Toney & Jeanette

Chapter I – Aisles & Algorithms

I think life has a sense of humor and does a great job of creating connections that feel authentically unintentional. That’s exactly how it began for Toney and Jeanette. No carefully curated dating app algorithm, no planned first date or setup by friends. Just a man walking through a grocery store, minding his business — until the world paused.

Toney saw her. That kind of moment that hits like a cymbal crash. He was instantly off balance, not just because Jeanette was stunning (she is), but because something in that one glance felt like home. He tried to steady himself, chest tight, heart racing like a teenager again, and took a step forward. But as quickly as it began, the moment slipped away — someone else was walking beside her. Unbeknownst to him, it was her brother. And in that brief hesitation, the opportunity passed. They both walked on. That was that… or so it seemed.

But fate? Fate doesn’t play fair. Toney couldn’t shake her from his thoughts. It was a moment that stuck — a “what if” that lingered. And then came the swipe. That beautiful, unexpected digital redemption arc. They found each other again — online this time — and this time, Toney didn’t hesitate. Not even a little.

Chapter II – Washington’s Landing Whispers

When we met up for their engagement session at Washington’s Landing, I had a feeling this one would be different. The kind of different where you know there’s history behind the laughter. There’s something magical about shooting along the Allegheny River. It’s quiet but never boring, lush but industrial, full of unexpected nooks that catch the light just right. And it matched them perfectly — equal parts peaceful and full of personality.

Toney made Jeanette laugh the entire time. I'm talking full-on, belly-laugh joy — the kind of laughter you feel in your shoulders. And Jeanette? She never stopped smiling. Not once. To her, Toney is the funniest man on the planet, and honestly, it shows. It wasn’t just that they looked good in front of the camera (they did). It was that they looked at each other like there was nobody else around.

We wandered the riverwalk, paused under tree-lined pathways, and watched as boats rolled by in the distance. Jeanette would glance at Toney mid-pose, and he’d already be looking back. I’m not exaggerating when I say I barely had to direct them. They just… fit. Every time they held hands or leaned in close, it was like gravity pulled them together. This session didn’t feel like a photo shoot — it felt like watching two people absolutely sure they’re in the right place at the right time.

Chapter III – Meant to Be, With a Twist

What’s wild about their story is that it’s not some over-the-top rom-com script — it’s two people who almost missed each other, then made sure they never would again. After they reconnected, things moved with that slow but certain rhythm. They weren’t in a rush — both of them had lived independent lives before meeting. That independence gave their relationship this beautiful strength. They didn’t need each other. They chose each other. Over and over again.

Toney eventually popped the question — in the same grocery store where it all began. Full circle. From almost saying hello… to absolutely saying forever.

As a photographer, these are the stories I live for. Engagement sessions like this remind me that photos aren't just poses and pretty light. They're markers of real lives, real people, real moments. And Washington’s Landing — with its bridges, skyline views, and quiet charm — was the perfect canvas for Toney and Jeanette’s next chapter.

If this engagement session is any preview of their wedding day, I already know it’s going to be something special. And when I look back on this shoot, what I’ll remember most isn’t the lighting or the angles — it’s the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching. And how lucky I am that I was watching, camera in hand.