Katherine and John met while they were students at Princeton University. During junior year of college, Katherine went to Cloister (one of the Princeton eating clubs) for dinner with a few of her friends. John, who was already a member at the time, ended up sitting at the same table as Katherine. They enjoyed meeting each other and chatting over dinner about classes, summer plans, and Katherine’s recent trip to the Kentucky Derby. Neither of them had any idea how close they would become the next school year once Katherine joined Cloister. And who could have imagined that they’d tie the knot some day on the very campus where they met!
Speaking of their wedding, these two are planning the most beautiful and romantic wedding. Not only are they tying the knot at the Princeton University Chapel next June, but they’ve chosen to do portraits both on campus and on the beautiful grounds of their venue, the Park Chateau Estate. We’re so excited to be back at New Jersey’s newest venue for their wedding next year!
For their engagement session, Katherine and John chose Ocean City, NJ, a place where they often spend time together. It was a beautiful day but super windy on the ocean side so we ended up splitting their session into two parts by doing the second half over on the bay side. We lucked out with the best of both sides of Ocean City that way. Here are just a few of my favorites from the session…. but first: ice cream!! John’s only request was to get some ice cream during the shoot. So of course, we obliged!
South Jersey Wedding Photographers | Ocean City Engagement Session
Their first date
Katherine’s sorority was having a “shotgun semiformal” (a semiformal where the time, date, location, and theme are announced less than 48 hours in advance) during the fall of our senior year. The theme for the semiformal was Kappa Kountry with suggested attire being red, white, and blue, and cowboy boots. Katherine had started to develop a little crush on John and, knowing his love for the good ol’ USA, thought that this semiformal would be the perfect excuse to ask John out!
The proposal
John proposed at the Grand Floridian Resort at Disney World on December 18th, 2016. Both of our families (parents, siblings and Katherine’s grandma and aunt) had come down to Disney World for a pre-Christmas family vacation! On Sunday night before dinner, we all met up in the Victorian-style lobby to take pictures in front of the Christmas tree. All of the sudden the band in the lobby stopped playing the usual Christmas tunes and started playing “When You Wish Upon A Star” and John got down on one knee :) After the proposal, we had champagne and a lovely dinner at the Grand Floridian, complete with a Mickey Mouse cake! It was so special for us to be able to share our engagement with our families at the Happiest Place on Earth (a favorite for John and Katherine). Plus, after the proposal, we still had a few days left at Disney World to relax and continue the celebration! 
Katherine: There are so many things I love about John, it is hard to pick just one! I am amazed by all that he accomplishes while still being such a genuinely kind and cheerful person. I am most in awe of his ability to stay levelheaded even in the most difficult or stressful situations. I can always count in him to keep his calm and stay cool :) John: So many reasons! Katherine is so sweet and caring. She always makes me smile! I am impressed by all that she does while always being there for anyone who needs her help. Spending time with Katherine is so wonderful and I feel like she helps me be a better person.
Katherine: There are so many things I love about John, it is hard to pick just one! I am amazed by all that he accomplishes while still being such a genuinely kind and cheerful person. I am most in awe of his ability to stay levelheaded even in the most difficult or stressful situations. I can always count in him to keep his calm and stay cool :) John: So many reasons! Katherine is so sweet and caring. She always makes me smile! I am impressed by all that she does while always being there for anyone who needs her help. Spending time with Katherine is so wonderful and I feel like she helps me be a better person. 
John picked out the ring on New York City with the help of his mom. It was a complete surprise to Katherine! Katherine: The ring is so elegant and sparkly! What I love most about the ring is that it let’s me carry a little piece of John with me wherever I go. Even when I’m off in California at school, I just look down at my hand and smile, thinking of John.
Congratulations to Katherine and John!! We can’t wait for your big day!
