Elegant Military Engagement Session at The Estate at River Run Features a Cute Picnic!

Military couple celebrates their high school romance-turned-forever love with an elegant engagement session at The Estate at River Run.

Heather and Marico were first high school sweethearts; however, they weren’t quite ready for forever love back then. It wasn’t until years later when they reconnected in adulthood that first love turned into a forever kind of love!

Their second official first date was a tour of Marico’s workplace (a Navy submarine!) followed by watching the popular Netflix Rom-Com: “Always Be My Maybe.”

Marico was very thoughtful. Every detail of our first date referenced our past and eluded to our future.

– Heather (The Bride-to-be)

The pair knew early on that their second time together in love was meant to be. On their one-year anniversary, Marico asked Heather to be his wife. Of course, she said yes!

Their 2024 nuptials in Hot Springs Arizona are sure to be spectacular! For now, enjoy their elegant engagement photos captured by Danielle Canady Photography at The River Run Estate. The elegant shoot features two looks with part one showing off Marico’s Navy Service Dress Whites and part two featuring a cute picnic setup.

More on their love story below!

• Couple: Heather Armstrong & Marico Dean
• Occupations: Flight Dispatch Officer and Fire Control Technician Chief on Submarines. (I cover the skies and he covers the seas!)
• Wedding date: February 18, 2024
• Wedding location: Hot Springs AR
• Location of Engagement shoot: The Estate at River Run

How did you meet?

We were once high school sweethearts who reconnected years after high school.

What did you do on your first date? 

On our first date, Marico took me to tour the submarine that he works on, we went to dinner and we watched “Always Be My Maybe” which is a story about young lovers who go their separate ways only to reconnect and realize that they were supposed to be together all along. Marico was very thoughtful. Every detail of our first date referenced our past and eluded to our future.  

When did you know they found “the one”?

I knew he was the one when I could be my true self and feel safe around him.  

Tell us your proposal story:

Marico proposed on our one-year anniversary and it was quite a surprise!

That day, we did a boat tour. It was beautiful. But unlike Marico, I do not have my sea legs. The combination of the rocking of the boat and the beaming sun started to take its toll on me. But I toughed it out and then we walked to a nearby wine tasting bar. The wine-tasting bar turned out to be a bad idea. Because I went from not feeling my best to downright sickly by dinner. But it was our anniversary! The show must go on!

There I was sick as a dog, while Marico was desperately trying to make me feel better and make the most of the evening. Suddenly, the guy at the table next to us drops to a knee and proposes. With the restaurant now celebrating the newly engaged couple, unbeknownst to me, Marico is coming up with a new plan that won’t cheapen the moment for the new couple and will still make what he has planned special. 

Marico, being resourceful and quick-witted as always,  says let’s go outside so I can get some fresh air and possibly feel a bit better.  We go outside by the lake and away from the crowd. I take a seat. The breeze was so refreshing and the lights on the lake were so beautiful. I was indeed starting to feel a little better. And this is when it happens, Marico drops to a knee, pulls out the ring, and nervously proposes.

I was completely shocked. It took me a few moments to gather myself. Then I happily accepted. At that moment, I forgot I was sick and I called my sister while we drove home. It wasn’t until we got home and I had come down off cloud nine a bit that I was reminded of my sickness. I had to b-line to the bathroom to puke. But that would not be enough to steal my joy and excitement.

Once that moment had passed, we were able to celebrate our engagement while I made the rounds on Facetime with family. After many Facetime calls, we took pictures showing off my ring as I embraced my fiance! It was an amazing day! 

Describe your engagement session. Did you have a theme?

We had our engagement session at the River Run Estate. I wanted to showcase my military man so I talked him into wearing his uniform for the first part of our session.  For the second part of our session, we had a picnic theme where we laughed and snacked. Our photographer Danielle did a great job of capturing some beautiful moments.

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

We like to explore new places together. 

How has wedding planning been so far?

It’s been overwhelming and rewarding as we check things off our to-do list. 

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

I’m looking forward to Marico seeing me in my dress for the first time. 

Looking for more elegant engagements at The Estate at River Run?

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Vendors:

• Photographer: Danielle Canady Photography
• Venue: The Estate at River Run