Keri and Mike’s Cava Winery Engagement Session in Hamburg, NJ was one of the most epic love stories I’ve ever heard. There are a lot of things you don’t know about Keri and Mike, but the most important thing you NEED to know is that these two are two of the most kind hearted, beautiful people I have ever met. Their love story is similar to the likes of Luke and Lorelai Gilmore, and today I’m so excited I get to be the lucky photographer to share this story.
Eight years ago, Mike was getting anxious and stressed about his first day as an intern at Skylands Stadium. Keri was a manager there and she’d be training him for his position. Everything started going downhill when he got lost and couldn’t find his way to the right office. He called to say he was lost and Keri came to the rescue opening the door for him. Honestly, right there in that moment sparks started flying on Mike’s end, but Keri was just preparing for the work day.
Then, on Valentine’s Day that year, Keri got a mysterious gift. Chocolate and a sweet, anonymous card. After asking everyone she knew if they sent it, posting on Facebook if any friends had sent it AND asking Mike if he sent it, she still had no clue who the secret admirer was because MIKE DENIED SENDING IT.
Years went by (8 to be exact!) and Mike watched Keri go through bad boyfriend after bad boyfriend. They became very close friends, going to parties together, wineries, events, and more. Mike’s friends all took Keri into their “family” and all knew for years that Mike was completely smitten by her. He told them all that he’d disown them if they ever told Keri he liked her.
Years kept going by and they remained friends until one day Mike found himself in need of a job. Keri put the word in at her new place of work and he landed a job there. He asked if he could take her out to lunch to say thank you to which she happily agreed and Mike gave her her birthday present! Inside was a Cava Winery glass, a cocktail recipe book with a witty title (Tequila Mockingbird) and a piano key signed by none other than Andrew McMahon from Jack’s Mannequin (Keri’s favorite band). What you also might not know about these two is that Keri is a published Author (yup that’s right she’s amazing!) and her book is about a pianist. So the witty book and the piano key were unbelievably fitting.
After this extraordinary present, Keri’s thoughts about Mike started to shift. About one monday later, they had their first date at the wine festival. Keri could tell he wanted to kiss her but wasn’t making a move, so she planted one on him! And the rest is history!
Six months later they were engaged while picnicing, and drinking wine. Mike presented her with a golden snitch that opened up to say “Will you Marry me?” and got on one knee. He told me that he would have proposed to her the day of their first date if the rest of the world wouldn’t have thought that was weird. Mike knew, from the moment he met her 8 years ago that she would be the one. After patiently waiting and finding out Keri reciprocated his feeling, they have found their soul mates and have the most unrelentless, romantic, unconditional and everlasting love story I have ever heard. If you ask me, it kind of puts Luke and Lorelai to shame.
Keri and Mike, I loved meeting you guys FINALLY, laughing with you both, and hearing your incredible, incredible love story. I can’t wait to celebrate with you at your Rock Island Club Wedding next year so we can meet again!!
Love that keri brought books to stand on! They have a 1’5″ height difference!
One of my favorites!
Laughter is the best sound on earth. More people need to feel love like this.
I LOVE THIS SO MUCHHH!! Love their story and the sign!
Love these save the dates of their story!
I love that we were laughing the whole time <3
She just cuddled right into his arms, like they were always meant to hold her.
The golden snitch!! 
How adorable is this?!
Keri and Mike, I loved meeting you guys FINALLY, laughing with you both, and hearing your incredible, incredible love story. I can’t wait to celebrate with you at your Rock Island Club Wedding next year so we can meet again!!
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