How they met:
We met through training at Karate America, and we also worked there together for about six years. I was 13 and he was 15.. we started dating when I was 16 and he was 18. Joel still teaches full time there, and now I just train/have fun. 🙂 We love spending time together doing just about anything, and one of our favorite memories is our trip to the WI dells by ourselves.
The proposal:
We got engaged on July 6th in the morning under this huge, beautiful oak tree in the neighboring lot next to our house. He took me for a walk around the property while his friend (who was staying with us in preparation for his wedding) planted a giant bear and Joel’s iPad under the tree. When we got closer to the tree, Joel pointed out what was there and I thought the bear was my surprise! We walked over and on his iPad he had a video of himself talking to me at different places in Neenah that were important to our relationship and also talking to me with our pets (two german shepherds and two cats). At the end of the video he told me he had something really important that he wanted to ask me.. and then he proposed. 🙂
It was so nice getting to know these two a bit at their engagement session! Joel was basically a Neenah celebrity being stopped by his karate students, and Tamrah was so easy-going and full of smiles. The way they treat each other as best friends + full of respect is truly inspiring. We explored downtown Neenah + some parks, and successfully beat the rain that was supposed to happen during our session! The second I got in my car to drive away the rain started, so that perfectly worked out in our favor. 🙂 Excited for their August 2017 wedding!
With love,
Ali Leigh
Minneapolis Wedding Photographer | Minnesota Wedding Photographer