Dubuque Coffee Shop Engagement Session | Molly + Stephen

October 19, 2018

Molly & Stephen share a love of travel & adventure. On a flight to Italy, Molly joked to Stephen that people expected him to propose on this trip. He denied it, and she forgot all about it. About halfway through the trip, the pair had a day of hiking on the itinerary with Molly’s Mom. It ended up raining much of the day, but when it did clear up they had time for one hike in Cinque Terre. They came across a beautiful overlook where you could see Monteroso in the background. Being the photographer of the two, Stephen began doing his thing and, in Molly’s words, “took a million pictures :)” I feel you on this Stephen! haha

Even though he typically likes to be behind the camera, instead of in front of it, (again, really feeling you on this Stephen). He asked Molly’s Mom to take a photo of him & Molly before they continued on. After she had taken the picture, he knelt down and proposed. Molly said, “To this day, I really don’t know exactly what he said.” Stephen remembered that, “both her and her Mom swore with shock but with happiness.” There were lots of hugs and kisses and a big YES from Molly. They were able to soak in the joy and excitement of their engagement for the rest of the trip! Sounds pretty perfect to me.

These two live in Indianapolis, but traveled to Dubuque for their engagement session. We had coffee at Inspire Cafe and talked all about their big day. After that we took photos around the coffee shop, and in the courtyard behind it. Be sure to scroll down to see the ring shot on their passport. Stephen even opened it to the page where they had received their stamp on that special trip to Italy. We ended our session with these two walking, exploring, and cuddling at the Mines of Spain until the sun set. Read on to hear about their love story, and see the photos we took that day.

cuddly coffee shop engagement session at Inspire Cafe by catherine furlincuddly coffee shop engagement session at Inspire Cafe by catherine furlincuddly coffee shop engagement session at Inspire Cafe by catherine furlin

{3 words to describe Molly, by Stephen} relaxed, adventurous, foodie

cuddly coffee shop engagement session at Inspire Cafe by catherine furlincuddly coffee shop engagement session at Inspire Cafe by catherine furlinpassport engagement ring photo by catherine furlin photographymillwork district engagement photos by catherine furlin

{3 words to describe Stephen, by Molly} sensitive, honest, genuine

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

Molly: “This is a tough one. Stephen and I have a wonderful and respectful relationship. It is just so easy to be myself around him, even when we were just friends. I knew we would become husband and wife when we moved in together. It felt so natural and right to be able to come home/wake up to my best friend everyday.”

Stephen: “We went on vacations and weekend trips together and we both wanted to do the same activities, go to the same places, and try new restaurants.”

passport engagement ring photo by catherine furlin photographymines of spain engagement photos by catherine furlinmines of spain engagement photos by catherine furlinmines of spain engagement photos by catherine furlinmines of spain engagement photos by catherine furlin

What is something you both have in common?

Molly: “Besides our love for travel and food, we are both down to earth with open minds about society.”

Stephen: “The travel bug.”

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

Molly: “Stephen likes to read, I like to workout.”

Stephen: “Molly is more sociable, I like to stick with dinners with smaller groups or other couples.”

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What is a fun fact/something people might not guess about your fiancé?

Molly: “She has more friends in random cities than anyone I’ve ever met. And that’s a great thing for our travel obsession.”

Stephen: “He collects coins and stamps.”

mines of spain engagement photos by catherine furlinmines of spain engagement photos by catherine furlin

I’m so excited for these two to tie the knot tomorrow at an outdoor ceremony at a family farm. Those of you who have followed me for a bit may know how much I LOVE outdoor weddings. The reception will be at the Mississippi River Museum, which is such a unique venue. I’m definitely pumped up for these two to say, “I do.” Make sure you’re following along on Instagram @catherinefurlin for behind the scenes!

If you’re reading this & planning your outdoor wedding for 2019, be sure to reach out! I have plenty of openings in the Spring & Summer, and still a few left in the Fall.

 

 

 

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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.