My first vivid memory of Mariah was when I was in first grade and she was in second.

I was a shy little girl, and Riah was so vivacious. She was the kind of girl my childhood self wanted to befriend. On the bus one day on the way home from Seven Pines Elementary, she gave me her phone number on a tiny piece of notebook paper. I remember her repeating it to me over and over so I wouldn’t forget it.

That was my first memory of Mariah, but certainly not my last. Through the course of our high school career, we shared enough together to last a lifetime. From first dances, to first kisses, to first heartbreaks. From cheering competitions, to “borrowing” a grocery cart from food lion and a failed attempt at making homemade fondue, to burning the best mixed CD’s I’ve ever owned, to trips to the river. Shuffle through the vast collection of my favorite memories from high school and you are almost certain to find Mariah was a part of them, until she left for college and the natural drift that occurs between childhood friends inevitably happened to us as well.

I’ll never forget the first time she mentioned Forrest’s name either.

We were driving around our hometown in Mariah’s Celica.

“There’s this guy I met. His name is Forrest. He’s a Benedictine boy, and I’m just not sure if he’s my type.”

As fate would have it, Forrest may not have been what Mariah perceived to be her type, but he was certainly who God had in mind for her heart. And almost eight years later, these two will finally be married this fall (Can I get a hoorah on that from all the Varina folks?!!!)

To understand their relationship, you have to watch the way they interact. You’ll see it in these images. He is her safe place, and she his comfort. Their relationship an intricate string of events over the years in lessons learned and growing up that has brought them to this place in their lives.

And what a sweet place it is to be! Mariah & Forrest, I can’t think of two people who deserve each other more. Take care of each other!

Mariah and Forrest are getting married at Berkeley Plantation in October, so we thought it would be the perfect location for their session.

These next two? First images of the day. LOVE!

Meet Toby. As soon as Mariah told me she wanted Toby to be a part of the session, I was so elated. I totally know what it’s like to be a Pup parent, and know that this guy is such an important part of their story!

See what I mean? They just fit together. Some couples just make so much sense together. Mariah and Forrest are totally one of those couples.

Mariah, my friend. You have always been a beautiful girl and you have grown into such a gorgeous woman. I know your Mama & Daddy must be so proud of the person you have become!

LOVE this! It really speaks to their personalities. If you know anything about these guys it is #1) Mariah’s sense of fashion is so classic, and #2) These two know how to celebrate! A toast was Mariah’s Mama’s idea, and turned out to be a great one. This series is my favorite from the afternoon!

So handsome, Forrest!

Mariah & Forrest, you guys mean so much to me and I can’t wait to see y’all commit your love and your lives to one another in October!