A Romantic Engagement Session in Chattanooga, TN

Cayla and LaMarcus’ journey to forever began on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For LaMarcus, it was love at first sight when he first met Cayla through mutual friends. Like any typical modern love story goes, he sent her a DM after their initial meeting. Cayla took him up on his offer to cook her some jambalaya, and they have been together ever since! Check out their picturesque engagement session captured by YNOT Images.

Bride: Cayla Driver , 27, Finance Director

Groom: LaMarcus Jones, 27, Sr. Human Resource Leader

Place of residence: Helena, AL

Engagement Shoot Location: Chattanooga, TN

Wedding date: November 5, 2022

Engagement story (please tell us the story of your engagement proposal and your most memorable moments)

From the Bride: I was told we would have a family dinner to celebrate my parent’s wedding anniversary that day and I would have to get to the hotel early to do my mom’s makeup and take pictures before dinner. Little did I know that I was walking into my own engagement. My most memorable moments of that day are giving my fiancé a hard time just moments before; from where he chose to park at the hotel, to him trying to get me to put on my heels before going inside. In hindsight, I should’ve just listened, but it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give a little pushback.

For the Groom: Walk us through the behind the scenes of creating this special day:

It all began in March of 2020, when I began ring shopping. Once I narrowed down my top three, I called her sisters and close friends to take a look. I made the purchase around June and got the ring back in July. We made a trip to her hometown for her Dad’s birthday and I knew I wanted to ask her parents’ permission, especially her father’s blessing for her hand in marriage.

Planning the engagement proposal, I knew I wanted to do something very special but different. I decided on October 17^th because October 18^th is her parents’ anniversary and they would be out of town. We rented out a space at Ross Bridge and had a plan to go out to eat as a family so this set the stage.

October 17^th arrived and the plan was to go to Ross Bridge and take photos with her parents before we left to go eat. When she opened the door, cameras and flashes were going off, and her brother was singing “When I First Saw You” by Jamie Foxx. I reached for her hand and we walked in together.

Were there any memorable moments during the shoot?

The most memorable memories during our engagement shoot were being able to shoot in the hotel’s secluded speakeasy that we just happened to stumble across. As well as the views from the mountains with the outside shots.

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

I believe we are both looking forward to our First Look, the vows, and of course, the reception with all of our family and friends.