Michelle and John had a beautiful engagement session at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, NJ where we strolled through the greenhouse and gardens, ate Wawa sandwiches (why not), popped champagne and got to know each other. We ended the session over dinner and drinks and I just love these two! We had so much fun together quoting the office, talking about growing up, talking about their wedding, their careers, college, and so much more.  All this just made me so so excited for their wedding day!!

But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you more about their love story!!

Michelle and John have known each other for almost 10 years! A mutual friend introduced them because he thought they had a lot of similar interests. Throughout the years, they maintained a great friendship while having a secret crush on each other the entire time. Over the course of many movies and dinners together, Michelle said they always had this “what if” feeling, thinking about their relationship being something more than it already was. John eventually moved to Pittsburgh to pursue his career as a Funeral Director and although they were distant from each other they still stayed close and communicated often.

In January 2016, Michelle received a reminder from Facebook about their “8 year friend anniversary” which prompted her to send John a text. John instantly replied, “I couldn’t be happier to see your name pop up on my phone.” A few months later, John moved back to New Jersey and they went on their “official first date” at Osteria in Marlboro, NJ. And best of all, they were so happy to see each other and catch up that they were sitting in the restaurant until they were asked to leave by the waiters! It was definitely the beginning of that “something more” they had felt years ago.

Fast forward to July 15th, 2018. John convinced Michelle to go to Dorbrook Park in Colts Neck, NJ to take John’s son, Jack out for a bike ride. As they went along with what was a normal Sunday stroll, John asked his son if he could take a picture of “Ms.” Michelle. As Michelle was getting off her bike to get the photo taken, John asked “Are you ready?! Because I’m ready and I’m sure.” John then got down on one knee and popped the question! Michelle said she was completely taken by surprise. She said she cried and shouted “YES!” while Jack snapped all the photos! One of the cutest moments was when Jack instantly asked, “Is the wedding today? Is there going to be shrimp and prime rib?” So adorable! Literally cracked up when they shared that with me!!

After the proposal, they went over to Michelle’s parent’s house where both Michelle and John’s parents and siblings were waiting at the front door to surprise her and celebrate the big day! It was the perfect way to end their day together with Jack and all their loved ones!

Michelle and John love to spend their weekends together relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. Their favorite place to go on a weekend is Stumpy’s, which is this super cool place where you can throw hatchets! If not out and about on the boardwalk (or throwing hatchets!), they love to watch The Office or a good movie and cook meals together at home.

After hearing all about their love story and all the years they’ve spent together, I could not be more excited for these two to be finally tying the knot! They are so unbelievably perfect for one another – it is so clear to see when you are with them. The entire session, they were making each other laugh and smile. Their photos turned out perfectly! I cannot wait to be there for their wedding to capture all of the fun and excitement I know will come in celebrating their big day!