I have such a special love story to share today! I met Nick thanks to his sister, Mallory, of Mallory Weiss Planning, whose wedding I shot several years ago already! I love when my brides turn into friends, and when I get to connect with their families, it makes it all the more special. This summer I had the honor of capturing Nick as he proposed to Marie and today’s post includes images from both Marie and Nick’s proposal this summer *and* their fall engagement photos from last month! Suffice it to say that this love story is one for the books! But before I get into the images, read all about the proposal, as told by Nick:
“My plan was to propose to Marie in Disney World. She was going to Disney with her family in August 2020 and I told her I couldn’t go but really was planning to fly down there and surprise her. I had it all planned out with her family, they would be in the Magic Kingdom and taking a picture in front of the Cinderella Castle when I would come from behind and propose. Unfortunately, COVID happened and Disney World shut down. We were hopeful as the weeks got closer than it could still happen, but by mid-July, they ultimately cancelled their trip and I had to as well. But, with my sister’s help, we quickly set up a plan B, bringing Disney World to us. On the same day that I had planned to propose to Marie in front of the Cinderella Castle, I instead brought her to my parents’ house. When we pulled up to their house, I began by playing the Monorail safety clip and gave her a Disney magic band to wear. We walked up the driveway to my brother-in-law, who acted as security and checked our bags. From behind the car came Marie’s brother, who acted as cast member to check our magic bands. With her beginning to become suspicious, we finally entered the backyard, which was set up with tables representing different buildings in Main Street USA with snacks, signs and Disney stuffed characters. All of this led to a huge 20×20 foot backdrop of the Cinderella Castle. It was in front of the Cinderella Castle, as was always the plan, where I got on a knee and proposed.”
The proposal was perfect and was such a special occasion to capture. Here are some of my favorite images from this momentous occasion:
All about the ring
Nick: “I picked the ring out at a jeweler in Brooklyn that my entire family has always gone to for their engagement rings. I actually went there the last weekend before the country shut down because of COVID, in Mid-March. So while I did pick the exact ring and band I wanted, I ended up not being able to go back to pick it up until July.”
Marie: “I honestly love the whole design of it – it sparkles all the time and I can’t help but admire it often!”
Such an amazing proposal, and I know it makes you want to know more about this happy couple so I’m excited to also share their fall engagement session at Rider University. Since it was at their alma mater where they first met, they wanted to return there for their engagement photos. I’m so glad they did, because they said the fall foliage would be breathtaking and it certainly was!
How they met
“We technically met in the Spring of 2013 at Rider University in a marketing class. We didn’t really speak then because we were both too shy to go up to the other. But during the Summertime, we both lived on campus and ultimately ran into into each other at the gym and began talking and eventually became friends. From this moment on we development a strong friendship through our time at Rider and following graduation in 2015. After graduation, this friendship inevitably blossomed into a relationship.”
Their first date
“Our first real date as being in a relationship was at a nearby tavern for dinner. It was very awkward because we had been such good friends for so long that this was new territory for us. Even though it was a little awkward at first, it felt right. The night was full of many laughs and reminiscing on our friendship.”
When they knew they had found the one
Marie: “I knew Nick was the one when my mom kept asking about him. There was a brief period in time where Nick and I took a short hiatus when I was working in NYC and my mom kept asking when Nick would come around. When I said we were on a break, she said she knew he would be back. I think that was the moment for me because my mom was the first to wave my ex-boyfriends to the curb when I went through a breakup, but she really liked him and kept the faith going. Moms do know best!”
Nick: “I knew Marie was the one when I first kissed her. After years of being her friend, best friend even, I was scared out of mind to make that move because I knew there was no going back to a friendship if it didn’t work out. But when I kissed her, I felt so right and I knew immediately that this was going to work.”
One thing they love about each other
Marie: “His ability to make me laugh, even if I am in a bad mood. He can also calm me down when I am going 0 to 60 with stress!”
Nick: “Her constant and unconditional support and encouragement to push me to achieve my goals and become the best I could be.”
Their wedding day vision and style
“We want a Summer destination wedding in Disney World (surprise!). Both of our families are huge Disney fanatics and we want to have a wedding that reflects everything that we love. Our wedding will have subtle nods to some of our favorite Disney movies such as Tangled, Beauty and the Beast and our all time favorite, Nightmare Before Christmas. Although we have not yet finalized colors, we love the look of light summery styles.”
Planning: Mallory Weiss Planning
Hair and Makeup: Jess from Hot Mess Studio in Asbury Park @stay.gorjess.
Backdrop: Photos by Patrick
