I love getting inquiries about engagement sessions in general but when it’s a guy who inquires, it really makes my day. There’s something so sweet about it! That’s how I got to meet Brian and Donna. Brian proposed earlier this summer and set up this engagement session for them in one of my favorite beach towns, Asbury Park, on a perfect summer evening. He and Donna grew up in the same town, Wayne, NJ but Brian was a grade ahead of Donna at Wayne Valley High School so throughout their H.S. years, the two had very different circles of friends. After graduation (’98 for Brian, ’99 for Donna) the two progressed with their own separate lives, until one day, almost ten years later, Donna crossed paths with Brian through a mutual friend. After a few outings where the two would be in the same setting, Donna grew interested in Brian. Finally, on St. Patty’s Day weekend 2012, Brian accidentally planted a smooch on Donna when he went to greet her and that’s when Donna admitted to her crush. From that point on, the two started dating… and now, without further ado, here are my favorites from their collection of Asbury Park engagement photos! Donna and Brian, enjoy your sneak peek!
The First Date
Donna: Previous to the actual date I remember being a bit nervous. Also I remember thinking that although I knew OF Brian, I didn’t know much about Brian. Once Brian picked me up and we sat down to talk, he mentioned the same thing, which made things a bit more comfortable because we didn’t have any previous impressions of one another. Our date was amazing because I just knew that from the conversations we had that night and the way Brian was such a gentleman – this was bound to be the last first date I was going to go on.
When they knew
Brian: I’ve never met a woman that makes me feel so great about myself. I get to be myself. The first time I saw her smile, I melted. It was so contagious, the perfect smile. Also, the combined mix of smarts and sense of humor is exactly what I’ve been looking for my entire life. Donna is the perfect woman and on top of that I am in complete awe of her beauty.
Donna: I quickly knew Brian was the one because from the beginning, he has carried himself like a man. He didn’t play games when we started dating, he has a heart of gold for everyone he cares about, he sticks to his word, he’s handsome, he has taught me lessons that have improved my life and relationships, he protects me in a gentle way, my family loves him, he makes me laugh, he listens & advises me the best that he can, and the list goes on and on. Long story short, Brian is a reality of what I had dreamed of my whole life.
What they love about each other
Brian: I love Donna’s smile, laugh & silly voices.
Donna: I love Brian’s positive energy & huge heart.
The proposal
Donna: I knew it was going to happen soon but I didn’t know when. Brian worked on building the ring and surprising me with it, so I had no idea what to expect or exactly when. Then, on June 8th, 2013, Brian & I took a trip to the beach. Brian knows there’s this one bridge I absolutely adore and love walking to when I’m at the beach. So we went for a walk alongside the ocean and we stopped near the rocks right under the bridge. We were watching the water and boats as Brian was telling me how much he loved me and that’s when he surprised me with the proposal. It was such a precious and irreplaceable moment.
What they’re looking forward to on their wedding day (besides getting married!)
Brian: Seeing Donna walk down the isle.
Donna: Celebrating my new life with Brian along with our amazing loved ones.
Asbury Park Engagement Photos by Idalia Photography
