A Love Worth Framing: The Engagement Session of Reese & Dalton in Columbus, Ohio

Some love stories take time to unfold—but for Reese and Dalton, it didn’t take long to know they had found something special! “We met at our college, East Tennessee State University!” Reese shares. “He was living on the floor above me in our dorm! We both had mutual friends and started to hang out, and it took only one month after knowing each other to start dating.” What began as a simple college connection quickly turned into a relationship built on shared experiences, laughter and a love that only grew stronger with time.

When it came time to propose, Dalton chose a location that held a special place in their relationship. “Dalton proposed at Keeneland, which is one of our all-time favorite places!” Reese says. “I am not from Kentucky, so every time I would come and visit him, we could make a trip out to Keeneland and watch the horse races. I thought this was the coolest thing ever since where I am from, we have nothing like this!” But Dalton didn’t just choose a meaningful location—he made sure the moment was surrounded by the people Reese loves most. “He made sure my whole family was in town the weekend he proposed,” Reese shares. “We all made a trip to Keeneland, he walked me to the starting gates and he got down on one knee and proposed! It was the most romantic, heartfelt proposal ever!”

Dalton took the proposal one step further by choosing a ring entirely on his own—something that made it even more meaningful to Reese. “Dalton actually picked it out himself, no help from me or anyone else at all!” she says. “We went to try on rings one time just to see what size I wore, but he took it upon himself to pick the actual ring out!” The one he selected is a timeless design featuring a round brilliant diamond with a band lined in diamonds. “It is absolutely perfect and timeless!” Reese says. “If I had to pick what I loved most about it, it would be that he picked it out himself and he felt like this one represented me the most. It just feels so sentimental!”

When it came to their engagement photos, Reese had a clear vision in mind—and she was determined to find the perfect photographer to bring it to life. “I had a very specific image in mind of the style of photography I wanted,” she explains. “I was searching all types of things on Instagram trying to find the perfect photographer.” After narrowing down her options, one name kept standing out. “I just kept coming back to Goose & Rose,” Reese says. “They had that unique, moody, timeless, romantic quality that I was wanting. Obviously the engagement photos reflected all of that, so I made the PERFECT choice!”

To match the romantic aesthetic she envisioned, Reese chose a location that felt equally timeless—Columbus Museum of Art. “The location is just absolutely stunning, it could not be more beautiful,” she says. “And what better way to capture ‘forever’ than with art that will be appreciated for all of eternity!” The museum’s elegant architecture and artistic atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for their love story!

Reese’s outfit choices were just as intentional as the setting itself. “With us choosing to shoot at a museum, I knew I wanted something very elegant,” she says. “That is how we chose a satin dress and a suit.” Her dress featured delicate lace detailing along the thigh—an artistic touch that tied beautifully into the museum setting—while her blue shoes added a subtle nod to their wedding colors. Dalton’s look complemented hers perfectly. “Dalton’s suit was simply just timeless,” she adds.

Like many brides, Reese’s wedding vision evolved over time—but she’s now found a theme that feels just right. “I had no idea what I wanted for my wedding when I got engaged,” she says. “I actually ended up changing the whole theme four months after getting engaged!” Now, everything has come together beautifully. “We have finally landed on a coastal blue and white with a pop of yellow!” And while planning a wedding always comes with a few challenges, Reese is embracing every moment of the journey. “The wedding experience is almost just how I dreamed it would be!” she shares. “It is so much fun getting to plan everything and be in this bride era. All the outfits, décor and customized items are so much fun!” She adds, “Of course there are some stressful parts of it, but the excitement for sure outweighs all of that!”

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