Shelby and Andrew

Franklin, Georgia

Photography | Lacy Matusek Photography | @lacymatusekphotography

Location | LocoMex

Location | Brush Creek Park

Venue | Private Residence

Andrew and Shelby met at a local Mexican restaurant and got engaged in Mexico. So of course, we had togo back to where it all began and start their engagement session with frozen margaritas and queso!

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you two first meet?

Andrew and I met at this small mexican restaurant in Franklin, GA. I was a bartender and server, and he came in often with the kids he trains to ride dirt bikes.

What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together.

Andrew has raced dirt bikes since he was 3 years old, and now he trains kids how to ride them. My favorite thing that we do together is travel to races. I love being at the track and getting to support him as he races as well as all the kids. In our downtime, we like to snuggle up on the couch, eat snacks and binge watch Netflix shows.

How did you know your partner was the one? When did you first know this in your relationship?

I knew Andrew was the one because of how easy everything was with him. He made dating and getting to know each other such an enjoyable time. It felt like everything just fell into place for us.

Give us all the details about the proposal. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the planning process?

Andrew proposed to me at Punta de Sur in Cozumel the day after my birthday. It was my first cruise and first time out of the country. He proposed right on the beach, looking out at the bluest water I’ve ever seen. It was a total surprise! I had no idea it was coming, I even took a photo of him as he was pulling the ring out of the backpack and still had no idea.

We’re all about the bling… Tell us all about that ring!

The center diamond of my ring is a family diamond! It was Andrew’s great grandmother’s ring. Her husband gave her the diamond on their 25th wedding anniversary because he couldn’t afford a diamond when they got married. The diamond was passed down the family and given to Andrew to use when he found his special someone. His sister knew the style I wanted, so she helped Andrew reset that diamond into a band she knew I’d love. My ring is absolute perfection and I love the history behind it. His great grandparents were married for 73 years, and I can only hope we can follow in their footsteps.

Are you excited to start planning your wedding day? Do you have any ideas in mind yet?

I am very excited to start planning our special day! I’d love to have the ceremony outside, but I’m really flexible. I know that wherever we have it, it will be a beautiful day because I’m getting to marry my best friend and celebrate with our friends and family.