We still remember the way Meghan looked at Aaron as he brushed a strand of hair from her face, the late afternoon sun spilling through the columns of the Dayton Art Institute. There was this quiet, knowing peace between them — the kind that only comes from loving someone across miles, counting down the days until goodbye turns into goodnight instead.
Maybe that’s why their session felt so special to us. Because we’ve been there too — long-distance, counting down weekends, learning how to make every minute count. So when they shared that their 2½-hour drive means they only see each other every couple of weeks, our hearts understood. That kind of love shapes you. It teaches you to notice the little things — the way they laugh, the way they reach for your hand, the way time slows down when you’re finally together.
From the moment we met Meghan and Aaron, their joy was contagious. Between the laughter and the soft smiles, it was easy to see how much they simply enjoy being together. We joked about pizza (because obviously, that’s a love language in itself!) — Meghan and I bonded instantly over being thin-crust people, while Sean and Aaron proudly stood by deep dish. By the end of the night, we left craving a pizza date of our own!
After exploring the Art Institute, we headed to Wegerzyn Gardens just as the light turned golden. Meghan’s soft yellow dress flowed with every step — it gave the most romantic, almost Beauty-and-the-Beast feel — and paired with her curls and Aaron’s blue outfit, they looked like they’d stepped straight out of a fairytale. Watching them walk through the garden paths, laughing and swaying to music only they could hear, you’d never guess the miles that usually stretch between them.
Their love story began years ago at a church summer camp — Meghan almost didn’t go that year, but a last-minute decision changed everything. She noticed Aaron’s genuine love for the Lord before she even knew his name, and soon their friendship grew into something neither of them could ignore. From summer camp to late-night gym “run-ins,” to long-distance college years at filled with teary airport goodbyes while Meghan studies at Cedarville University, every season drew them closer.
Not long after they started dating, Meghan mentioned that her dream date would be to sit at the airport and watch planes take off at night — just the two of them under the stars. Years later, Aaron remembered that conversation and turned it into the most meaningful surprise. He chose that same Columbus airport, the place where he once realized he never wanted to be without her, and set up a blanket overlooking the runway with all her favorite snacks. He brought his guitar, played worship songs as the planes lifted into the sky, and under the quiet hum of the night, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his forever.
And in the sweetest full-circle moment, Aaron brought that same guitar to their engagement session — where, as the sun dipped behind the trees, he played softly for Meghan again. It was the kind of moment that reminded us just how deeply rooted their love truly is.
Meghan & Aaron — spending the evening with you two reminded us just how beautiful it is to love through the waiting seasons. You’ve already learned what some couples don’t discover for years — that love isn’t just about being together, it’s about choosing each other every day, even when it’s hard. We are so excited for the season ahead — for graduation, for your wedding, for the day long drives become Sunday mornings at home together. We couldn’t be happier for you both.
Recently engaged? Let’s capture your love story together.
We’re Julia and Sean—a husband-and-wife wedding photography team based in Dayton, Ohio, serving Cincinnati, Columbus, and couples throughout the Midwest and beyond. We capture light, timeless, joy-filled images for couples in love. Your full wedding experience with us includes an engagement session designed to help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic downtown shoot, a lakeside sunset session, or an elegant wedding day in Ohio, Kentucky, or anywhere your story takes you, we’d be honored to tell it.