Cassidy and Austin met up with me for their Desert Botanical Garden engagement pictures and MAN did I have such a incredible time hearing all about their story! They shared with me so many details about how they met (they’re high school sweethearts!), the proposal, favorite adventures and so much more. I want you to hear it all straight from them, SO…here’s their story:

How They Met

“We met when we were just 14. My twin sister (Alexa) was dating Austin’s childhood best friend (Rudy). We all went out together one day to a Six Flags amusement park and that was the first time Austin and I met. There was an instant attraction between us, but him and I were both in relationships at the time. Despite the fact that I had a boyfriend, I told my sister that I thought Austin was cute and she took matters into her own hands and gave Austin my number without me knowing. Later that night, I got a text from Austin and we began our friendship. We kept in touch for over a year and became very close. Our other relationships didn’t end up working out (obviously lol) and we found ourselves both single for the first time while knowing each other. So since the timing felt right, Austin asked me out on a date. At 16, we decided to officially start dating and the rest has been history.

Now, ten years later, we still can’t believe how life has worked out and brought us together. Even at a young age we have always felt connected and I am happy to say that we have never lost that connection.”

The Proposal

“In November, Austin and I were making a drive back to Texas for Thanksgiving break. On the way to San Antonio, we stopped and stayed in Marathon, Texas at the Gage Hotel (Highly Recommend) so we could spend a day hiking at Big Bend National Park. I had already done the leg work and found different trails I wanted to explore so we were off, but I truly had no idea what was in store for us that day. 

We spent the morning driving through the park. We first ventured down an off-road trail 7 miles to get to our first trailhead. After the fun drive we started our first trail which was an easy 2.2 miles roundtrip hike that had beautiful views. We then set off to our second destination which was a 4.8 mile hike roundtrip that had a mountain with an arch I wanted to go see. When we found the arch opening, Austin raced to the top of the mountain and I stood at the bottom taking pictures of him because I was so excited to find the arch. Little did I know, my parents were on the backside of the arch and slipped Austin the ring. (Austin and my stepdad worked together to have the ring custom made in Texas). After taking a few pictures of Austin, I hiked up to the arch opening where the surprise awaited me. My parents popped out and said “SURPRISE!” and I turned and saw Austin get down on one knee. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t get out any words. I was surprised by so many aspects of what was happening, but I happily yelled out YES!!!! My shouting was so loud that coyotes starting howling off in the distance and it was a truly special moment. It was me, Austin, and my parents alone in this huge national park sharing a moment we had been anticipating for so long. We finished the hike back with my parents and they told me all about the logistics of Austin planning their surprise appearance and how hard Austin worked to create my ring. 

Before we left the park, Austin and I stopped and got ice cream and Austin bought me a magnet that says “LOVE – Big Bend National Park” which hangs on our fridge as the perfect memory from that day (besides my ring of course lol)! Visiting Big Bend was something we had been wanting to do together for a very long time. We have both visited and enjoyed the park on our own, but we were finally able to make the time to go together. I have to say the adventure and the proposal was definitely worth the wait.”

Their Life Together

These babes said: “Our very best adventure so far has been moving to Arizona with our dogs, Shelby and Ronda! It really has been a special experience since Austin and I grew up living over an hour apart and attending different high school and then different colleges in totally different cities while in Texas. This move has been so wonderful because it was the beginning of us actually starting our lives together and moving so I could pursue my dreams of becoming a veterinarian.”

They plan to head to Australia for their honeymoon, to cross the famous Australia Zoo (where the Crocodile Hunter originated!) off of their list, as well as to hike around and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Cassidy and Austin also said: “Other big goals we have are to someday buy a house and land and expand our family and adopt more dogs. Life has taken us to some amazing places so far, Arizona being one of them, so we are excited to see where we end up settling down in the future.”

I cannot tell you HOW dang excited I am to have met Cassidy and Austin, and how much of an honor it is to have been asked to document their engagement session and upcoming wedding day. I’m so grateful for the both of them!

Cheers!

Allison

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