Rachel and Bobby’s summer Hoboken engagement session was such a fun one! It was so great meeting them, getting to know them a bit, and having the opportunity to capture them in a place that is so special for them that also makes for a great backdrop, too. I love the variety Hoboken provides. With Columbus Square Park, brownstones, the iconic waterfront Pier A Park, and of course, Court Street and its cobblestones, there’s so many great options. I’m excited to share some of my favorite images from my time with them but first, check out the story of how these two met:
“Rachel was Bobby’s recruiter when he applied for a job at the company they now both work for – and her best hire to this day ;) While we tried to keep it strictly professional, after many rounds of interviews, and then about a year of working in the same office, friendly banter, and plenty of work outings we finally started dropping hints that there could be something there. Bobby asked Rachel to skip an all-company meeting to get drinks one night, and neither of them ever looked back.”
That is definitely one of the best “how they met” stories I’ve heard in my ten years as a wedding photographer, ha! Get to know more of these two below. Their story is sprinkled between some of my favorite images from their session!
Summer Hoboken Engagement Session
Their first date
Rachel — “I remember everything! Where we went, what we wore, what we ordered. It’s kind of crazy! But my biggest memory is just being so enthralled with everything he said and did. I had been so relieved when he finally had asked me to go out and I just wanted to soak up everything about him. It was one of only a few times I’d seen him outside of a work setting at that point. And I just remember thinking how incredible I thought (and still think!) he was/is.”
Bobby — “I remember that after trying for weeks to figure out a way to talk to her outside of work, I asked her to play hookie from a company meeting and get drinks with me instead. And, I was nervous, of course, which was probably why I suggested getting drinks on a boat when I get seasick! She looked beautiful as the sun set and we continued on into the night at another riverside rooftop bar. The rest is history.”
When they knew they had found the one
Rachel — “I knew Bobby was the one after our third date (I actually told my Maid of Honor Jessica “I’m going to marry him” over dinner one night after that date, she can attest to it!). On our third date we went to the San Gennaro Festival and I still vividly remember how he held my hand as we walked through the busy streets. I’ll never forget how secure I felt in that moment and how excited I was that everyone around would know he was with me. I never wanted that day to end, which turns out I was in luck because he invited me to go out with his friends that night. That’s what really sealed the deal. His friends were so kind and welcoming and I felt so comfortable with them, I knew this was a person I wanted to be with forever. There were plenty of moments that have reaffirmed that over the subsequent months/years but that’s the very first moment I knew he was my guy.”
Bobby — “I knew I wanted to date her from the moment I met her, but I knew I wanted to marry her after two weekends in Winter 2019. We had been dating only a couple of months, but Rachel joined me for a surprise party for my mother’s 60th birthday and a weekend away with my childhood friends. Both times were whirlwind weekends meeting those closest to me, but Rachel took it in stride and fit in seamlessly. She treated everyone like she knew them for years, and it opened my eyes to see that she was the one for me.”
The Proposal
Rachel — “He totally faked me out!! It was just before Christmas and we had been planning to take Christmas photos by the tree in the apartment and then go for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Hoboken. A few days prior, Bobby texted me to say our friends would be in town and wanted to get together. One of our friends has a professional camera and is getting into photography so “she” suggested that we also take photos by the Christmas tree/pier in Jersey City before grabbing a bite to eat. You never have to ask me twice to take pictures, so I was all for it!
We got to the pier and walked around a bit, took a few photos of our friends for them and then took a few photos ourselves. Bobby was being *very* particular about the photos, but I just thought he was looking out for me and wanting to get good pictures because he knew I cared (HA!) After a couple of pictures, Bobby pulled away, got down on one knee, and popped the question. I have no idea what he said, but I remember crying and saying “of course!!” Afterward he had a nail appointment for me (because he knew suggesting getting my nails done ahead of time would tip me off LOL and that I’d want photos!) and we went out to eat with our friends. It was the most absolutely perfect proposal I could’ve imagined!”
All about the ring
“I. LOVE. MY. RING. What I love most about it is that he picked it out completely on his own. He knew generally what styles I liked but other than that he did everything himself with the jeweler. He met with them and picked everything – the band, the stone, the setting, all of it. My favorite “feature” is knowing how much thought and effort he put into it for me and how it’s truly so heartfelt. Every time I look down and see it, it reminds me of the love we have and how truly lucky I am.”
One thing they love about each other
Rachel — “I love Bobby’s thoughtfulness and how genuine and supportive he is. You’ll never meet a person who cares more deeply than Bobby and he truly is so caring and thoughtful to everyone. He is genuine and true in everything he says and does. He’s also my biggest cheerleader and makes me feel like I can accomplish anything. Also, those eyes and that smile!!! :)”
Bobby — “I love Rachel’s dedication to being the best – the best partner, daughter, sister, coworker, and friend she can be. She’s always thinking of others, and she supports me no matter what. Rachel’s work ethic and drive are only matched by her kindness and passion for causes she cares about. Her laughter is contagious, and her dimples are the cutest :)”
“We really wanted our engagement session to represent us as a couple and feel like us, and nothing feels more like us than our very own backyard of Hoboken! When we were dating during the pandemic all we could really do for ‘activities’ was go for walks, so we’d walk through Hoboken and look at all the brownstones. When we were deciding where to shoot, we knew we had to take a few shots outside of some of the spaces we’d spent so long walking past. The waterfront photos were equally as meaningful, as they reminded us of when we got engaged with the skyline in the background!”
Their wedding vision and style
“We’re getting married at The Mill Lakeside Manor in Spring Lake, and we really want to lean into the beautiful lake and greenery/florals that surround the space. Romantic, classic, with a fun modern twist is really the vibe we’re going for. We want our guests (and ourselves) to feel like they’re stepping into a beautiful space, but one they feel comfortable and relaxed in and can dance the night away!”
Rachel and Bobby – congratulations again on your engagement! I’m so excited to see you again for your WEDDING! Enjoy your joyful engagement full of monthly champagne toasts!
About the Photographers
Idalia Photography is based out of Central NJ and specializes in romantic, timeless, and classic weddings. Our photography style can be described as a perfect blend of classic, romantic portraiture and authentic, candid moments. Are you planning a wedding? We serve NJ, NY, PA, and beyond. Click here to view our wedding portfolio or contact us for availability.
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