Ricki + Bill : A Lake Manawa Engagement Session
Their Bridge, Their Boat, Their Story | Omaha Engagement Session
Bill and Ricky’s story started at a small table at M’s Pub in Omaha, Nebraska. So that’s exactly where we began their engagement session—on the brick-lined streets of downtown, outside the place that holds their first-date memories.
From there, we walked to their bridge—the Nebraska-Iowa Bridge (the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge) that spans the river and the early pages of their love story. The day after that first dinner, Bill wrote Ricky a message in chalk right at the boundary line between the two states: “Hi Ricky. Hope you have a great day.” When he texted her a picture of it, she walked over on her lunch break, borrowed chalk in hand from a coworker, and wrote back.
That bridge became their tradition. A place for messages, for walks, for “just us” time. That’s where we stopped next during their session.
And then—off to the lake!
They took me to Lake Manawa to finish their session aboard Bill’s sailboat. I watched them work the ropes and the sail together, Bill gently guiding Ricky on what line to pull and when to shift. They’re a team in every sense of the word. It’s instinctive, seamless, effortless. The way they move, communicate, laugh—it feels like they’ve been doing life side-by-side forever.
You don’t often see two people whose humor aligns so naturally. Bill is sweet, doting & protective. Ricky is vibrant and warm, strong and wise. They see each other—and they look out for each other.
This wedding will be an incredible coming together of two families—especially meaningful after a year that’s held a lot of heartache. Ricky lost her dad not long ago, and his presence is the kind that will still fill the room. His humor lives on in her. His strength echoes through her voice. His legacy shows up in the way she shows up—for everyone around her.
Ricky has been “Aunt Ricky” to our kids forever. She’s the kind of friend who shows up exactly how and when you need her. For weddings, for babies, for life’s biggest moments—she’s been there for me and many others. Getting to photograph her in this season, showing up for her, is an honor I hold dear and the least I can do!
Ricky + Bill - Thank you for having me out and trusting me with your story. Welcome to the Friend Family, Bill! We are all so glad our Aunt Ricki has found her equal and a partner to do Life with. We wish you all the best on this adventure and I am thrilled to get to see you both again in September!
All our love,
Carrie
PS You can view all our time together HERE.