One of our favorite things about living in New Jersey is the variety of locations to which we have access. We don’t get into Philly very often these days but when we do, we always want to stay longer. Christine and Mike chose to have their session at Water Works, starting right where Mike popped the question last December. Although it’s right behind the art museum, we had never explored that area of Philly before so it was fun to discover it with Christine and Mike. Afterwards, we headed uphill and squeezed in some photos at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and it was the perfect way to end the session! Christine and Mike just bought a house so we enjoyed hearing about all the home projects they have been working on lately. These two are such a sweet couple and we love how excited they are for their wedding day. Congratulations to Christine and Mike! We can’t wait for your Collingswood Grand Ballroom Wedding, it’s going to be beautiful!
How they met: We met in 2006 while working at Circuit City during high school/college. While working the customer service counter, we became friends and spent any and all down time getting to know each other. We grew up in the same neighborhood, knew the same people and went to the same schools (even had the same teachers), but never crossed paths, as Mike is couple years older. We started dating about a year and a half later.
The first date: Starting off as friends, we spent a lot of time together before we were “official.” Our series of first dates were at a local pizza shop (Mike’s favorite place on earth), A&S. It started off with Mike having to prove they had the best steaks in the area – he was right… It quickly became the go-to spot where we would grab lunch or dinner, sit in the corner booth and talk about friends, family, school and work.
When they knew: This answer is incredibly cheesy… we are constantly finishing each other’s sentences. When we go multiple hours without talking, we inevitably text or call each other at the exact same time – this has happened on countless occasions. We laugh before the other delivers the punch line of any joke or comment, because we already know where it is going. The moment we noticed this trend, it just felt right.
The proposal: Mike was getting ready to leave for a 6 month training program across country with the holidays quickly approaching. We decided collectively that we should plan out a Saturday to spend the entire day together before the hustle of the holidays hit and before he had to begin packing. Christine planned the whole day, however Mike suggested the restaurant for dinner (unbeknownst to Christine that he had made reservations weeks before they even decided to plan these activities). We made our way over to Philadelphia where we visited the Comcast light show, Reading Terminal Market and walked around enjoying the perfect weather (it was the only 75 degree day of December, so we lucked out!) We walked down to the Waterworks restaurant for dinner and has some interesting food — octopus, duck and the famous Schuylkill martini which Mike had to order because “it came with a Swedish fish at the bottom!” Afterwards, we made our way out to the pavilion to take some photos near the light of boathouse row. After a few photos and as we were getting ready to leave, Mike grabbed Christine’s hands, said some very sweet words and asked her to marry him. A friend was close by photographing the entire event.
What they love about each other:
Christine: I love Mike’s drive. The persistence and dedication he throws into every aspect of his life is beyond admirable. I’ve never seen someone plan out, prepare, conquer and exceed goals the way he does and it is amazing – I am so proud of him.
Mike: Being someone that is driven, I wanted to be with someone that would support and push me even harder. Christine, as I came to find out from working together for a couple of years, had many of the same career aspirations as myself and quickly became my best friend. I also love her enthusiasm and excitement that she has when we do things together, it makes our relationship feel young and exhilarating no matter what we are doing. I couldn’t imagine life without her and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.
Besides getting married, one thing they’re looking forward to on their wedding day: We are excited for our first dance, as well as making a point to get each and everyone of our guests out on the dance floor at some point during the night to share our excitement!
At the end of our session Christine and Mike requested this adorable shot of them with this sign from the Circuit City where they met. So sweet! 
A Water Works Engagement Session by NJ Wedding Photographer Idalia Photography, a husband and wife photography team based in Central New Jersey. Contact us for more information.
