Marshall & Nici: Strawtown Koteewi Park Fall Engagement Photos

Care to know the moment I knew Nici and Marshall’s wedding day would be incredible? Well, during our coffee date, Nici referred to their reception “late night snack” as “second dinner.” And, at that moment, I knew Nici and Marshall were going to be oh-so fun to work with!  

I cannot wait for this adventurous, darling, fun-loving couple’s December 2022 wedding at New Journey Farms in Lafayette, Indiana. But, for now, I’m so excited to share their Strawtown Koteewi Park fall engagement photos on the blog!  

Both fireworks & sparks flew on New Year’s Eve in 2016. 

Now, I have to say, Marshall and Nici have one of the sweetest “meet cutes” I’ve ever heard. 

You see, Nici and her best friend always spend New Year’s Eve together. And, in 2016, Nici’s friend wanted to bring her boyfriend along. So Nici wouldn’t be the third wheel, her best friend’s boyfriend brought a friend. 

As a result, Marshall and Nici’s very first date was on New Year’s Eve in 2016! 

While there wasn’t a midnight kiss, Marshall did ask for Nici’s number; the two went bowling before she went back to school; and they’ve been hiking and snuggling up on the couch to watch Harry Potter movies ever since. And, now, they’re getting married! 

Marshall proposed doing something he & Nici love—hiking. 

Wanting to ask Nici to become his wife in a way that was true to who they are as a couple, Marshall worked with Nici’s former college roommate and her family (who are essentially Nici’s second family) to surprise Nici while hiking in Florida. 

In June 2022, Marshall and Nici went to Florida for Nici’s best friend’s (the college roommate’s) son’s first birthday party. Nici assumed they’d spend all of their time with her friend and her friend’s family. However, before the festivities began, Marshall was adamant that they go check out one of the local state parks, because he really wanted to see the ancient trees and flowers. 

While Nici thought this was a little odd, she didn’t think much of it because hiking is something she and Marshall enjoy doing together, and well, she wanted to see the trees and flowers too!

Marshall and Nici enjoyed their hike, and then, when they found the oldest trees in the park, Marshall got down on one knee and asked his best friend to be his wife. (Side note: In the process of kneeling, Marshall did drop the ring in the dirt. This made Nici laugh, and as she told me, “This honestly made the proposal even better. It was just so us!”)

In addition to completely surprising Nici, Marshall also arranged for his epic proposal to be photographed! You see, while Marshall and Nici were hiking, their Florida friends were hiding waiting to take photos. 

After Nici said, “Yes,” she, Marshall, and their friends went back to Nici’s college roommate’s house where friends who are like family were waiting to celebrate with them. And, Nici and Marshall then got to enjoy the rest of their vacation as fiancés! 

Marshall, you deserve some major props for planning such an epic proposal. Take a bow, my friend!

Marshall & Nici decided to take Strawtown Koteewi Park fall engagement photos in Noblesville, Indiana. 

Wanting to take advantage of the fall colors and include nature in their photos, Marshall and Nici decided to take their engagement photos at Strawtown Koteewi Park. 

Now, after our coffee date, I knew Nici and Marshall were going to be a lot of fun. But, I can’t help sharing that I truly LOVED every second of their session. We talked about dogs (They’d just rescued their pup!), life, and so much more. 

Marshall and Nici are the fun-loving kinds of friends that everyone needs, and I seriously cannot wait for their December 2022 wedding. “Second dinner” and all, I know it’s going to be an incredible celebration! 

Congratulations, Nici & Marshall! 

Nici and Marshall, I could gush about you guys forever and can’t begin to tell you how honored I am that you’re trusting me to be your wedding photographer. 

I hope you love these highlights from your Strawtown Koteewi Park fall engagement photos in Noblesville, Indiana, and I’ll be counting the days until your New Journey Farms wedding! (Side note: I’ll also be crossing my fingers for snow since I know you guys are too!) These two clearly love doing life together. I mean, just look at that laughter!

Can we talk about Nici’s dress and shoes for a second?! How perfectly fall is her outfit?! Marshall, you looked great too! I’m just so impressed with how well Nici coordinated her outfit, which was absolutely perfect for engagement photos.