TYLER, Texas (KLTV/Gray News) - After almost a year together, a Texas couple are counting the days until marriage, but it’s how they met that makes this love story different.
TJ Spangler and Autumn McElroy started dating after meeting during a blind date photo shoot session, where two strangers hold hands blindfolded before they remove them to see each for the first time.
“Us meeting was a miracle in itself,” Autumn McElroy told KLTV.
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That fairytale moment put everything into perspective for Spangler.
“It sounds cliche, but as soon as we took our blindfolds off and I looked into her eyes, I knew she was going to be the woman I was going to spend the rest of my life with,” he said.
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Almost a year later, Spangler proposed to Autumn McElroy in Lake Tyler, where they first met during their blind date photo shoot.
“It held a significance, not only to me but to her, as well. It meant a lot to us to bring it around circle, if that makes sense, to finish it here where it started,” Spangler said.
Also part of their special moment was Anita McElroy, the owner and photographer at A Sweet Day Photography. It was her blind date photo shoot session that brought the couple together.
“Everyone wants to find a genuine connection. That’s what I’ve learned through this,” Anita McElroy said.
That connection wouldn’t have been possible for Spangler and Autumn McElroy if they had chosen not to go to that fateful photo shoot. The couple said they hope their story motivates others to take a step forward and get out of their comfort zone.
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“That was our moment. If we hadn’t chosen that day, if we hadn’t gone on the blind date, if we hadn’t done any of that, this wouldn’t have happened,” Autumn McElroy said. “You never know who or what you’re going to find. I found my husband.”
The couple are planning their wedding for November.
Learn more about how to sign up for a blind date photo shoot.
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