Elegant Engagement Photos Capture Nostalgic Memories in Couples Journey Towards “I Do”

A location is only as meaningful as the memories made there; for Tanisa and Ryan, they made sure their elegant engagement photos were captured in nostalgic places from their love story.

It’s not often that I get to interact with the couples I’m writing about. However, in this case, I had the opportunity to meet engaged couple Tanisa and Ryan at our Muna Love Affair Brooklyn event and I can promise you these two are just as sweet, smitten, and in love as their engagement photos portray!

Tanisa and Ryan’s love story began in 2017 at a Hookah bar in Steinway Queens. They exchanged numbers but didn’t actually go out on their first date until a few months later. Ryan recalls Tanisa was “playing hard to get,” but according to Tanisa, she remembers the story a bit differently. Nevertheless, after they finally went out, they were inseparable.

Following a surprise proposal disguised as Ryan’s 30th birthday party, the pair set their wedding date for August 24, 2024.

While it’s been a long engagement (with the Pandemic being a major catalyst in that delay), these two have been enjoying every moment of the process. They decided to frame their engagement photos around their journey so far.

Due to us having a long engagement, we wanted to capture and document all of the phases of our engagement period. Our mission was to capture beautiful photos in historic places/sites that had some meaning to us.

– Tanisa Phillips (The Bride-to-be)

The resulting photos were captured by HQuad Studios at the historic Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Flicks by Verne at Central Park in Manhattan, NY. Both of these locations hold special meaning to them with D.C. being the site of their first trip together and Central Park where they went ice skating for the first time.

With so much love and passion radiating between these two, we can’t wait to see their wedding photos next year!

Keep reading below for more on their love story and elegant engagement photos.

• Couple: Tanisa Phillips & Ryan McLeod
• Occupations: Tanisa is a Strategic Senior Analyst and Ryan is an Operations Manager
• Wedding date: August 24, 2024
• Wedding location: Playa Paraiso, Mexico
• Location of Engagement shoot: The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Central Park in New York City.

What did you do on your first date?

Ryan and I went to the movies to see “Get Out” after work one evening. I was so tired and exhausted that I slept through the entire movie. After the movies, we went for a midnight stroll along the Hudson River, and Ryan filled me in on all of the details of the movie.

When did you know you found “the one”?

On our first international trip to Aruba in 2018, we did an excursion at De Palms Island where there was a banana boat ride. I was hesitant to get on the banana boat because I did not want to get my hair wet, but Ryan convinced me that it would be a fun experience.

The only seats left were the last two seats. We were warned that those seats were the worst seats because people usually fell off on the back of the boat but Ryan being the adventurous one claimed that we would be okay.

Approximately five minutes into the banana boat ride, I started to fall off. I was holding onto the sides of the boat for dear life as the thrashing waters continued to drag me. After realizing there was no hope of pulling myself back up, I let go of the handles and watched the boat speed away.

Suddenly, I heard signs of struggle in the water nearby and turned around to see Ryan in the water too. I asked, “Ryan, what are you doing in the water? “. Ryan replied, ” I jumped in to save you. I know I can’t swim, but I thought I would figure it out once I got in the water”.

I was absolutely stunned that this man jumped into the water to save ME when he could not swim! Luckily, I was able to swim to him until the boat returned. Once the boat realized that two passengers had “fallen” off, they returned to pick us up and brought us back to shore.

From that moment, I knew Ryan was the one, and Ryan knew it too!

Tell us your proposal story:

Ryan tasked me with being the lead event planner and event designer for his 30th birthday party. I was so wrapped up in all of the event logistics, that I missed all the signs leading up to the ultimate proposal. Ryan ensured that my hair, makeup, and outfit were absolutely stunning for his “party”. My father and Ryan’s sister were the only people who knew about the proposal.

When it was time to cut the cake, Ryan began to thank his guests for attending his event, but then something strange happened! The speech pivoted to him professing his love for me. Then, he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.

I was so shocked that I stood there frozen and in complete disbelief. I quickly shook my head yes as he placed the beautiful pearl-shaped ring on my finger. Everyone was absolutely shocked and filled with excitement, there was not a dry eye in the room. The proposal was perfect, thoughtful, and selfless.

Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?

Due to us having a long engagement, we wanted to capture and document all of the phases of our engagement period. Our mission was to capture beautiful photos in historic places/sites that had some meaning to us.

Ryan and I took a road trip to D.C. when we first started dating, so it was important for us to go back there and capture our initial engagement session. It was filled with many nostalgic memories.

The first time we went ice skating was at Central Park, so we decided to also take photos there to capture that small piece of our journey.

What’s your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Our favorite thing to do is spend time together, cooking and watching movies.

How has wedding planning been so far?

Wedding planning has definitely had its ups and downs. The most difficult part of the wedding planning process was selecting the perfect venue. After a year of visiting over fifteen venues, Ryan and I found the most breathtaking wedding venue nestled just outside of the Cancun area.

Tell us what you’re looking forward to most on the wedding day.

We are most looking forward to seeing how our entire vision is executed. Our main priority is ensuring that we are filled with love and happiness during this monumental milestone in our lives.

Looking for more elegant engagement photos?

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Vendors:

• Lincoln Memorial Photographer: HQuad Studios
• Central Park Photographer: Flicks by Verne