Skylands Manor and Ringwood Botanical Gardens Engagement Session | Stephanie & Brendan

Stephanie and Brendan lucked out with the dreamiest engagement session day full of blooming peonies, gorgeous gardens, and the best golden sunset light (my fave)! Skylands Manor and Ringwood Botanical Gardens certainly never disappoints! As amazing as the flowers and weather were, what I really want to gush over is Stephanie and Brendan. I seriously just adore them and their sweet affection with each other. They have so much fun together and we were all laughing and smiling through the entire shoot. Most importantly, they were up for anything and they even SUGGESTED lying down in the grass for some photos (heck yes!!!) I cannot say enough about my adventurous couples who will do anything for the cutest photos!

Stephanie & Brendan met on their 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. and started dating 11 years ago when they were just 15 years old! They dated on and off through college and were lucky enough to have grown together over the years. They have an adorable pup named Rooney who they claim to be more in love with than they are with each other. (As a fellow puppy parent to my little furbaby Lily I am totally on the same wavelength haha!) And they’re bringing Rooney to the wedding, which is going to make their Indian Trail Club wedding even more incredible!! I just love when my couples include their dogs in the big day! They are part of the family after all. <3

Now you have to read this proposal story! Stephanie explained, “I had told him months earlier I wanted to be surprised and he had to make sure I thought all plans were my idea – or else I would definitely know it was coming! On Wednesday, Brendan told me he had to go to Lake George that coming Saturday for a boat certification course with his dad. He asked me to go – but told me I didn’t need to – so I obviously said, “No!” He told me he wanted company on the long drive and he would drive both ways. (He knew this would get me!) So ultimately I agreed to go with him. He told me we could do whatever I wanted in the time before and after the boat course – well knowing I’d ask to go on a hike! He manipulated me into choosing the hike he had already scouted out. After a long drive, we met up with my sister and her husband, Kevin, and started our journey to the top. After such a long drive the moderately rated trail was harder than expected. Once we reached the top of the hike, there was a beautiful lookout point. Bren spent some time trying to coax me to a certain spot – I was SO tired and rejected him a few times before agreeing to taking a selfie with our pup. I knelt down to take a selfie and when I stood up after he remained on his knee with the ring & Rooney. He said a bunch of nice things with a shaky voice and I of course I said yes! As we descended down from the hike he told me both of our families were on their way to the lake to celebrate with dinner and drinks. We stayed over at the sagamore (dog friendly!!!) and had an amazing night and brunch the next day! I’m mostly surprised by just how surprised I was. I’m unbelievably thankful that Brendan chose such a beautiful place and had our families so involved in the celebration.” I don’t know about you guys, but this story gives me chills!!! Such a special moment for these two surrounded by loved ones (including Rooney!)!

Stephanie and Brendan, thank you for being so much fun and so in love – you make my job so enjoyable! I seriously can’t wait for your wedding this summer at Indian Trail Club – it’s going to be perfect!!!! <3 Love you two!