Long Branch Beach Monmouth University New Jersey Summer August Engagement Session NJ Photographer

We had a super early 4:30 am wake up call for Sarah and Matt’s sunrise Long Branch beach and Monmouth University engagement session, but holy moly, it was SO worth it! I think I set 45 alarms and didn’t even reallllly fall asleep because I was too nervous that I wouldn’t wake up, but we all made it just in time to catch the sunrise over the ocean, which was all sorts of incredible! Sarah and I went to high school together, so I was crazy excited and honored that she thought of me for her engagement session and wedding day! These two are hysterical together and I love how easily they can make each other laugh – makes for the best photos and keeps me smiling the entire session ;)! I was seriously cracking up the whole morning with them, and ooooh boy am I not a morning person, so I was glad to have them to wake me up and keep me laughing! This sleepy girl officially approves sunrise sessions!

Sarah and Matt met at work when they both worked at the same hospital! Matt was extremely shy at first and Sarah had to make the first move! They would see each other in passing over and over until they finally talked to each other. Sarah said she remembers putting her number into his phone, and that as they were texting she asked him to see his Camaro (which I learned is his pride and joy, so he must have been on cloud 9)! He tripped over his words and said that Sarah flustered him and made him nervous. How sweet! They went to a haunted hayride for their first date and have been inseparable ever since!

She says, “He proposed to me on one of our first dates at Rutgers Gardens since we both love the outdoors. He got down on one knee, just him and I, and it was such a fantastic moment! Then he took me to a lovely dinner at my favorite restaurant after.” How perfect and intimate is that?!

My heart freaking exploded when I asked about their favorite qualities in one another. Matt says he appreciates how often Sarah is there for him and how supportive she is. She always makes him laugh and makes him happier than he’s ever been! Sarah said she can say the same for him about how supportive he is, and that he can always make a bad day better and a good day great! He helps her strive to be the best she can be every single day! UGH YES YES YES, I looove these two! Sarah and Matt, thank you for waking up super early for this session and for being such troopers through the sandy shoes and tree sap on your hands! I am so grateful to document this time in your lives, and I can’t wait until your big day!! It’s going to be incredible! Love you both and congratulations! <3