Bachelor in Paradise Couple Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon

It might have been fate that the Midwest LifeShots Photography team (including owners Jen and Scott Elder, and photographer Meredith Kestel), began watching The Bachelor during Ashley Iaconetti’s season. Although Ashley didn’t find love with bachelor Chris Soules, she continued to appear in various Bachelor Nation franchises, including Bachelor in Paradise, where she officially met former Bachelorette contestant Jared Haibon in 2015.

After several years of close friendship and relationship rumors, the two announced they were a couple. It was at this point that the Midwest LifeShots team reached out to the pair, saying they would love the opportunity to photograph the lovebirds whose romance they had watched unfold in real time. Ashley and Jared said yes, and as a happy coincidence, had become engaged before the shoot was planned.

Jen and Meredith traveled from Minnesota to Malibu after a few short days of intense preparation. They had scouted the perfect location after extensive research along with input from the couple, settling on the unbelievably scenic Saddlerock Ranch. Their preparation paid off and the four had a blast wandering around the ranch together, taking tons of intimate and candid shots.

Jen says of the pair “They were so clearly in love and very sweet.” She mentions that the groom-to-be was easy going and asked lots of questions about the process, and Ashley’s bubbly personality came across just like it did on TV. Jen says the pair were incredibly open and had fun providing a little insider info on one of the nation’s favorite shows (although they wouldn’t reveal the winner of the upcoming season – but who could resist asking!). Jen remembers that what stood out most was how genuine and real the couple are, despite their time in the reality TV spotlight. When Jen remarked how happy she was that the two are truly in love and over the moon about their engagement, Ashley reacted with surprise, saying “we thought all couples were like this!”

These incredible images show a couple who is laid back, oh-so-affectionate and up for an adventure (one of Jared’s favorite parts of the shoot was posing with Stanley the giraffe). At one point, Jen says Jared swept his bride-to-be up in the air while they walked over a difficult spot of terrain – much like he did during his proposal, which aired on on Monday. What can we say, we’ve got major heart eyes for these two!