Future Mr. & Mrs. Kicklighter | Lana + Kole’s Engagement at Okeefenokee Country Club



There’s a kind of love story that unfolds slowly and sweetly—like a slow dance or a southern sunset—and that’s exactly the story of Lana and Kole. When you meet them, you can tell instantly: these two are each other’s anchor and adventure all wrapped into one. And even though they claim to be opposites, watching them together, you'd think they were made from the same mold—just with a few added quirks to keep life interesting.


Their engagement session took place at the beautiful Okeefenokee Country Club in Blackshear, Georgia. If you’ve ever been, you know it’s a stunning spot with timeless charm—classic southern oak trees, manicured greens, and golden light that just begs to be photographed. The light was perfect, the weather divine, and the chemistry between these two? Off the charts.

A romantic couple in coordinating navy and white outfits share intimate moments during an autumn outdoor photo session.
A delicate white lace sleeve touches a navy blue suit jacket, showcasing an elegant diamond engagement ring.
A couple poses together on a sunlit walking path surrounded by trees in a romantic outdoor setting.
A tender moment captured in elegant wedding attire, with delicate white lace details and a classic navy blue suit.

From Almost Strangers to Forever Partners


Lana and Kole’s story is one of those "how did it take y’all that long?!" kind of tales. They had known each other for years—same hometown, same circles, even the same college as literal next-door neighbors. And yet, not a spark in sight. That is, until fate (and maybe a little boredom over Christmas break in 2021) stepped in. Kole sent a text asking Lana to dinner, and she was so sure it had to be a mistake. Spoiler: it wasn't. One dinner was all it took to change the trajectory of their lives.


Since then, they’ve been inseparable. And while everyone around them might’ve raised an eyebrow at first (opposites attract, right?), it’s now impossible to imagine them not being a team. Lana said it best—she couldn’t imagine life without Kole, and he absolutely feels the same way. Their love is equal parts sweet, goofy, grounded, and enduring.

Couple shares romantic moment while walking together on tree-lined path with blooming pink azaleas in spring.
Two people holding hands embrace on a sunlit garden pathway during a casual outdoor photo session.
A couple in coordinating blue and white outfits share a romantic moment outdoors with blooming spring trees in background.

 

A Fernandina Beach Proposal to Remember


The proposal? Absolutely swoon-worthy. Kole popped the question at Fernandina Beach, right in front of Lana’s family beach house—her home away from home and the place she practically grew up. It’s their special spot, the one they escape to for summer weekends, quiet moments, and deep breaths. When Kole asked Lana to be his forever in that sacred slice of sand and sea, it couldn’t have been more perfect. It wasn’t just a proposal—it was a love letter to the memories they’ve made and the life they’re building.

 

 

Planes, One Carry-On, and a Love That Survived L.A.


One of my favorite parts of their story? The Great Los Angeles Adventure. Picture this: the National Football Championship in 2022, a spontaneous trip, one carry-on between the two of them… and then getting completely stuck in L.A. for a week. They ran out of clothes, money, and apparently patience—but somehow still managed to come home more in love than before. If you can survive that kind of chaos and still want to sit next to each other on the plane ride home? That’s real.

(And according to Lana, she’s happy to give you the full story in person, because it’s a doozy!)

 

A couple walking together on a green golf course lawn with trees in the background on a sunny day.
Sunlit outdoor macro shot showing natural textured bark and out of focus green foliage in the background.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic outdoor photoshoot series with a navy suit and white lace dress.
A couple poses together on a sunny golf course with trees in the background.

Golden Hour & Golf Course Romance



Their engagement session at the Okeefenokee Country Club was relaxed and joyful—exactly like them. We wandered the greens, took in that warm Georgia light, and celebrated this exciting season of life. It was a day filled with laughter, meaningful glances, and a whole lot of anticipation for what's to come.


