Liz and Tom are from the same hometown, Warwick, NY. Their parents were friends growing up but Tom had gone to the public school and Liz had gone to a parochial school so they never really saw each other. One night after they were both home from college, Liz saw Tom and asked “Hey, aren’t our parents friends?” That was the start of everything and Liz and Tom were engaged this past February 15th. Funny coincidence – we were all celebrating something big that weekend because that’s the same weekend I had my baby girl, ha!

Liz and Tom are planning a wedding at Crossed Keys Estate and I already know it’s going to be wonderfully elegant and romantic. They plan on incorporating soft neutrals and light blues mixed with greenery and little fine details – doesn’t that sound dreamy? I cannot wait to see it come together! I’m also excited to see the little surprises they have planned for their guests as they are sure to make for an unforgettable night.

For their engagement session, I met up with Liz and Tom at Skylands Manor. The two picked Skylands Manor because they loved the classy and romantic feel of it while it provided a variety of backdrops, too. It made for the ideal location for Liz and Tom’s timeless photos, which will complement their wedding perfectly next July. Here is a peek at my time with them!

Summer Engagement at Skylands Manor

Their first date

Liz: “I remember getting picked up and going to a nice restaurant on a nearby lake. I also remember bumping into nearly our whole town and having to answer so many awkward questions like ‘what are you guys doing here?!’ ”

Tom: “I remember I ordered the chicken and it wasn’t that great. I also remember Liz trying to ‘fake pay’ for the dinner.”

When they knew they had found the one

Liz: “I knew shortly after dating, Tom was the one. Everything was so easy when we were together and I just had this feeling that it was meant to be. I also knew there was only one person in this world who could put up with all my antics! All my friends thought I was crazy because he was my first serious boyfriend….But when a girl knows, she knows.”

Tom: “I knew Liz was the one when she finally agreed to be my girlfriend! Just kidding, I knew almost instantly that she was the one. We have an unmeasurable connection that comes once in a lifetime.”

The proposal

“Tom and I went to Long Boat Key, Florida to visit my parents who live down there… Little did I know what he had planned! He proposed on the beach with my parents, his parents and my sister all there! I was completely surprised!”

All about the ring

“My favorite feature on my ring is the elegant skinny band! I also love the fact that Tom picked the style out all by himself…I love everything about it!”

One thing they love about each other

Liz: “I love Tom’s genuine personality. He’s also the most honest person I’ve ever met and everyone’s go- to guy. Now I get him to be my go-to guy for life!”

Tom: “I love her sense of humor. She’s always making me laugh. She’s also extremely fun to be around and makes the most of life.”

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