From the Photographers

There's something about Valley Forge National Park in the spring that just feels cinematic — and Jakki & Jim leaned into every bit of it. Our photographer David met up with this pair near Knox Quarters for their engagement session, and the park absolutely delivered. We started in a sprawling field of buttercups that honestly looked too good to be real, moved to a wooden bridge over a glittering creek tucked into the trees, and wrapped up the evening chasing that golden hour light until the sun dipped behind the ridge and gave us a silhouette we'll be talking about for a long time. Jakki's laugh is contagious, Jim couldn't stop smiling, and the two of them together just have this effortless, comfortable energy that makes photographing them an absolute joy. These are just a few of our favorites — we can't wait to share more, and we really cannot wait for their wedding day.

How they Met + The Proposal

We first met back in 2016, and there was always something about our connection that felt easy and natural. Life took us in different directions for a while, but somehow we kept finding our way back to each other. Years later, Jakki actually hired Jim for a home project, and after reconnecting, everything clicked in a way it never had before. Looking back now, it really feels like one of those invisible string moments where life quietly kept pulling us back together until the timing was finally right.


Jim proposed while we were hiking on Catalina Island at one of the most beautiful overlooks after hiking up to see the view together. What made it even more special was that Aurora was secretly in on the entire plan from the beginning. She helped pick out the ring and had the very important job of being the photographer once Jim gave her the secret cue. The funniest part is that Jakki was actually getting frustrated because Jim kept digging through his backpack for so long while she was trying to enjoy the scenery, completely unaware that he was trying to get the ring out without being noticed. Then suddenly Jim got down on one knee overlooking Catalina, and it became one of those moments we’ll remember forever. Having Aurora be part of such an important milestone made the proposal feel even more meaningful because it truly represented the beginning of our family’s next chapter together.

Best Part of Being Engaged + Some Advice

Our favorite part about being engaged has been building the partnership and foundation of our future marriage together. Through some of the hardest moments in life, including losing important family members, we’ve learned how important it is to truly have someone by your side through everything. It’s also been incredibly meaningful watching our relationship grow as a family and seeing the bond between Jim and Aurora naturally develop over time. More than anything, this season has reminded us how much peace, stability, and happiness can come from finding the right person. We truly feel like we complete each other’s puzzle pieces in the best possible way.


Don’t get too caught up in trying to make your wedding look perfect for everyone else. The most meaningful parts are usually the moments that genuinely reflect who you are as a couple. Focus on creating a day that feels authentic, comfortable, and joyful instead of chasing pressure from trends or expectations.


Also, remember that while the wedding is important, the relationship is the real foundation. Make time for date nights, little moments together, and enjoying the engagement season instead of only focusing on planning tasks. The best memories usually come from slowing down and appreciating the process together.

A couple shares a romantic moment on a sunlit path, smiling at each other in a lush green outdoor setting.
Couple walking hand-in-hand on a sunny path surrounded by lush green trees, smiling and enjoying a romantic outdoor stroll.
Couple walking in front of a white barn with green doors and patriotic bunting decorations.
Happy couple embracing outdoors in a lush green garden, smiling in natural sunlight with trees in the background.
Close-up of two people embracing, hands clasped together with a diamond engagement ring visible outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and smiling outdoors among lush trees in a romantic moment.
A smiling couple poses outdoors, man in plaid shirt embracing woman with long dark hair, green trees in background.
Black and white photo of two people sitting on a stone wall, sharing an intimate conversation outdoors.
Couple holding hands and running through a lush green meadow surrounded by trees on a sunny day.
Blurred couple in romantic embrace with lush green trees and a horse visible in the soft-focus background.
Romantic couple embracing and almost kissing between rustic wooden pillars in warm sunlight.
Romantic couple sharing a passionate kiss in a rustic wooden setting with warm natural lighting.
Black and white photo of a Valley Forge sign casting a shadow on a corrugated metal wall.
Man reaching up to woman on balcony of rustic white building surrounded by green nature.
White colonial farmhouse decorated with patriotic bunting flags surrounded by wildflowers and trees under a clear blue sky.
A couple laughing and dancing together outdoors, surrounded by lush green trees in a natural setting.
Couple holding hands while sitting in sunny wildflower meadow with golden yellow blooms.
Couple embracing romantically by a serene forest creek surrounded by lush green trees during an outdoor engagement session.
Couple embracing in front of a rustic stone archway with a white door, surrounded by lush greenery.
Black and white photo of a couple sharing a romantic moment outdoors, woman smiling joyfully as man kisses her cheek.
Romantic couple silhouette at golden sunset with sun flare on a green hillside under a vivid blue sky.

Leave a Comment

0 / 1000
Loading comments…