Michelle and Alex had the most adorable idea for an engagement session and I’m so excited to finally show it off to you! They were engaged last Christmas so an engagement session on a Christmas Tree Farm was perfect for them. Oh, and then it snowed the day before so we had snow on the ground! How absolutely perfect!!! I loved spending the afternoon on the tree farm. Growing up my parents never had a real tree so it was my first time on a tree farm and I have to say that the folks over at Barclay’s Christmas Tree Farm were so incredibly welcoming and the experience there was so fun that I already told Jay that I want to get a real tree there next year. See for yourself what fun a tree farm can be, especially if you go with someone you love! Merry Christmas, everyone, and get excited for Michelle and Alex’s Snug Harbor Wedding!
This session was published on Melissa Hearts Weddings. See the full feature here: Tree Farm Engagement
How they met
Michelle: Alex and I have been a couple for a little over 8 years. We met in 6th grade at a friend’s roller hockey birthday party. I remember he pushed me down by accident to get the puck and I scraped up my entire leg. I thought he was a jerk and I wanted nothing to do with him. Fast forward few years and we wound up becoming best friends and then started dating our sophomore year of high school, Alex was 15 and I was 14. We made the decision to attend different colleges and saying that if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Even after over 5 years in a long distance relationship, we only wanted to be together.
I love these next few shots!
Michelle’s GORGEOUS ring!
The first date
Alex: We went to the movies and I remember being worried that she did not want anything to do with me because she kept on avoiding my “moves”, which were terrible. I was successful in finally getting a kiss which made the night one not to forget.
Michelle: I remember we went to a movie for our first date. I spent most movie dodging Alex trying to kiss me because I was so nervous that I would be bad at it. Before the end of the movie he was able to sneak one in. My heart jumped out of my chest! I will never forget that feeling.
When they knew
Alex: I knew she was the one when it became 100% clear that she will always be there for me.
Michelle: After being with Alex for so many years, it’s hard to pin point one specific reason why I knew he was the one for me. However, if I had to pick, I would say because of the way he treats his mother. My mom always told me “If a man is good to his mother, he will be good to you.” Over the years, I have seen how much he adores and cares for his mother, and subsequently how wonderful he is to me. He respects me, loves me unconditionally, and I know that he will always be there to catch me when I fall. I don’t know what else I could possibly ask for.
The proposal
Michelle: During the discussions about marriage, I told Alex that the one thing I really wanted was to have the center stone of my grandmother’s engagement ring incorporated into mine some how. I was very close to my grandmother before she passed away, and when she left me her ring I knew I always wanted to carry that little piece of her with me. Also, she and my grandfather had a love that lasted a lifetime, and I believe that their marriage will bless ours. So, last year for Christmas, much like every year, we spend Christmas Eve with my family and then travel down to Virginia on Christmas morning to be with Alex’s grandparents. He was supposed to pick me up at my parent’s house at 9:30 am on Christmas Day in order to make it to Virginia by dinner time. That morning around 8:15am I was rushing around getting dressed and packing when I received a phone call from Alex. I answered it saying, “Merry Christmas, I’m up don’t worry!” Alex responded by saying, “Merry Christmas, come outside! I have your present wrapped outside!” I was really confused. What could he have gotten me that was wrapped outside? A car? No. A Bike? No, I don’t ride a bike. I rushed outside to find Alex, all alone in front of my parent’s house. His eyes were a little glossy and he was smiling so big! He kissed me and said, as he choked on his words “I love you so much, I just…I…Will you marry me?” I could not believe it! There was this gorgeous ring with the beautiful stone from my grandmother’s ring right in the center. Of course I said Yes! When we went inside to tell my family, my parents said, “We know!” and they had mimosas waiting for us and we had a wonderful little engagement breakfast before we left on our 8 hour car ride. It was the best Christmas present EVER! (Even though when we got to Virginia I realized I packed only pants because I was caught so off guard!)
What they love about each other
Alex: I love that Michelle is my rock and no matter how annoying I get she smiles and laughs at my terrible jokes.
Michelle: I love how Alex makes me laugh without even trying. Laughing is probably my favorite thing in the world. I don’t think he realizes how naturally funny he is.
What they’re looking forward to on their wedding day (besides getting married!)
Alex: Everything! Especially seeing Michelle walk down the isle. Also, our first dance.
Michelle: Seeing Alex’s reaction to me walking down the aisle! I’m so excited to celebrate the start of a new and exciting adventure with the love of my life.
A Tree Farm Engagement Session by New Jersey Wedding Photographer Idalia Photography.
