Katelyn and John planned the most perfect Skylands Manor Engagement Session! I love that they brought along a personalized bottle of wine and matching glasses – the setup made for some adorable photos on a beautiful fall day. The colors in the trees were amazing that day and created a gorgeous backdrop for this session. Fall has got to be the prettiest season! I loved getting to know these two while we walked around the grounds of Skylands Manor. I was thankful that they were up for anything – that makes the job of a photographer so much easier! We took full advantage of all the manor grounds and it was so fun to see Katelyn and John interact – these two are so in love! Katelyn and John, thank you for a wonderful session and congratulations on your engagement!
How they met:

Katelyn: John and I met on facebook, which is funny considering we grew up in the same town. We went to different high schools but had many mutual friends. One night, I added John on Facebook when he came up as a friend I may know. After adding him, he quickly sent me a message asking if we knew each other and I said no. We started talking via Facebook and text messaging. John then took me on our first date to the Chart house, in Weehawkin, and that was the beginning to our love story.

John: It was a cold winters night, I am chilling on the book of the face and I get a random add from a cute blonde girl from the “Other side of town”. I instantly thought “wow she is cute” so I accepted the friend request and the rest is history.  Everyone just remember – SHE added me.

What they remember about their first date:

Katelyn: I remember a lot about our first date. It was at the Chart House, which is now our anniversary spot every year. I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu, coconut shrimp. We still joke about it until this day because that was the ONE AND ONLY time I was cheap when it came to spending John’s money. After dinner, we went to the movies and saw Hall Pass. We held hands and laughed all night.

John: The coconut shrimp she ordered at The Chart House. She was under 21 at this point so had a big cold glass of water. Needless to say – it was the smallest “dinner out” night we have had since – she always seems to order the surf and turf now. – the times have changed.

When they knew they had found the One:

Katelyn: I knew John was the one when I felt so comfortable around him that I could do anything and not be embarrassed. John allows me to be myself all the time and I love that about him.

John: Nothing in particular but the way she laughs like it hurts sometimes and how cute she is – she is great.

The proposal:

Katelyn: The proposal is a pretty funny story. I knew a ring would be coming somewhat soon when I found out that John talked to my parents and asked them for my hand in marriage. John and I cannot keep secrets from eachother for the life of us so it was normal that I knew he spoke with my parents and was thinking about proposing. A few days after I got home from a family vacation, we were home together and I sat down and said “John, if you have a ring, just give it to me and get it over with”. He smiled and said he did not have a ring but I said it again just to see if he had a ring. He got up and said “you really want the ring?” and I replied yes. He picked up a box that was hidden on a shelf and got a one knee. I was laughing because I thought for sure he was giving me an empty box. He then opened up the box and asked me to be his wife forever. I saw the most beautiful ring in the entire world. I could not believe my eyes. It took me a while to say yes because I could not take my eyes off the ring. I finally said yes and he put the ring on my finger. It was the best proposal for us since it defines our relationship perfectly. We got to celebrate that night with our best friends which was really great.

John: “John if they get engaged before us I am going to be SOOOO mad” – haha – we do not keep secrets so it was about 4 hours into the time I had the ring and I had to give it to her – so I did and she said YES!

One thing they love about each other:

Katelyn: I love how sweet and generous John is. He will help anyone who needs help. We definitely level each other out in so many ways.

John: Her small size.

Besides getting married, the one thing they are looking forward to on their wedding day:

Katelyn: I am really looking forward to the venue we picked out. It is a beautiful castle that we will be staying in all weekend with our family. The reception is in an unbelievable tent and it is perfect for a fun, dancing night. I am also looking forward to our honeymoon which will be a Mediterranean cruise and more touring through Europe in September 2017.

John: Watching my bride walk down the aisle in high heels. Hopefully she doesn’t trip.

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