to engrain the day into my memory and remember it forever.”
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Ali: “The best thing I have learned from Colin is to not be quick to judge others and not always expect others to think the way I would. He has taught me to be more understanding, more patient and not always be so tough!”
Colin: “Ali has instilled in me a sense of confidence both in my professional and personal life. Her continual encouragement and support drive me to always achieve my potential.”
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Colin: “My favorite thing about Ali is her strong sense of family and her ability to be goofy.”
Ali: “My favorite thing about Colin is the way he makes me laugh. There isn’t a soul in this world that makes me laugh the way Colin does. To me, humor is so important. I love to laugh!”
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Colin: “It takes work but the work is always worth it.”
photographer: McCune Photography/ venue: Lake Arrowhead, California / stylist and planner: Styled by TC/ makeup artist and hair stylist: Lauren Hendrix / film lab: Richard Photo Lab
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