Earlier this year, I photographed Kelly and Gavin’s engagement session at Princeton University. Gavin and Kelly met online through the app, Bumble. The two shared lengthy conversations about the great outdoors and what sparked their passion to protect these natural spaces. Given the distance between them, they met halfway for their first date at a local eatery in upstate New York. After dining, the two strolled downtown and found themselves at wine confectionery where live music was being played. As smooth jazz lingered in the background, hours flew by as they sipped liquor and shared their life experiences. It was hard to say goodbye, especially since the night ended with a farewell kiss. Little did they know, they’d frequent this place as it became a favorite for the couple.

Engaged on 06/16/2019, the proposal from the happy couple: “On a weekend getaway to the coast of Maine, the two explored Acadia National Park and hiked to the summit of Beehive trail. Unbeknownst to him, Kelly carried the backpack holding the ring up the entire mountain which gave Gavin intense anxiety. At the peak, the sunshine glimmered over the wooded landscape and painted the perfect backdrop of this treasured memory. After snapping a pic (for Instagram, of course), Kelly turned towards Gavin once he claimed “a present is awaiting”. Tears ran passed Kelly’s cheeks, with “YES” echoing across the mountaintops.”

When Kelly and Gavin are not planning their Appleford Estate wedding, these wandering lads love exploring destinations no matter the scenery. You’ll find them strolling through Princeton’s campus with bubble tea in hand, soaking in the sun on the beaches of Asbury Park, cooking endless meals in their crammed studio kitchen (where love is the main ingredient), to chilling at home to reruns of Grace & Frankie on Netflix. They have recently welcomed a Brittany Spaniel puppy, Scout, into their home. While kids are on the horizon, their newborn dog will fill that void. Together, they plan on crafting experiences through travel to Japan for their honeymoon and crossing all National Parks in the United States off their list. They cannot wait to say their “I do’s” and further their journey of happiness together.

Kelly and Gavin feel fortunate to be planning their special day during these uncertain times even though they have had to reschedule their special day to 2021. Their venue is filled with blossoming gardens and mimics these lumberjacks style of celebrating outdoors. Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place near the koi pond and guests will feast and dance under the stoned patio tent.

Any advice for couple’s planning?

It’s never too early for outreach, whether that’s to browse venues, ordering mailers, grabbing estimates and such―it’s your special day, so craft a celebration that’s yours and matches a vision you share. Planning is like a puzzle. It’s messy at first, but then you establish a framework and fill the missing pieces. Explore your options and do your research. Designing a wedding can easily dominate time spent together. Set boundaries and find other creative outlets as you make decisions for this event. Ask for help, but don’t let the opinion of others cloud your judgement. This celebration is yours and should reflect your own story of love.

And finally, what are you most looking forward to about your wedding day?

If anything, it’s bringing people together to raise a glass for happiness no matter who someone loves. All invited guests are special to each of us and we’re looking forward to having them join us and toast to our lifetime together. These may be faces we haven’t seen in years, but their memories and friendship is not forgotten. We acknowledge that people are taking time from their busy schedules to be part of this celebration and we’re incredible grateful they’ll invest in us as we hope to do for them one day.

Are you planning an engagement session at Princeton University? Click here to view all the sessions I have photographed at this stunning location! Ready for more info? Click here to fill out my contact form.