I’m so delighted to start the week off with Vanessa and Jared’s Laurita Winery Engagement Session! A few years ago Jay took me to Laurita Winery to celebrate my birthday and I immediately thought it would be such a beautiful location for a shoot! When Vanessa and Jared reached out about scheduling their engagement session and mentioned they wanted an elegant and rustic location, Laurita Winery came to mind and I’m so glad Vanessa and Jared wanted to go there because it turned out to be amazing for their shoot! From walks through the vineyards to exploring the hidden paths to the beautiful light, this session was so much fun. Not only were the grounds at Laurita Winery a beautiful backdrop for Vanessa and Jared but getting to know them was such a pleasure, too. These two have known each other for years and they are so adorable together! Enjoy getting to know them in this post!
How they met:
Vanessa: Jared and I grew up in the same town. It wasn’t until middle school (6th grade) that we “officially” met. We both had the same group of friends, but it wasn’t until the end of 8th grade at our formal that we “hit it off”. It’s a funny story actually. We didn’t go to formal together, but at the dance he looked miserable so I asked him to dance just as friends so he could enjoy his time a little more. After the night we went back to our friend’s house and just spent the whole night together talking and laughing on a trampoline under the stars.
Jared: It all started at a middle school dance. I knew Vanessa from school, but this was the first time we had any sort of connection. I was sitting down when she came over stole me away from my date and took me on to the dance floor. Afterwards we went back to a friend’s house and spent the rest of the night together talking and getting to know each other.
What they remember about their first date:
Vanessa & Jared: It’s hard to say what our “official” first date was. What we would consider our official first date is going to see the first Madagascar movie at the movies. Since we always hung out with our group of friends this is the first time we remember doing something alone just the two of us. We also took one of our first photos at the photo booth in the movies! (8/19/05)
When they knew they had found the One:
Vanessa: I want to say I always knew Jared was the one. Even being so young it was so hard to stay away from him. It is pretty insane to say I met my future husband when I was 13 but I really did! No matter what went on I could never keep my mind off of him!
Jared: Vanessa and I started dating when we were 13, so you can imagine how much has happened over the years. From happy moments to tragedies we have been through it all together and no matter what she has always been there when I needed her and even when I didn’t deserve her. After I realized just how special of a person she was I knew she was the one and I could never let her get away. 
The proposal:
Vanessa: The proposal was something out of a fairytale! We went on vacation to St. Maarten and had two excursions picked out. Our last excursion was a sunset gondola ride around the island. The first 20 minutes we were just sailing around the island taking in the beautiful views. As the sun starting going down Jared asked our gondolier if he could take a picture of us with the sunset in the background. The man took a normal picture of us first and right before I could sit back down, Jared was on his knee with a ring in his hand! I was SHOCKED! I had no idea the big question was happening on this trip, let alone during this excursion!
Jared: We were on a boat ride on vacation in St. Maarten. We had some champagne and the sun was setting when I asked the driver to take a picture of us. As Vanessa handed the man her phone I pulled the ring out of my pocket. I got down on one knee and could barely get any words out, I don’t even know if I actually said “Will you marry me”. It was one of the best/scariest moments of my life. Vanessa says I shed a few tears, but I’m pretty sure some water got splashed on me from a fish or something.
One thing they love about each other:
Vanessa: If I had to choose one thing I love about Jared, it would be his determination and passion for everything he does. No matter what it is, he always puts his whole heart into it.
Jared: I love how when Vanessa does something she does it wholeheartedly. She is smart, beautiful, loving, and I cannot wait to marry her.
Besides getting married, the one thing they are looking forward to on their wedding day?
Vanessa: Well there are so many things to look forward to but one moment in particular is the moment when Jared sees me in my dress for the first time.
Jared: OPEN BAR/FOOD!!! … But really I would have to say I am looking forward to celebrating with all of our friends and family.
Laurita Winery Engagement Session by NJ Wedding Photographers Idalia Photography, a husband and wife photography team based in Central New Jersey. Contact us for more information.
