A couple of weeks ago Jay and I went to Spring Lake to meet up with Caitlin and Tom for their engagement session. We loved that they picked the very spot where Tom proposed to take their engagement photos! The minute we started the session Jay and I couldn’t help but notice how much fun these two have together. They were constantly smiling and making each other laugh. They were just naturals in front of the camera! Caitlin and Tom, we loved spending the afternoon with you and we can’t wait for your Rumson Country Club Wedding!

How they met: Tom and Caitlin met in college at Loyola University Maryland (though they were both from New Jersey).   A mutual friend introduced them in a bar one night during their sophomore year of college.  After multiple laughs, Tom and Caitlin hit it off that night and started dating shortly thereafter.

Their first date: Tom and Caitlin met up at Craigsfest (a college boondoggle at Loyola) and had a great time outside in the sun all day long.  They were both eager to introduce each other to their friends.  When the party was over, Tom asked Caitlin to dinner at the college cafeteria where he paid for both of their dinners (on his meal card).  Caitlin and Tom had a great time and were quickly planning their next date.  Though summer break was approaching, Tom and Caitlin were both confident they would see each other all summer to keep the fun and romance going.

When they knew: By the end of the first summer they were dating, Tom knew Caitlin was the one.  Caitlin and Tom had a fun filled, amazing summer, spending time together on the Jersey shore. Caitlin quickly became Tom’s best friend and he realized she was also his soul mate and he could not let her get away.

Caitlin and Tom spent their first anniversary studying abroad in the summer in Florence, Italy.  While Tom and Caitlin were ‘studying’ to earn college credits, they treated their time in Florence as a happy couple’s getaway.  They enjoyed each other’s company so much and Caitlin couldn’t help but smile over the fact that she knew she found the man she would spend the rest of her life with.

The proposal: In spite of Tom’s best laid plans, the fates that be forced Tom to improvise (without realizing, Caitlin had ruined the initial proposal plan).  On Saturday, May 24, 2014, Tom and Caitlin ran the Spring Lake 5 together in the morning.  Rather than waste the overcast day inside the house, Tom asked Caitlin to lunch at Parker House (her favorite bar on the Jersey Shore).  They biked over to the Parker House where they enjoyed lunch and the infamous dollar beers.  After lunch, Tom decided they should go on a bike ride – first to the beach where Caitlin used to lifeguard – then to the lake in the main part of town – where Tom proposed.  Tom got down on one knee next to the beautiful lake where he asked Caitlin to spend the rest of his life with him.  Caitlin immediately said yes.  After the proposal, Tom and Caitlin walked over to the nearby bench where Caitlin’s mom (who had been in touch with Tom) had discreetly hidden champagne to celebrate.  The proposal certainly made this Memorial Day Weekend a special one that will always be remembered.

One thing they love about each other:

Tom loves Caitlin’s ability to laugh and smile.  He admires her ability to lighten up any room she walks into and make it a brighter and happier place.

Caitlin loves Tom’s contagious smile and friendliness.  She admires his ability to make friends with total strangers and always make them feel welcome and included.  Tom also has a million dollar smile that makes you want to smile along with him, despite the type of day you may be having.

They both love being each other’s best friends.

One thing they’re looking forward to on their wedding day: 

Caitlin is looking forward to walking down the aisle and seeing Tom standing on the altar, waiting to take her hand as he promises to protect her and look after her for the rest of their lives together.

Tom is looking forward to making his and Caitlin’s future life together official and starting the next chapter with his best friend.

They’re both looking forward to spending their special wedding day with their closest family and friends, celebrating the joining of two big families.

A Spring Lake Engagement Session by NJ Wedding Photographer Idalia Photography, a husband and wife photography team based in Central New Jersey. Contact us for more information.