Sam and Vin. I love the sound of that! Two names and two people that go perfectly together. On a beautiful fall day, Sam and Vin met us at Van Vorst Park, a perfect little neighborhood park. They brought along their adorable little pup and we spent the afternoon getting to know the three of them and exploring their favorite park. As soon as we arrived, I saw why Sam and Vin had chosen Van Vorst Park. It’s such a charming and elegant space and it’s maintained by the community so that makes it all that more special. It’s the kind of park where you just want to sit and people watch. Or take pictures of an adorable couple on a fall afternoon, of course! Scroll on, because their session is one of my favorites to date. Sam and Vin, congratulations on your engagement! Thank you for a fabulous engagement session – we can’t wait for your wedding day!
How they met
Sam: Vin and I met through my college roommate/ Vin’s friend from high school. When my roommate returned from studying abroad, I went to visit him in Little Falls/ West Patterson area. Vin was at the bar we were at with another group of friends. We were briefly introduced but I remember saying to my friend how there was something about him that I couldn’t stop thinking about. It wasn’t until two years later that I told my roommate to have Vin come visit us at school and the rest is history.
Vin: Sam and I first met through a mutual friend while I was in Law School and she was finishing up college. When we met, we immediately hit it off and spent the entire night talking about music, history and other common interests. I remember immediately thinking that not only was she beautiful, but also enrapturing.
The first date
Sam: I remember feeling really giddy- like this awkward nervousness that comes with a first date but also feeling really comfortable at the same time. I remember he brought me a book that he thought I would enjoy based off of one of our previous conversations <he definitely knew the way to my heart!> It was so sweet! We spent the night going to dinner just the two of us then hanging out with our friends after. It was the start of where we are now :)
Vin: On our first official date, Sam and I went out to dinner at a nearby restaurant near Rowan University. We had a great talk and a really enjoyable dinner. I remember being really nervous but at the same time feeling like I could talk to Sam forever. It wasn’t long after that first date that I told my mom that I found my future wife.
When they knew
Sam: I knew that he was the one after our first conversation. I had never had so many things just naturally click with someone else. The more we got to know each other the more I realized I had met my best friend.
Vin: I knew Sam was the one on the first night I met her. After being out for the night we returned to Rowan for a party her friend was having. By the end of the night, Sam was shouting “Rosalita” by Bruce Springsteen at the top of her lungs and I knew I had found the one.
What they love about each other
Sam: I love Vin’s heart and his loyalty. He is a man of his word and is honest in a very genuine way. I feel so incredibly lucky that he shares that with me.
Vin: There’s so many things I can choose like her boundless love and her care for others but every time I look into Sam’s big, beautiful eyes , I fall in love all over again. 
The proposal: Sam
In traditional Jersey shore fashion, Vin and I spent all of our summers, and most other seasons, at the beach. Naturally, it became a very significant part of our relationship. Starting on Memorial Day , we return home every weekend to either his parents house in Bradley Beach or my parents house in Point Pleasant. This past Memorial Day weekend, Vin made dinner plans at Moonstruck in Asbury Park, a place where we went often our first summer dating. We walked from his parents house in Bradley and on our walk home he asked me if I wanted to go on the beach… even though it was starting to rain. I said sure why not and as we walked towards the water he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I remember being so excited and shocked that I asked him to do it again so that I could remember it better haha. He said we were going to my parents house in Point to celebrate with them. As I greeted my parents and Vin’s parents with lots of excitement and hugs, they led me into the kitchen where all of our closest friends were hiding. They truly surprised me and made the night even more special.
What they’re looking forward to on their wedding day (besides getting married!)
Sam: I’m looking forward to a couple of things it’s so hard to pick just one so I have to cheat haha. 1) I’m excited to celebrate with our family and friends as we get to spend our first moments as husband and wife. 2) I can’t wait for Vin to see me in my dress :)
Vin: Giving my beautiful bride a kiss and walking off into our future together, hand in hand. 
A Jersey City Engagement Session by NJ Wedding Photographer Idalia Photography, a husband and wife photography team based in Central New Jersey. Contact us for more information.
