From High School Sweethearts to "I Do": Tessa & Thomas’s Village Ice Cream Engagement session

There’s something incredibly special about a love that grows up with you. For Tessa and Thomas, their story didn’t start with a swipe or a chance meeting at a bar—it started in the halls of high school.

After 15 years of friendship and a 10-year romantic journey, these two have built a life centered on family, great food, and their "cutie dog," Beren. We sat down with the couple to get the inside scoop on their decade-long romance and the sweet way Thomas finally popped the question.

A Decade of Love (and Lots of Sushi)

When you’ve been together for ten years, you figure out exactly what works. For Tessa and Thomas, that usually involves a sushi date. Whether it’s a casual night at Oishii, a fancy evening at Sushi Ginza, or a milestone celebration at Ryoku, they’ve mastered the art of the perfect date night.

But it’s not just about the food. When asked what they love most about one another, the answers were heartwarming:

• Tessa on Thomas: She admires his patience, level-headed nature, and caring demeanor (though his blue eyes and mustache definitely get an honorable mention!).

• Thomas on Tessa: He loves her "sassiness," her unwavering support, and her deep passion for her family and fashion.

  
  

The Proposal: Ice Cream & Off-Leash Adventures

The day before jetting off to Texas for their 30th birthdays, the couple headed out for a quintessential Calgary afternoon: grabbing Village Ice Cream and taking Beren for a walk.

As Tessa finished the last bite of her Dunk-a-roo cone (sharing the final bit with Beren, naturally), Thomas pulled her close. He whispered, "I have something to ask you," dropped to one knee, and changed their lives forever. The moment was so moving that even nearby strangers stopped to cheer, snap photos, and offer hugs!

The Engagement Session: Full Circle

For their engagement photos, it only made sense to return to the scene of the crime—the exact spot where Thomas proposed. Having Beren there made it perfect, but the highlight was a last-minute decision to grab one more ice cream cone.

"We were over time and I could tell Thomas was getting over it LOL. But Chelsea, in her sweet bubbly way, said we should get that cone. I’m so glad we did! Those photos are some of my favorites." — Tessa

Looking Forward to the Big Day

As they prepare to walk down the aisle, the couple is most excited about starting this new chapter surrounded by their favorite people—and, of course, the promise of great food, drinks, and a crowded dance floor.

Tessa’s advice for fellow brides? "Do what’s best for YOU and YOUR partner. Take your time with decisions and don’t sweat the small things! It’s a special day, but in the end, it’s one day. You have your whole life with the love of your life."