I’m so excited to share this engagement session today – not only because I loved working with Kayla and Howie, but also because it was my first time shooting at the Herbary at Bear Creek! It’s less than ten minutes from my house but, surprisingly enough, I had never even been there before! It’s safe to say that I loved shooting there and it’s the perfect spot for plant lovers, or for couples looking to do a shoot in an indoor location while we wait for the trees to grow their leaves.
Kayla and Howie make such a great couple! They warmed up to the camera right away and after we got some of the must-have classic photos, we focused on more fun posing complete with piggy back rides, dancing, and lots of laughs. I love how this shoot turned out! Check it out below and enjoy reading about their love story, too!
Herbary at Bear Creek Engagement Photos
How they met
“Through mutual friends. My best friend from college, Meaghan, was getting married in 2017. I did not have a date and her cousin married Howie’s best friend from college, Rich. Meaghan and her cousin thought Howie would be a great date option for me for the wedding. We met up a few times before the wedding and the rest is history!”
Their first date
“I was accidentally very late to our first date! I underestimated traffic big time, but Howie waited patiently. We met for a glass of wine and the conversation flowed so easily, we ended up talking for hours!”
All about the ring
“I love the twist on the band! It’s so unique but also simple without extra diamonds that take away from the real stunner, the circle diamond on top. We have many friends who are married and we have discussed what I like and don’t like from other peoples rings. He knows a jeweler back in Baltimore that he’s been with his friends before and he was able to create this ring with him virtually due to the pandemic.”
When they knew they had found the one
“We had this incredible date that was a full day of fun. We went to the Baltimore zoo, saw the animals but were able to goof around and laugh a lot. Then we drove to a winery in western Maryland and got to enjoy each other’s company in a more serene setting. Being able to have an adventure with two very different settings was so easy and I felt like I could do anything with Howie. And I wanted to see what other adventures we could have together.”
The Proposal
“I came home from work, and I work in a hospital during this pandemic. Everyday has been very stressful for me. Also we bought a house on March 11, 2020, 3 days before the quarantine started, and we’ve been renovating it. I’ve been under an immense amount of stress so I went for a walk after work. I took my time and then after I came out of the shower I went to wash some dishes. While in the kitchen, I guess my dog Pepper came over to me but I didn’t notice. Then Howie was saying “Pepper what are you wearing?” I turn around to see Pepper in a scarf that says “Will you marry my dad?” Howie comes out in a suit and I ask him if it’s a joke! I then immediately start crying and he says some very beautiful words. Obviously I said yes! He then pulls out a bottle of champagne that he hid in the salad drawer! I’m clearly very oblivious but it was the best night ever! Work the next day was very tough hahah”
One thing they love about each other
“Howie is such a pure soul, he’s so good and kind and always wants to help other people. Howie would say he loves my honesty and that I’m always open to express how I feel.”
Their wedding vision
“Easy breezy and beachy! Our first apartment together was on the beach in Belmar and I wanted our love story to continue with a beach background. We’re getting married overlooking the beach with an ocean fed pool inside the venue, bringing all the beautiful blue colors we love into our big day. I want everything else to compliment that.” 
Thank you, Kayla and Howie, for sharing your love story! Happy Wedding Planning!
Learn More
Interested in learning more about my engagement sessions? Click here for my engagement portfolio and inquire about a session here.
Are you on Pinterest?
