Something was definitely bringing them together. But it took a few years and several ‘we have no idea how we never met until nows’ before it happened. He had been friends with her college friends since high school. During their freshmen year at University of Arizona, he lived in the dorm above her. She went to parties at his house sophomore year. It wasn’t until the beginning of their junior year of college that their paths finally, and actually, crossed. His friends asked hers to live in the house next door to them because the landlord was going to give everyone a break on rent if they filled both houses. And the houses shared a courtyard, so the two groups of friends would hang out together. It was a real-life Melrose Place. I mean… what college student wouldn’t want a rent discount while living in a house filled with their best friends?!? It was quite a score, and one that eventually led them to the score of their lives. They probably should invite that landlord to the wedding. Because without that offer, well… who knows how long it may have been before Fate decided to step in again and show these two that they were just destined to meet. But it did, and they did, and in just under a year…. They will say I do. Shortly after that fateful (final!) first meeting, they went on their first date to Oregano’s, and the rest, as they say, is history. Which makes total sense, because Oregano’s is enough to make anyone fall in love. Have the Vino Bambino. And a Bellini. You’ll thank me later. Seriously. It’s that good.

ALMOST as good as their engagement session! We were so lucky to get permission to take Crystal and Michael’s engagement photos at the historic Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The resort features incredible architecture designed by the world renowned Frank Lloyd Wright and absolutely stunning gardens. Which couldn’t have been more perfect, because if there was ONE thing Crystal wanted for their photos… it was flowers. And specifically, bougainvillea. Which you would think would be easy here in the Phoenix area, seeing as the beautiful fuchsia blooms can be found in pretty landscaping all around the valley. They even line the freeways with color! But you can’t just go waltzing into anyone’s backyard, or even on to any resort to take photos. And although I’m up for almost any adventure… I’m not really down to risk my life on the side of a freeway. Haha! So the fact that the flaming pink florals are in abundance around the Biltmore was a bonus!

We had so much fun running around the resort, taking photos in all the flower-filled spots. The gardens and the scenery were picture perfect, just like these two. Pretty sure many of the tourists thought Crystal & Michael were models, because I would catch them stopping and staring for a moment as they strolled by. Who could blame them? Serious couple goals here.

Crystal and Michael, I’m so glad that your paths finally crossed in that fateful courtyard, and I can’t wait for your wedding at Brophy Chapel and the AZ Jewish Historical Society next spring! Until then, I’m so glad I have these stunners to gaze at. I hope you love looking at them as much as I loved taking them! And now you have something to put on those Save-the-Dates. I’m sure your Melrose landlord would really love one! ;)💕

©Mindy Deluca

Photos:  Mindy DeLuca Photography

Looking for other beautiful Phoenix area gardens for Engagement Photos? Check out this gorgeous Japanese Garden Proposal session!

To see more proposal, engagement, & wedding stories photos, follow my blog!

The GEAR used for this Session:

Nikon D750, Nikon 85mm f/1.8, Nikon 35mm f/1.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 60mm f/2.8