Their Session: Sayen House & Gardens Engagement
Sam & Mike’s Sayen House & Gardens Engagement session was a blast! I loved getting to spend an evening with these two exploring the gorgeous blooming grounds of Sayen Gardens! There were so many picture perfect stunning nooks, with vibrant colorful flowers! It was amazing! I am so excited to share this session on the blog! Before we dive into all the photos, I gotta share some of Sam & Mike’s love story!
Their Love Story
When I asked these two to share one thing they love about each other, they gave the sweetest answers!! Sam said, “He doesn’t take life too seriously and can easily find joy in anything. I’m a classic over-thinker and he’s the only person that knows how to pull me out of my own head and make me smile.” Mike said, “She is my idol. Works harder than anyone else I have ever known in all aspects of her life. Whether it is her career or anything as simple as caring for our flowers around our house. She always gives 110% in everything in life.”
Sam & Mike both attended Monmouth University and met during Sam’s first weekend away at school her Freshman year. She had transferred to Monmouth for the Spring semester, and met him at a party that first Friday. Sam said, “He claims he saw me from across the room had enough liquid courage to come talk to me and we immediately hit it off. A few days later he asked me to be his date at Monmouth’s Winter Formal where we shared our first kiss (to Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story.’..lol) and were inseparable from that point on. He asked me to be his girlfriend a few months later and have been together ever since!”
The Proposal
Just wait til you hear this proposal story! Sam tells it best. “The proposal actually took much longer than Mike had originally anticipated. He had asked for my parents’ permission to marry me while we were visiting during the holidays, and had fully intended to propose to me on New Year’s Eve. Shortly afterwards, we both contracted covid and were home sick in bed the rest of the week, ruining his proposal plans!”
“He then decided to wait until the week of my birthday. He took me out to dinner that weekend to celebrate and asked if I wanted to go on a scenic walk afterwards. He took me to a lakeside venue, onto a bridge over the water during sunset and proposed there. He did have a speech prepared, but actually forgot most of it because he was so nervous – funny how that can still happen 12 years later?! Ultimately it was very low-key and sweet – I love that it was a more intimate moment that we were able to share together.”
Their favorite things about finally being engaged?! Sam said, “Aside from the very happy retirement of the word “boyfriend,” finally knowing that we are one step closer to becoming husband and wife, and the fun planning that has come along with it!” Mike said, “Taking the next step in our life’s journey. Knowing that she is going to become my wife always puts a smile on my face.”
Sam & Mike
Sam & Mike, thank you for such a fun evening taking engagement photos at Sayen House & Gardens! You two are a blast, and I loved getting to spend some time capturing your love! I cannot wait to celebrate with you at Park Savoy in September!!! Until then, enjoy the rest of this season being fiances!! Sending the biggest hug your way! xoxo
