A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of flying out to California for Alicja and Jeff’s engagement session. These two met at Rutgers University during undergrad and were introduced by mutual friends. They were “just friends” for a few years before they started dating and now they are engaged and living in California while Alicja pursues her PhD at Stanford University.

Alicja and Jeff will be tying the knot in NJ this coming January and celebrating at The Palace at Somerset Park but for their engagement session, they chose California as a backdrop to remind them of their time there. I’m so glad they did because it was so fun to meet them in person at the place they are currently coming home and get to know them a bit. I found out that Alicja is studying microbiology and Jeff works at Google. They are both in such different fields but California seems to be a perfect fit for these two during this season of their lives.

For their engagement session, they chose two of their favorite spots. We ended up splitting their engagement session up into two parts on two evenings. For Part 1, we met up on the Stanford University campus, where they’ve been living for the past few years and for Part 2, we headed out to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve where Alicja and Jeff love to hike and enjoy a sunset.

I so enjoyed my time with Alicja and Jeff and can’t wait for you to check out some of my favorite photos below. I’m also so excited for their wedding day in about five months – it’s going to be beautiful! In the meantime, enjoy this peek at their engagement photos!

Stanford University Engagement Photos

Their first date

Jeff: “On our first date we went to a local restaurant (Stage House Tavern in Somerset) and it has since become our go-to spot every time we’re in New Jersey!”

Alicja: “I remember that Jeff ordered salmon on our first date because afterwards I found out that he doesn’t even like fish. He must have been pretty nervous!”

When they knew they had found the one

Alicja: “When he moved across the country with me so that I could pursue my PhD!”

Jeff: “When I went away on my first work trip and realized how much I missed her and couldn’t wait to go back.”

The proposal

Jeff: “I wanted to propose on the beach, but forgot that California beaches are much colder and windier than NJ beaches! The first beach we went to was so windy and cold that Alicja just wanted to go back into the car, so I had to keep convincing her to try more beaches. We finally found one that was more sheltered and I proposed there. (spoiler alert) She said yes!”

Alicja: “I knew a proposal was going to come at some point, but I thought it would be during a big trip to Poland we had planned later in the summer. I was so convinced of that that I was completely surprised when Jeff proposed on our anniversary. It was perfect!”

One thing they love about each other

Jeff: “I love how supportive Alicja is. Plus, she is the ultimate trip planner – we have so many great memories from trips because she researches every detail!”

Alicja: “I love how funny Jeff is! His “dad jokes” never fail to cheer me up despite my groans and eyerolls.”

All about the ring

Alicja: “I love my ring! It’s a rose gold halo with a light blue sapphire (my birthstone). I love how delicate it is and the unique color of the stone.”

Jeff: “I like that it’s sparkly. I may have had some help from Alicja to pick it out… ”

Their wedding vision

“Since we’ll be getting married shortly after the winter holidays, we’re hoping to continue the warm and festive spirit with all of our family and friends!”

Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve Engagement Photos

Here is Part 2 of Alicja and Jeff’s engagement photos!

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