As we all know, 2020 was a crazy year, with everyone’s lives changing rapidly along with the world around them. Despite the mass closures of businesses and companies across the world, Lowe’s was just starting their seasonal hiring when Mark and Alexis were both hired in March of that year, just weeks apart from each other. Although they worked in different departments, their paths continued to cross. They became fast friends after finding out they were both born in Florida, and as they got to know each other more, they realized they shared a lot of the same interests; food, gaming and Disney just to name a few.

Fast forward a year later when both had become single, they went on their first date, spending the day walking around Birkdale Village, having burgers at Crafty Burg’r and sitting on the swings at Jetton Park. From then on, they were inseparable and quickly realized why everyone tells you to marry your best friend 🤍

Darren Jones, a close friend of the happy couple, started his photography business a couple years ago and had done multiple sessions with Mark and Alexis over those years, using them as guinea pigs for new styles and poses for his portfolio. When Alexis received a text from him on February 18th asking if they would be available to help Darren with a project for a prospective client, they couldn’t say no! The project entailed getting pictures in locations from the client’s first date spots, so Darren wanted to get some “practice shots.” The date was set for March 3rd, as the shoot would head to Birkdale Village first with Jetton Park to follow.

The morning of, Mark still hadn’t picked out a shirt that he wanted to wear, so they headed out to multiple stores to try and find something that would work. Looking back now, it may have been something to keep them both distracted. After taking in a gorgeous day in Birkdale and getting some good shots, they made their way to Jetton Park to walk around the park to find some good locations. Mark wanted to get some pictures near the swings they first sat on together but when they arrived, there was a wedding taking place there! After a little scouting, they stumbled upon a little beach area. There was a pose Darren wanted Mark and Alexis to try, which involved them standing back to back. Little did Alexis know, that was the queue for the ring. As Darren walked over to her to fix her hair, his wonderful wife Tiara was walking over to Mark with the ring. Standing back-to-back with Mark holding the little box that Alexis didn’t know existed, they were instructed to step a few feet apart and turn to face each other, with Alexis flipping her hair when she turned around. She made her turn and there he was, down on one knee asking to spend the rest of his life with her. Mark truly pulled off one of the greatest surprises because not only did Alexis have no idea, all of their close friends and family knew it was happening.

Mark and Alexis are so thankful to all of them for keeping the secret for so long and supporting them through this journey!