A sultry, wintertime Art Deco style engagement shoot at Maddox & Rose in Kentucky

Real Engagements: Eriauna & Shaun

Thanks to the dating app Bumble, Kentuckians Eriauna and Shaun matched each other in 2021 whilst living in separate cities on either side of the state. Because the pair hit it off instantly, the distance between them was inconsequential. Eriauna, an elementary teacher and alumna of the University of Kentucky, and Shaun, a graduate of Berea College who works in luxury car sales, managed to have adventurous firsts, travel together and cross off many of their dating bucket list items all while living in Lexington and Louisville, respectively. Approaching one year of courtship, the couple began discussing what it would look like to take the next step toward marriage. That step would come much sooner than even Eriauna envisioned.

Shaun knew she was his one-and-only and had been preparing to propose during the Christmas holiday. On Christmas Eve that same year, Shaun bought an outfit complete with accessories for Eriauna to wear to what he deemed was a “holiday party” that he wanted to take her to that night at the Omni Hotel. Eriauna obliged, putting on the outfit Shaun planned out for her. Once the pair arrived, Shaun took Eriauna up to the second floor where he knew there was a Christmas tree. He asked her to wait near it. At that moment Eriauna caught a glimpse in the window reflection, and noticed people. She whipped around to find a gathering of their family and close friends at this “party.” Shaun was already down on one knee. Meanwhile, a photographer was capturing the moment, while the newly engaged couple mingled with their guests at Shaun’s superbly executed impromptu engagement party.
The couple wanted to give a preview of what to expect from their wedding when they set out to take their engagement photos, which was to be very elegant and black tie. Maddox & Rose Marketplace incorporated their wedding colors and vibe, and when Eriauna saw it, she knew she wanted their pictures done there. Shaun and Eriauna were wed at The Gatsby in Shelbyville, KY in October of 2022.