Megan and Mike met when they were freshmen in high school. Mike first saw Megan on the shuttle bus that used to take freshmen from the ninth grade building at their school to the main building. They started talking and found out they had very similar interests and goals, including soccer, which is a big part of their lives now. Their relationship developed and they started dating during their senior year. Their first date was actually on Halloween. Mike bought Megan a bunch of candy and they watched Pirates of the Caribbean. I love that this holiday brings back such fun memories for these two!

For their engagement session, I met up with Megan and Mike at Allaire State Park. It was late September and there was a hint of fall in the air with perfect temperatures and beautiful greens in the trees. We spent our time in Allaire Village, taking advantage of the barns and rustic buildings for our backdrops. Megan and Mike warmed up to the camera right away and made it easy to capture these images for them. I love the mix of images we got this day – plenty of romantic and classic shots combined with some fun shots with their dog and in their soccer jerseys too. This shoot had so much personality, I love how it turned out!

Megan and Mike will be getting married at The English Manor. They’re hoping for a relaxed but very fun atmosphere with their family and friends with dancing, good food, and so many memories to be had! I’m sure it’s going to be perfect but for now, check out their engagement session below and read more of their love story sprinkled throughout the post.

Allaire State Park Engagement Session

When they knew they had found the one

Mike: “On our trip to Southern California. It was the first big trip we had taken with each other and I loved every second of it. It was a great trip but it made it even more amazing being with Megan and experiencing everything together.”

Megan: “I don’t think it was one specific moment, I just saw how supportive and loving mike was no matter what stage we were at. We went from high school kids to different college experiences (including myself transferring schools)to long distance after college and while I was in grad school. Throughout all those changes, he was always there and my number one supporter and best friend.”

The proposal

Mike took me to Rutgers Gardens. We had gone there in high school for our 6 month anniversary and it’s crazy to think that 7 and a half years later we went back. He wanted to take pictures in front of a gazebo. The gazebo had a bunch of pink roses in it and rose pedals leading up to it (pink roses were the first flower Mike had gotten me back in high school). I did not want to take pictures there because I thought it was set up for a wedding. As we got closer, I realized it was for me. Mike recounted a bunch of his favorite memories we’ve had our the past few years and asked me to marry him. Both of our families were hiding in bushes nearby, and after I said yes they were able to celebrate with us.

One thing they love about each other

“I love how silly Mike can be sometimes. We will be sitting in our apartment and he will randomly break out into this little dance (usually when he’s playing with our pup). It’s always unexpected and it never fails to make me laugh.”

“I love her smile. It was the first thing that caught my eye when I first saw her and I can’t help but smile myself whenever I see it.”

All about the ring

Mike went shopping with his mom and sister. They went to several stores, but Mike went back to the very first ring he saw and bought that one for me. I had told him I wanted a round diamond and a skinny band and he picked out a perfect one. He also ran the pictures past my best friend which I appreciated too.

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