I wrote in my kindergarten diary, in giant, scraggly handwriting: “Josh is a pinhead.” I’m not sure what 5-year-old Josh did to 5-year-old Rachel that would have warranted such extreme language, but from then on we were the best of frenemies. I sat in front of him on the bus in middle school, and through the school bus seats we would manage to debate everything from religion to politics to TV shows (we were strange middle schoolers, Josh). In high school, we actually became the best of friends, sharing rides every day to and from school, acting and singing through every play, musical, and choir practice, and skipping rehearsal to get Rita’s Italian Ice whenever possible.

Alyssa & Alex laugh together - a LOT. The joy these two high school sweethearts have between each other is contagious, and you can't help but feel lighter and happier when you're around them. Not only are they gorgeous people on the outside, they let their kindness and compassion for others shine through in everything they do. And they brought their adorable little pup, Tiffany, to be a part of the celebration, too! Combine that with an absolutely heavenly golden hour in the city, and you have the makings for an engagement session for the books. I'm so grateful I get to work with amazing people like Alyssa & Alex. Now I'm even MORE excited for their March wedding next year! Here's just a small a peek inside their beautiful love story: