Their Session: Hunterdon County Arboretum

Rachel and Jonathan are seriously such troopers! Although the weather was saying there was a chance of rain, these two decided we should go for it and hope for the best! They chose a gorgeous arboretum that was nearby to home that they loved, and it was such an awesome spot for photos! Thankfully, the rain held out long enough for us to get plenty of dry photos first!

Then, one little rain drop came, and then another one hit … and then the whole sky opened up! Don’t worry, we had umbrellas prepared and I had a bag for my camera, so we did our best until we literally couldn’t see anything!

It was truly The Notebook in real life – not only because of the rain but Rachel looks so much like Rachel McAdams, doesn’t she?! The rain helped give it the full effect! Holy moly, these two were so much fun and I can’t believe how beautifully they just embraced the rain and went with it! <3

Their Love Story:

Jon and Rachel have been together for over 8 years, so in some ways they say they already feel married! They met in college toward the end of 2010, and started dating in early 2011! They had seen each other casually throughout campus several times before whether it was out to eat or hanging with friends. Rachel used to be on the ultimate frisbee club where she would frequently meet at the leader’s apartment, which was right next to Jon’s apartment, so she would sometimes see him there! Then, he finally made a move to come talk to her! After talking and exchanging numbers, Rachel became a part of his friend group! The first night they met, he quizzed her on how to pronounce his last name, and he continued to joke around with her, which kept them both laughing nonstop. Rachel knew there was something special about him! She could tell right away that he was a shy, sensitive, deep, emotional guy, and she could not take her eyes off of his piercing blue eyes hiding under his hoodie. They started talking regularly, eating around campus together, studying in the library, going on bike rides and walks in the park.

Their first date was something they’ll never forget! She said they were broke college kids, so they went out for Chinese food, and she was so excited/nervous that she ended up eating her fortune cookie without taking the fortune paper out! As he asked what her said, she was spitting out a half-chewed piece of paper! She said, “It was embarrassing, but I know he loved it, and from then on we knew we could be so silly with each other.” Over the next few years, they figured out their work paths and went through a lot of schooling, which made seeing each other a lot harder! Rachel decided to make the move to NJ to be closer with Jon and continue their relationship here! <3

The Proposal:

Rachel says, “Jon proposed to me on Father’s Day weekend 06/16/18.  After I got home from working a dreaded Saturday, Jon said ‘get ready we are going out.’ So super excited, I got all dolled up and ready to go. I love spontaneous dates, and I knew we were due for a great night out. Jon kept telling me not to look at the GPS because he wanted it to be a surprise, and I literally had no idea where we were going or where we were. We ended up at a beautiful place, which happens to be another wedding venue place, The Manor in West Orange NJ.

Jon directed me to the restaurant area of this beautiful building, gave our reservation info, and we took a seat. Little did I know how fancy this place was!  It was a super fine-dining place, and it was such a wonderful experience. Jon and I would laugh at how fancy it was, and at first we felt out of place, but then starting taking in every moment. I can’t even begin to tell you how delicious the food was. It was broken into like seven courses, each course came out with a glass of wine, and like 4+ hours later we were finally done eating.

At one point, there was this rich old couple next to us, like in their 70s or 80s, looking over at us, and making fun of us for taking pictures of the food with our phones, they thought we were crazy. Jon and I love food and will never not take pictures of our food, especially when they are hundreds of dollars worth lol. We laughed it off and had such a great time. The waiters were cutting fresh salad right next to us, and lighting drinks on fire, it was so “extra”.

Knowing Jon, honestly, I had suspected this could be the night, and it didn’t take away from the experience at all, because we were ready. I knew he wouldn’t pop the question at dinner because we aren’t much for public attention. After dinner, feeling like beached whales, we walked around the garden and gazebo where Jon popped the question.

This may sound terrible, but I was so stunned by the box he had used for my beautiful ring, that it took me some time to respond. The box had an LED light that lit up the diamond and it was the most mesmerizing thing I have ever seen. Of course I said yes right away and bawled like a baby. I would call it projectile crying, to give you an idea of how rapidly my tears spewed out. To top off the night, we went dancing to celebrate and it could not have been more perfect.” HOW ADORABLE ARE THEY?! Obsessed with this fun dinner date and amazing proposal!!

When I asked what their fave quality about the other is, Rachel said, “He is funny and silly to be around, and I can always be my weird self around him and feel so comfortable. He is there for me when I need someone to talk to or when I need a fresh perspective or honest opinion. He helps me get over my day to day stress and also helps balance me out. He is always caring and looking out for me.” and Jon says, “She is sincere, real, never puts up a front, and uplifting. She is understanding and always has a positive attitude. She and I have many of the same interests and tastes.” So obsessed with these sweet love birds!!

Rachel & Jon,

I seriously cannot wait for your wedding day at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in just a few weeks! It’s going to be the most incredible day ever!! Thank you both so much for your carefree, excited hearts and for just embracing the crazy weather at your session! I’m so glad you were up for dancing in the rain! Can’t wait to see you on your big day!!! Love you two bunches! Xoxo