I’m so excited to introduce you to Tasha and Daniel today! I met up with these two at Sayen Gardens last month and I loved getting to know these two. With Daniel being in the military, stationed in different parts of the country, it hasn’t been easy for them! Actually, just to make this shoot happen Daniel had to fly in from Oklahoma!! I was so impressed that they made it happen and love that they’re so committed to each other and their relationship. Since our shoot, Tasha has actually moved out to Oklahoma to be with Daniel while he is stationed there!
Tasha and Daniel are planning a dreamy black tie wedding at the Castle at Skylands Manor for next May and I can’t wait for their big day! I already know it’s going to be absolutely beautiful because Tasha and Daniel are planning for their wedding and marriage together and with each other’s never-ending support. I can’t wait to see their wedding come together. Until then, we wish Tasha and Daniel all the best as they transition into a new chapter in their lives. Here is a recap of my time with these two lovebirds!
Sayen Gardens Engagement Photography
How they met
Tasha : I set my eyes on Daniel at Walmart. Not Kidding! It’s my favorite store. I was shopping for my dorm room at SUNY Albany, he was shopping for as always …FOOD! He was also clueless. Coincidence or not, 2 weeks later he received a bid to pledge for my Co-Ed Medical Fraternity and pledged the same time as my little, Elsa. He was not at all the talkative type, so I took it as he wasn’t interested before putting myself out there. When Elsa learned of my surprising interest in the quite and handsome guy in her pledge class, she decided to text Dan from my phone and get the ball rolling. That was in October 2010. I was a Junior and he was a Sophmore in college, both 19 years young.
Daniel: I was taken back after finding out that she was interested in me. Ofcourse I had seen her around during pledging and “inquired” about her relationship status but she usually ignored me when I tried to make small talk during fraternity events. She was beautiful and extremely outgoing and I never thought she’d fall for me. When I got the text I was both pleasantly confused and excited. The whole time leading upto this turns out that she thought I wasn’t interested in her because I was not very chatty. I’m glad Elsa intervened.
Their first date
Daniel: Tasha was late. I waited for hours. She was worth it.
Tasha: That was actually the 2nd date. We were supposed to meet in downtown Brooklyn for dinner. I took the wrong train. I was hours late and couldn’t even text to let him know because there is never any service on NY subways. When I showed up, he said he “almost left”. Never believed it. Our first date was just as eventful as my car actually broke down 2 hours prior and my roommate had to drive us like a parent haha.
When they knew they had found the one
Daniel: I knew she was the one when I joined the military and she stuck by me despite us often being separated. Long distance is hard on the best relationships, but I realized then that no matter where I was or what I was doing she would be there to support me; if not in body then in loving spirit.
Tasha: Unlike most girls, getting married was never on my to-do list. 2-3 months into dating Dan I remember telling one of my roommates if I were to ever get married, I would marry him. I knew it then because he had changed by perspective on marriage.
The proposal
Daniel: I took her on a hike to a waterfall so that I could propose somewhere private and romantic. It was busy and I was so nervous I could barely get the words out. When I did, the unplanned audience applauded.
Tasha: It was the day after one of his military balls. I was hungover. It was hot. We hiked through the woods and a river I barely crossed to get to the waterfall at Cummins Falls. Once we finally reached it, I asked for some water and as I turned around he pulled out a ring instead and got down on one knee on the slippery rocks. I am still not sure what he said as the words almost didn’t come out. I do remember saying “WHAT IS THAT?” looking at the ring, paused for 15 seconds to realize what was happening… “Are you sure ?” as he dripped sweat still kneeling and said “Can you answer already?” I finally said Yes!
All about the ring
Daniel: My favorites feature is the diamonds in the band. I picked it out because i thought it was put together beautifully without being gaudy. It is classy like her. It had to be resized 3 times. Pretty sure it’s still big on her.
One thing they love about each other
Daniel: Every day she motivates me to be a better man and I love her smile
Tasha: When I get tired on hikes or going up a trail he always offers to carry me through it just so I can finish what I started. I know that he will do the same through life. It’s also a plus that my family loves him.
