Princeton Battlefield State Park Winter Sunny Engagement Session Dog Adventurous Couple New Jersey NJ Wedding Photographer

I cannot believe how beautiful of a day we got in February for Nataly and Yuri’s engagement session! We had their session date scheduled for a few days later but saw that rain was coming, so we rescheduled for this perfectly sunny day. Princeton Battlefield State Park was such an amazing backdrop for this adorable, goofy, wild duo and their spunky lil pup, Aussie! Nataly and Yuri have the most contagious laughter and they know how to have so much fun together. It is so special seeing how deep their relationship is from the way Nataly looks at Yuri to how sweet Yuri holds her. I had so much fun exploring this new area and making magic with these cuties!

Nataly and Yuri met a few years back when Yuri was the owner of a Crossfit gym. There was an Ad on Facebook, for a 6-week body loss challenge. Nataly wanted to do something good for herself at the time, so she told one of her close friends to join with her and she was all for it! To start, there was an initial interview process. Her friend scheduled hers first and came back to Nataly telling her how cute the coach is and that Nataly would definitely fall in love with him! She didn’t pay much attention to it since she was recently out of a relationship. When Nataly went to the interview, she did think he was very handsome. She’s shy, though, so she didn’t make it seem as if she was interested. She says that they talked and kept it professional. When Nataly was accepted into the program, she still was quiet around him. Her friend, on the other hand, is more social and would get them both noticed a lot! She didn’t think she had a chance since all the other girls would constantly flirt with Yuri and stay longer after class to talk to him!

About a week into the program, Nataly texted Yuri to talk about some back pain she was experiencing, and that was the start of it all! They would constantly text each other all night and when they would see each other, they would smile but not make anything obvious. They started hanging out after class, as well and seeing each other on weekends more often. The only person who knew what was going on was Nataly’s friend, so during class, she would laugh at inside jokes between Yuri and her. They said it was very hard to keep a secret, but they wanted to keep it professional, but seeing all those girls flirt with him constantly was a struggle, of course. On April 1st, he asked her to be his girlfriend. He made her so happy until he yelled out ‘April Fool’s!’ But then he told her he was just kidding, and to please be his girlfriend! A few days later, they made it facebook official! Everyone at the gym freaked out and they have been inseparable since! They moved in together a few months later and Yuri popped the question in the sweetest way!

Nataly says, “The proposal was totally unexpected! I didn’t even know it was happening while he was down on one knee! He proposed a day after my birthday. I was very sick on that weekend and he want to treat me to breakfast in bed. He woke me up and told me to get ready a little since he wanted to record himself treating me to the best breakfast. I laughed at him and didn’t take him seriously. All I kept thinking was “There’s no way I’m showing anyone this video.” I prepped a little and sat on the bed waiting for my coffee and food. He came in to plan out where he is going to put the tray of food and if everything looked good for him. A few minutes later, he comes in with a tray and two plates covered. He’s recording and sets the phone on the window and starts presenting his meals. He uncovers the first plate and goes ‘first plate, your favorite eggs and bacon.’ I wow-ed his meal to play along with what’s happening. He then goes to the second plate and goes ‘now for dessert’ and uncovers a small box. I look at it, a little confused and he then goes on one knee… still a little confused. He opens it and asks me, “will you marry me.” All that came out of my mouth was, “shut up, are you serious?” I didn’t even say yes before I jumped into his arms and started kissing him. He put the ring on and I just couldn’t believe it. I just kept shaking. It was the best surprise ever.” They sent me the video, and it was absolutely adorable! I had tears in my eyes as I watched it!!

Nataly and Yuri, you two have a bond and connection that is so beautiful – I love seeing how happy you make each other! I am so excited to be your photographer and can’t wait for your big day in just a few months! It’s going to be absolutely stunning!!! Congratulations, lovebirds! Love you two! Xoxo