Katy & Richie dropped me a love note a few weeks after their engagement this spring (which unfolded on a Vail mountaintop, no less). It was only after booking that we learned how much our interests overlap: They have two dogs, one of whom is a four month-old Bernese Mountain Dog named Everest. We immediately agreed that Summit & Everest need to sniff butts soon! Due to a rigorous schedule of napping & squirrel watching, the pups were unable to join us for the shoot, but we’re definitely keeping a puppy play date on the horizon!

The stars aligned in New Buffalo, Michigan, at a hotel where Katy worked & Richie traveled for business. One of Katy’s coworkers saw a potential match & introduced the two. Shortly after, Richie popped the question: “Wanna go for a walk on the beach?” and they’ve been hand-in-hand ever since! Together they savor outdoor adventure, pints of craft beer, and cooking delicious meals at home. Oh, and they get bonus points for their sweet, effortless goofiness. Cheers to the next adventure!