The couple pose with their chocolate Labrador, Libby. All photographs by Don Mears Photography

Dee and Patrick first met while working at a restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina—both were attending East Carolina University at the time. The Richmond couple dated for four and a half years before Patrick proposed during a romantic dinner at home last November.

“We were relaxing on the couch watching college football, when Patrick disappeared and reappeared—with the ring!” recalls Dee. “It was intimate and perfect.”

They decided to have an engagement shoot in July with their wedding photographer, Don Mears of Don Mears Photography.

“I wanted a chance for us to spend some time with Don before the wedding day, to get to know him, and to get more comfortable in front of the camera,” explains Dee.

Even though they are marrying in Richmond (tomorrow’s the big day!), they chose Warrenton, Virginia, the bride’s hometown, as the site of their shoot.

“I wanted to incorporate my hometown into engagement photos,” Dee says. “It’s unbelievably gorgeous, with so many neat nooks and crannies that allow for some really great photos.”

Click the jump for more photos from their shoot.