She knew after one chance meeting that they would get married. What?? That's what I said, but look where they are now! Kaitlin told me she called her mom after talking to Gian one night when she was out with her friends and said exactly that ... that she had met the man she was going to marry. They forgot to exchange numbers but because Gian's name is so unique, she found him without too much searching. And he knew she would.

Fast forward to 2013 and here they are. Getting their engagement pictures taken and planning the wedding that Kaitlin knew they would have. I promise you, these two are the sweetest, most fun and enthusiastic couple of all time. I had a blast traipsing around Akron with them ... and they were such good sports with all the snow and cold. (I personally think the falling snow makes the pictures extra special.)

Kaitlin and Gian, I'm so looking forward to your fall wedding! You two are the best!

Their adorable dogs joined us for part of the session ...

Please continue this cuteness right through your wedding!

These might just be my favorites ...

Kaitlin. Oh my goodness! That black and white up there. So good!

OK, nevermind. That one above right is my favorite.

To see more from Kaitlin and Gian's fun engagement session, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

They were only together a few months before he left for boot camp. It was off to California, then Japan and soon North Carolina.To stay connected, they wrote letters, although he says he didn't get to write as much as he wanted to. Justin is a Marine and is always working, sometimes in the middle of the night.

As they were telling me their story, I mused that it's impressive that they've stayed together through all of the long distance. Not only together but connected. These two are definitely loyal and willing to do whatever it takes to support each other through the ups and downs. It makes me so happy to see couples with their priorities straight and in this for the marriage, not just the wedding day. That is what it's all about, people!

It was cold ... ridiculously cold ... the day of their engagement session. I honestly don't know how Amanda and Justin look so good in the photos on the beach. I would have been an eye-watering, frozen mess! They are obviously better models than me. :) Enjoy these two, and please give them props for withstanding the Northwestern Pennsylvania cold!

Right about here, standing on the beach of Lake Erie in January, was when we started to go numb. The wind chill had to have been -60 degrees. See how pleasant they look?!