Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer // Steve & Annette!

Many people call him Producer Steve, but Annette calls him hubby-to-be!  

Three-ish years ago, my lifelong friend, Annette, my husband and I (and some other fun friends) were at a Free Beer and Hot Wings Live Show.  Hubby, Joe, and I were waiting in line to go in and somehow had lost Annette.  She came running back to us super excited and said that she signed up to be on “The Dating Game” for a chance to win a date with Producer Steve!  Annette is a little shy, but super fun so we thought it would be a blast to see her up on stage, but we also assumed that she wouldn’t have much of a chance with a crowd that large……  Fast forward a couple of hours….time for “The Dating Game”….  Annette’s name is called!  She squeals with delight and heads backstage to prep for the game.  Without seeing Steve, in true style of the 1960s show, they went back and forth asking questions to the three contestants.  Eventually Steve chose one girl to win and he chose Annette!  The crowd went wild with laughter and they finally met!  Steve even provided me with a photo of their first meeting (even if it isn’t the best quality from a cell phone….)

I asked Steve what it was that made him choose Annette over the other two girls.  He said because he honestly thought that she was the best match and that she seemed really down to earth and someone that he could get along with.  He also said that when she was asked what she would do with an entire day off of work and she said, “Take a nap”, that clinched it for him!  I have known Annette since before middle school so I know that is exactly her…..what a perfect match!!

The best part of the story that most people don’t know is that she didn’t even win a date with Steve.  What she actually won that night was a t-shirt and a gift card for a restaurant (that closed a week later….oh my goodness….isn’t that hilarious?!?!).  Annette actually contacted the studio and asked if she could really have a real date with Steve and he agreed.  Here we are three years later, planning a wedding!

Annette’s mom is one of those second moms to me….so Mary, if you are reading this….you better grab the tissues <3

He can’t stay serious for long….

Steve & Annette – I am SO honored that I was able to be there for the VERY start of your relationship and even more honored to be able to be there for the start of the best part of your story.  It only gets better from here!!