Playful Dubuque Engagement Session | Ellen + Derik

September 28, 2018

New House, New Ring

Ellen and Derik had just closed on their new home. They were so excited to sign the papers and get the keys. Derik stopped her as they walked up the front steps. He got down on one knee and started to propose. He was nervous and repeating himself. Understandable, right? Ellen had to laugh, because he apologized saying, “I’m sorry, I had it all planned and on my phone!” Ellen said yes and they popped the bottle of champagne the realtor had given them. They were able to experience two wonderful milestones together in one day!

Home Sweet Home

We took some great engagement photos on the front steps of their home, right where the proposal happened. Scroll down to check it out! It was so fun to be able to take photos in and around their home, and also in a few other great spots around Asbury. I mean seriously, that golden light! I love in-home engagement sessions, and I love shooting in golden light. It’s pretty cool that this session involved both.

Look What I Made!

Check out the rest of this blog post to read a bit about Ellen & Derik’s love story. Also, at the very end, be sure to check out my first attempt at a GIF! Is it weird that I’m probably going to update by Photoshop just to be able to make GIFs? haha! It’s just so fun making them!

outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting in the grassoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple holding hands

outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple walking together

{3 words to describe Derik, by Ellen}

reserved, hard working, devoted

outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple laughingoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple walking outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple laughing outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snugglingoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting in the grass

{3 words to describe Ellen, by Derik}

smart, caring, courageous

outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snugglingoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple together showing engagement ringoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple in black and whiteoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snuggling and laughingoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple together showing engagement ringin-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting on front steps

I knew I wanted to spend forever with my love when…

Ellen: “I realized that he isn’t afraid to go along with my crazy ideas but isn’t afraid to let me know when I’m getting a little out of hand.”

Derik: “Ellen told me I could have a house, boat and truck before she needed a ring.”

in-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting on front stepsin-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting on front stepsin-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting on front stepsin-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snuggling on couchin-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snuggling on couch

What is something you both have in common?

Ellen: “We are family oriented.”

Derik: “We both enjoy the band Walker McGuire.”

in-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snuggling on couchin-home dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting in bedoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, engagement ring, ducks in asbury pondoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple sitting by asbury lakeoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple holding hands

What is something that’s totally different about the two of you?

Ellen: “We are complete opposites. I am super blunt and don’t hold much back. Derik is very quiet and doesn’t say much to anyone.”

Derik: “Ellen is outgoing and I like to keep to myself.”

outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snugglingoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple holding handsoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple's reflection in asbury lakeoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple having fun

What part of the wedding are you looking forward to most?

Ellen: “Spending the day with our family and friends.”

Derik: “The reception.”

outdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple walkingoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple having funoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snuggling by asbury lakeoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple dancing by asbury lakeoutdoor dubuque engagement session by catherine furlin photography, couple snuggling by asbury lakeAnd behold… my GIF creation in all its glory. PS – It will play forever, so watch at your own risk.

engagement photos by catherine furlin photography, couple dancing gif

Tomorrow is the big day for these two! They will be having a beautiful outdoor wedding overlooking the Mississippi, followed by a reception right on the water at The Shore Event Centre in Bellevue. If you’re not already following me on Instagram @catherinefurlin now is a great time to start! You may even sneak some behind the scenes from Ellen & Derik’s wedding tomorrow. 🙂

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Located in Bellevue, Iowa
Serving Eastern Iowa +
Madison, WI + Galena, IL

Modern wedding photography & family documentary sessions in Dubuque Iowa, the Quad Cities, and beyond. Located in Bellevue. Documenting love stories in the everyday moments & the life changing ones. Focused on creating honest images.