Lana wore a soft white lace dress in one look and a gorgeous baby blue eyelet dress in the other, and both outfits perfectly captured her sweet and effortless beauty. Kole, dapper in his blazer and slacks, was the perfect complement. But more than anything, their love stole the show.

Rust and corrosion patterns form an abstract textural design on weathered metal surface.

 

I just knew she was the one!

 

 

When I tell you she is one of the best I truly mean it. I was struggling to find a wedding photographer and I’m an extremely picky person; and once we were done with the engagement session I just knew she was the one. She will take your vision and make it come to life. She also is so sweet and has so much patience. My fiancé is normally not a picture taker and she had him even having a great time. She was also very quick with sending me my sneak peak and album. To top it off she is very reasonable with prices and that’s an added bonus to her amazing skills as a photographer. 10/10 recommend!!!!

 

 

-Lana Penland

 

Looking Ahead to "I Do"



Lana and Kole are officially counting down the days until February 28th, 2026, when they’ll say “I do” at The Ocala Estates—a gorgeous venue that perfectly fits their style and vision. While they considered places near and dear to their hearts like Fernandina Beach and Hickory Bluff, The Ocala Estates checked all the boxes: timeless charm, beautiful accommodations, and space for their loved ones to gather and celebrate without the travel headaches.


With just the right blend of elegance and southern ease, I already know this day will be full of heartfelt moments, happy tears, and dancing under the stars. Lana and Kole have such a special energy—equal parts fun, grounded, and genuinely in love—and I am beyond honored to be capturing the first day of their forever.

A couple shares an intimate moment while posing for an outdoor engagement photo with soft bokeh lighting in the background.
A romantic black and white portrait series showing a couple in formal attire embracing and sharing tender moments.
A series of white button mushrooms growing naturally in green grass.
A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors in romantic engagement photos with soft natural lighting and blurred background.
A romantic black and white engagement photo of a couple standing on a tree-lined path in a park setting.
A couple in coordinating blue and white outfits share a tender moment outdoors with blooming pink trees in the background.
Engagement photo featuring a couple in coordinating navy and white outfits on a sun-dappled forest path.
Engagement ring sparkles in natural sunlight on rustic bark with soft bokeh background.
Engagement portrait of a couple standing together on a sunny golf course.
Engagement photo of a couple posing in front of an ornate metal gate in spring afternoon light.
Close-up photo showing delicate lace sleeves and an engagement ring.
Logo design featuring a light blue and mint green alligator on a rustic wood surface.
Close-up view of a metallic surface with water droplets and green foliage in soft bokeh background.
Three circular engagement ring holders with blue hydrangea designs lying on grass outdoors.
Casual engagement photo of a couple in coordinated blue and white outfits among trees.
A couple poses outdoors wearing blue and white, with her in a light blue eyelet lace top during a romantic photoshoot.
Black and white engagement portrait of a couple on a tree-lined path.
A couple stands together on a path with blooming azaleas and tall trees in the background.
A couple poses together on a sunlit path surrounded by trees in a natural outdoor setting.
Couple standing together on a wooded path, with her in a light blue eyelet dress and him in navy and khakis.
Romantic outdoor portrait with blooming azalea bushes and Spanish moss draped trees in the background.
Close-up shots showcase hands wearing an engagement ring against blue and white lace clothing.
A romantic outdoor photoshoot featuring a couple in navy blue and white lace clothing sharing intimate moments.
A couple poses together on a garden path surrounded by autumn trees and ornamental grasses.
Close-up engagement photo showing a sparkly ring and romantic pose.
A couple dressed in blue and white outfits share tender moments together while walking on a sunlit outdoor path.
Couple in soft blue outfits share tender moments while walking along a sunlit outdoor path surrounded by greenery.
A couple share an intimate moment in coordinating blue outfits during an outdoor photo session at sunset.
Close-up sequence showing a couple's hands with engagement rings during a romantic moment.
Couple in coordinated blue and white outfits sharing intimate moments during an outdoor photo session in a park.