Engagement: Ella & Anatoly

She almost jumped when she heard the word “running” from his lips and was ready to give him a hug and welcome him into her life as the one she always waited for. It was only their first meeting, but it was enough for Ella and Anatoly who no longer noticed anyone else in the room. The timing was perfect too. Just days earlier Anatoly moved from Colorado to the sunny California and was seeking to build friendships. She on the other hand, happened to be the person willing to make friendships. A mutual friend gave Anatoly Ella’s number. Busy with school and work, she ignored his calls. Any other time but this week, she thought, yet after several calls agreed for a cup of coffee to welcome the stranger to town. To be on the safe side she brought a friend with her and the rest is history. The pleasant manner of his speech, his courtesy, easy going personality captivated her from the beginning. In the middle of the conversation they both forgot about the friend Ella brought along, it was just him talking away to her as if they were lost friends catching up over Peet’s coffee. Oh and when he mentioned running for entrainment, the heart of a cross country girl across the table just melted.

It wasn’t long after, that he called her again, this time asking for some running trails. He got exactly what he planned, her company to sweeten the run. They ended up walking along the trail and having a conversation. She would admit it’s hard to run with him, but really it’s much easier to talk while walking. The walks along the dirt paths grew into hours, until she agreed to walk beside him every. single. day. of his life, to be the sweet and loving presence he could no longer do without.

Ella and Anatoly, I love you guys! You two are amazing and it’s an honor to have crossed paths with you. Although I wouldn’t be able to keep up with you in running, I’m glad I can walk with you through fields and dirt paths to create memories of you two. I simply can’t wait till your wedding in April!

And now the photos! We started off in Peet’s where they met, have most of their dates and drink most of their coffee.

Anatoly brought along a book from his trips to Africa





And after a quick outfit change we headed to a field for some more photos!







You two look so good together, just love this one!







Oh Ella, you are gorgeous!

To see more of Ella and Anatoly’s engagement photos click here for a slideshow!

Have a lovely day,

Yuliya