©Mindy Deluca, Life Story Photography.

They met online. You may call it a cliché, I call it meant to be. Brandi and Sam found each other at a point in life when they very possibly needed someone most. Funny thing about love, you can’t really know it unless you know loss also. And Brandi knew loss all too well. Still, she took a chance and started dating again. Sam was fantastic, but she was hesitant to get close. Did she really want to start over, and open her heart again? So they decided to just be friends. Thing is… they became best friends. They even called each other to talk about dates they went on with other people! They cared deeply for each other and protected one another. As time went on, they realized that the person they were searching for was right there the whole time. The love they share is evident. Sam looks at Brandi with a tenderness unmatched. And she simply glows when he looks her way.

Coon Bluff was the perfect place to take sunrise engagement photos. It’s a quiet, relaxed, comfortable place along the Salt River in Mesa, AZ. It’s full of beauty and reflection, just like the love that Brandi and Sam share.

We strolled along the bank of the river, and stopped for a bit to enjoy the surroundings.

How awesome are these boots?! Could not be more perfect for this spectacular desert setting!

Soft, glowing sunlight and a sparkling engagement ring… these are a few of my favorite things!

I absolutely loved spending the morning with Brandi and Sam. It felt as though we were meant to meet! I cannot wait to document the joining of these two amazing people and their families at their wedding at Las Sendas.

Happy Monday!