Engagement sessions are always special because I get to hear the couples story and see first hand the next chapter of their life together beginning. Kendall and Jake’s coastal engagement session was especially sentimental! We divided our time between the Marineland coast and Washington Oaks Park, and one of those locations is significant to their love story! 

Florida engagement shoots can be a little unpredictable given the weather here, but I’ve learned to roll with the punches. Despite the downpour that happened during our session, we made it work and created magic together!  I loved that it gave me the opportunity to get creative and we wound up with some fun shots with an umbrella.  After all, what’s more romantic than kissing in the rain?

Washington Oaks Park First Date

Kendall gave me all the details on how she and Jake met along with how he popped the question.  These two have such a sweet story!  They met on Hinge -how modern of them!- and met for their first date at Washington Oaks State Park.  Little did they know, they would document their engagement at the same Florida park! How’s that for foreshadowing?  

At the time, they lived two hours apart which made seeing each other difficult.  They made long distance work for a bit and took turns making the two hour drive.  After a while, they made things even more official and Kendall moved in with Jake.  After spending the morning with these two, I’m thrilled they were committed to making it work because these two have undeniable chemistry.  

The Proposal

Jake told Kendall in the very beginning of their relationship that he wanted to take her to Cumberland Island.  He fulfilled that promise the day he proposed!  Jake planned an entire trip including a guided tour of a chapel where Kendall was certain he would propose.  Imagine her disappointment when the chapel tour came to an end and she was not, in fact, engaged.

Being a man of stealth,  Jake surprised her 4 hours later on the final stop at the Dungeness Ruins.  The day before their trip, he had purchased a tripod under the guise that he wanted photos in case no one was willing to take them for the couple.  He had set up his ‘just-in-case’ tripod to capture his proposal and Kendall was completely taken by surprise.  She of course said yes and the rest is history! I love a good full circle moment like this one with clients and that’s one of the many reasons I love hearing every little detail of client stories.

Aha Moments

One of my favorite questions to ask is, “When did you know you wanted to marry this person?” For some, there was one specific instance where something clicked.  For many others, it’s more of a collection of little moments that reinforce the realization they’ve found their person. 

Kendall mentioned one of the moments she knew Jake was her future husband was when she watched him walk down the aisle at his best friend’s wedding.  I can’t contain my excitement for these two now that the roles are reversed, and they’ll soon have their own big day! 

Our coastal engagement session went by quickly and I had a blast getting to know this couple better during our time. Kendall and Jake, thank you for being so open in sharing your story with me and allowing me to capture such an exciting time in your lives! 

Interested in booking your engagement session with me? Contact me here to get started!

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest engagement and wedding inspiration!

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photos

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session

Azalea Manor Wedding