Blake and Flavia’s Backyard Engagement

Blake & Flavia

This engagement shoot made me want to visit the country- except it’s in photographer Annette Wilson’s very own backyard! Annette says “An afternoon spent in a glowing world, with a very, very happy couple, was both a privilege and a joy to photograph. Between the playful banter, games of mercy, tackling and endless laughter between them, silence was infrequent. But when the laughter died down, and the sounds of the wind in the trees could be heard, it was because Blake and Flavia were caught looking at each other- accepting the idea of their life together ahead.”

Of their relationship, Flavia says “What set Blake apart from the rest for me were a few things. Our first date, unknown to little old me, was a 16km bike ride, which I would never have accomplished without him. Two days later, we shared sushi and slushies, where we talked and talked, as if we had known each other for years, and I didn’t want him to leave. He then showed up to my work one day after that, and we haven’t gone longer than 4 days apart since the April long weekend.”

“But what did it for me was the time I met his Grandmother at the nursing home, that sealed the deal. The way he treated her and laughed with her, let me see the way he loves and respects the women in his life. To know that I will be the number one- his wife, is just a blessing beyond words. It truly is an honour.
From his goofy old man laugh to the crooked tooth that pops out occasionally when he smirks, I couldn’t imagine having the wedding a week later, because what would be the point? I love him. Everything”

From Blake, “Any girl that is determined enough to go mountain biking for the first time (as a date at that!) and not get off and walk a single step, is clearly going to make a marriage work. Hence, everything from our very first date to our engagement has just seemed so natural. Flavia is the most caring girl I know, would literally do anything for you, and nothing is ever too much to ask. Yet she’s easy going, and doesn’t ever demand anything in return.”

“When I first began considering if she was ‘the one’, I asked a trusted older couple how I would know. Their reply was simple- ‘when you would rather spend time with her than anyone or doing anything else.’
While there’s a lot more to the decision to marry her, I cherish every single second I get to spend with Flavia; just talking, laughing, and just being us.”