I first met Lauren when she was a bridesmaid in her sister Keri’s wedding last year so I was really excited when I saw Keri post about Lauren’s engagement on Instagram! Lauren is one of FOUR sisters so you can imagine all the excitement surrounding the engagement and upcoming wedding of another one of the sisters!
Matt proposed to Lauren this past July in Lavalette so it was only fitting that they return there for their engagement photos. I met up with them one morning in October almost exactly a year before their wedding next year. It was cold but we had the beach all to ourselves and Lauren and Matt were troopers. We started out in the softest light just a few minutes before the sun rose and then we had pretty backlighting to play with during their session. For variety, we did part of their session on the bay side and even made a stop at a local cafe for some hot chocolate to warm up a bit. I loved getting to know these two and hearing about the wedding they are planning at New York Country Club. I can’t wait to see it all come together next October! Enjoy getting to know Lauren and Matt below!
Lavallette NJ Engagement Photos
How they met
Matt: We shared a lot of the same classes in high school. She sat behind me in world history in 9th grade since we were seated alphabetically in Mrs. Flynn’s class. I always got better grades than her.
Lauren: I had gone to Catholic school through 8th grade and was new to the public high school in town. I sat behind Matt in History class freshman year in the Fall of 2006. Though Matt was quiet and we didn’t talk much that freshman year history class, we became friends as we had a lot of classes together throughout high school and had the same group of friends. We became closer as our best friends started dating each other, but then we went off to separate colleges in 2010. I even studied abroad in London during the Spring of 2011, but we kept in touch throughout and began dating that summer when we got back from our classes.
Their first date
Lauren: We went out for Thai food one of the last nights before I went to London for the semester. Matt picked me up in his old 2001 Toyota Corolla. I cant’ remember what we ate, but I’m sure I didn’t eat half of what I normally would because I was so nervous.
When they knew they had found the one
Matt: Probably when I worked up enough courage to meet her parents (I’d heard her dad could be intimidating) I knew I really loved her. And then when I realized I couldn’t go more than a couple days without talking with her and how happy I felt when I was with her. Totally different feeling than I felt with anyone else.
Lauren: I read a quote one day during our sophomore year of college that said, “if you want to know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders.” That made me realize that I had fallen in love with Matt and from then on, I just knew. Not only that, but my roommate caught me talking in my sleep one night saying “I love you” during a dream. Busted.
The proposal
Matt: We were down the shore with one of my best friends (Timmy) and one of Lauren’s best friends (Claire). We went out to dinner at Aqua Blu. Dinner reservations were at 6:45 and sunset was at about 8:15 so we had to hustle (I declined dessert which is rare) to the bayside of Lavalette. We went to a park with a good view. I was down by the water’s edge, expecting Lauren to follow me but she didn’t. Since the sun was setting quickly, I had to encourage her to come down by the water. She finally acquiesced and then I started getting really nervous so I started talking but I don’t really remember what I actually said. And I had to ask which way she wanted the diamond to point when putting it on (since it’s a pear). We then went to meet her sisters and cousins who were out at a local bar and surprised them and celebrated.
One thing they love about each other
Matt: Can’t pick one but gun to my head, her eyes. I also love how thoughtful she is. She gives the best gifts but also is the most caring, kindest, sweetest woman.
Lauren: I love Matt’s drive. He’s extremely dedicated and works hard to achieve his goals. It’s something I admire greatly about him and strive to be more like him in that way.
Their wedding vision
More than anything else, we want the day to be a reflection of the love we have for each other. We want to have a fun and relaxing day for ourselves and for our family and friends celebrating with us.
All about the ring
Lauren: I love the ring! I think it’s gorgeous. I had seen the design on Instagram and showed Matt. One of his patients at work hooked him up with a local jeweler to help create it. My favorite feature is the hidden halo beneath the stone. It makes it unique.
Matt: My favorite feature is the insurance.
