They were friends in college, sharing acquaintances, classes, and school leadership responsibilities. Melissa and Jackson, however, never shared a piece of their hearts with each other. Relationships with others overlapped and intersected, never leaving them both single at a pin-point in time. Then summer arrived.

One bright afternoon, while Jackson was escorting new students through their college campus, Melissa happened to cross his path. And as if a lampshade had been removed in a dark room, Jackson saw her in a new light. The way she smiled—turning her head slightly to the right and raising the corresponding shoulder—and the way she laughed. Her blue eyes pierced his heart, and he was smitten.

Shortly thereafter, the pair sat on Melissa’s couch while the television hummed softly in the background. Out of nowhere, she turned to Jackson and asked why they had never dated. Dumbfounded, Jackson replied she had always been in an outside relationship. Well, Melissa boldly asked, if I wasn’t in a relationship would that change things? Her blue eyes cornered him once again and pierced his heart.

A few years later, Jackson and Melissa strolled the streets of Pasadena and recounted their story. They laughed and squabbled over the details, but one thing remained for certain: They’re meant to be together. They began their relationship as friends and it budded into a lifelong commitment to each other.

Melissa and Jackson are best friends…best friends who happen to be in love with each other.

Here are a few of my favorites…

To see more of their engagement session, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!