Melissa and John found me thanks to one of my 2019 couples and I’m so glad they did! Not only are they planning a dreamy wedding at Park Chateau Estate, but they’re also the sweetest and most joyful couple! Plus they recently added on a little member to their family – a beagle named Piper – so they’re excited about both planning their wedding and becoming parents to their new furbaby, too.
For their Christmas Tree Farm engagement session, Melissa and John met up with me on the day of my recent tree farm mini-sessions at Barclay’s Tree Farm in Cranbury. It was such a great way to get to know each other a bit before their big day next year, and a perfect opportunity for them to get their 2020 holiday season started! I also can’t wait to see what their Christmas card looks like this year – I have a feeling Piper will steal the show!!
Melissa and John met while both swimming for Loyola University Maryland. John was a Junior when Melissa joined as a freshman, but they didn’t start dating until two years later. For their first date, they went to Chipotle and Melissa remembers being nervous but they hit it off and they developed a relationship that has already survived long-distance and now parenthood =) Read more of their love story and check out some of my favorite images from their session below!
A big thank you to Melissa’s dad for holding the treats to get Piper to pay attention during the shoot!
Styling: Stage n Style Designs
Location: Barclay’s Tree Farm
Christmas Tree Farm Engagement Session
When they knew they had found the one
“About 3 years into our relationship we had been doing long distance for a while & we both kind of realized that it was a long term commitment that came with a lot of work, but we wanted to keep going!”
The proposal
“We have been together for 7 years, so I figured John was planning to propose this year, but with COVID, I wasn’t so sure what was happening! We had just moved into our first apartment together two days earlier so we spent 48 hours cleaning and unpacking. John volunteers on the weekends for the Central Park Medical Unit as an EMT, and he told me that he and a few other members were being interviewed about their involvement in handling coronavirus patients. He told me that there would be camera’s around, so I had to dress nicely and be ready to go at 8AM. I didn’t think too much of it because it was so early & we are both not morning people. We got to central park, John popped the question, and our families came out cheering which was a total surprise! I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect!”
One thing they love about each other
Melissa “I love how John always makes me laugh and we never take anything too serious!”
John “I love how Melissa keeps me organized!”
All about the ring
“My ring is a round brilliant diamond with diamonds on the band! I am obsessed with it mostly because it means so much to John! I sent him a few hints over the years but I was truly shocked when he proposed!”
Their wedding vision and style
“We are getting married at the Park Chateau, and I envision the day to be full of love & celebration! I want a romantic evening with all of our family and friends celebrating with us!!”
About the Photographers
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