Kelly and Dan | Boardwalk Engagement

School’s out for summer and this fun, photogenic couple made the most of a break in the weather at the Point Pleasant Boardwalk. Jay came along for the ride and we had such a great time getting to know Kelly and Dan as they rode the carousel, took a spin on the swings, strolled on the beach, and checked out the shark tank at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. They also re-visited their very first date by playing the ring toss. We loved the variety of settings that the boardwalk provided and the sights, sounds, and smells definitely let us know that summer at the shore is in full swing! Kelly and Dan, thank you for a fabulous session as we look forward to photographing your big day! Enjoy this sneak peek!

How they met

Kelly: Dan and I met via an online dating on a website called Plenty of Fish. We were both working so much and sick of the traditional “bar scene” so we tried our luck with the website. He was about to give up and it was my first day. He sent me a message with the subject “What’s up teach?” and I decided to message him back. He was the first guy I met and it is all history from there!

Dan: Kelly and I met on a dating site called Plenty of Fish shortly after college. We both just started working and weren’t getting out much. I knew I didn’t want to meet my future wife on a bar stool. I was the lucky guy to get to her first after joining the site. Right from the start, we couldn’t stop talking to each other. I remember having conversations until 4 or 5 am.

The first date

Kelly: Dan was wearing khaki colored linen pants and a brown Beach Bum shirt. Our initial date lasted 6 hours at the Boardwalk. We played games, ate ice cream, and sat in a dug out hole in the sand. We talked and laughed for hours. It was the best date I ever had.

Dan: I remember that Kelly was wearing a brown dress with her hair down… she looked very hot. We walked the boardwalk for hours. We played games, got ice cream, and went for a walk on the beach. There was a huge hole in the sand in which we sat and talked for a while. The date ended with a hug good-bye… I was too nervous to kiss her (it took me til the 3rd date).

When they knew

Kelly: I don’t know if there was a specific moment, but I knew that I wanted to be with him because he is my equal. I can be goofy and silly with him, yet talk to him about everything. The first time he said “I love you” was on our 6th month anniversary in Philadelphia and I felt chills. I guess I knew there.

Dan: When I went on POF, I had a pretty good idea of what I was looking for in my future wife. It didn’t take too long to realize that Kelly satisfied everything and more. I don’t know if there was an exact moment, but I knew from very early on that there was something special about Kelly.

The proposal

Kelly: Dan and I love doing day trips. He surprised me on our spring break and took me away. We went to Camden Aquarium and then checked into the Hyatt Hotel in Princeton. He planned a nice dinner and a show at the Stress Factory. Dan kept complaining he was so hot, so I told him to step out on the balcony. When he came back in he was down on one knee saying, “I can’t wait any longer, will you marry me?” I of course said yes! We didn’t tell anyone and relished in our new journey together. The next day we told our families and everyone was thrilled!!!

Dan: Kelly and I had a nice day out.. we went to the aquarium, a comedy club, and stayed in a nice room with a balcony. I had the ring with me all morning. It took me months to find the perfect diamond. I wasn’t sure exactly when I would do it, except that I wanted it to be least suspected. I had just showered and gotten dressed. I had the ring in my pocket and was hot and sweaty (nervous!) because I knew it was coming. Kelly told me to go on the balcony to get some air and relax. When I came back in, Kelly was watching tv on the bed and I told her I couldn’t wait any longer. I got on one knee and asked her to marry me.

What they love about each other

Kelly: I love that Dan is so driven and a hard worker. He will be an amazing husband and father because of that, but also because he is so loving and caring.

Dan: Kelly is the best person that I know. She is a genuinely good, compassionate, caring person with the biggest heart in the world. I love having her love.

What they are looking forward to on their wedding day (besides getting married!)

Kelly: DANCING! I love dancing, so being on our HUGE dance floor (Biggest in Monmouth and Ocean County) with Dan, but also our friends and family is going to be amazing!

Dan: I look forward to starting my life together with Kelly