Spring Lake, New Jersey
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Sometimes rescheduling for inclement weather results in… well, the best weather EVER. Ali and Michael truly had the most incredible day for their engagement photos. We were originally supposed to have their session at the end of August, but that day turned out to be rainy so we had to reschedule a few weeks later.
As we got closer to their new date, we crossed our fingers and toes for clear skies — and Mother Nature delivered! After sweating all summer, this cool evening engagement session was such treat.
And so was working with Ali and Michael! We instantly hit it off, and I had the best time with them and their adorable chocolate lab puppy, Harper. She was one of the best behaved dogs I’ve worked with, even though she is only a few months old!
“Michael and I are actually high school sweethearts!” as Ali tells it. “We met our sophomore year of high school at a football game and the rest is history. We have that “best friend” relationship that I wouldn’t trade for the world. We’ve been together for a little over nine years now. It feels like yesterday we started dating!”
Michael proposed to Ali last October, so they are coming up on their one year engaged anniversary!
“We actually moved in together the day before Michael proposed. We had this running joke that Michael had to live with me first before he popped the question. So the next day we planned to go vineyard hopping with his sister, brother in law, and my sister. We always go out with them (so I never thought anything of it!). Our first stop was Unionville Vineyard, which is a smaller, more intimate winery. We had ourselves a few bottles, then we went to take pictures by the vines (like we ALWAYS DO). And before I knew it Michael was down on one knee asking me to marry him. It was so surreal, I was beyond surprised. Hands down the best day of our lives!”
Ali’s ring is absolutely stunning. “My ring was a TOTAL SURPRISE! I have to give Michael all the credit on that one. There’s actually a funny story behind the ring. Years ago (I’d say at least five years ago) I was on Pinterest, and Michael saw that I had a ring saved to my “future plans” board. He told me I would have that ring one day. Fast forward a few years and my ring is practically identical to the one on my Pinterest board! It’s a round diamond with a cushion cut halo around it with a skinny diamond band.”
Big props to Michael for making Ali’s ring dreams come true — and without her even knowing!
Together, Ali and Michael are self-proclaimed big foodies that love to wine and dine. They also love the beach, and spend many days of their summer down the shore — making their Spring Lake engagement session even more meaningful.
I’m counting down the days until I get to see these two again next August for their Hamilton Manor wedding! Congratulations, Ali and Michael!
