The Photographers
We had an incredible time with Jen & Jay at Mauch Chunk Lake and the stunning 100 Mile View in Jim Thorpe! Their love story is as beautiful as the scenery, and we couldn't be more excited to share more photos from their engagement session. The fall colors were on full display, and these two radiated so much joy and love. h Can't wait to celebrate their big day!
How they meet & Proposal
The first time I met Jay was at a New Year’s Eve party in 2002. My stepdad has been a volunteer firefighter most of his adult life, and Jay basically grew up at the Humane Fire Co, in Pottsville and volunteered there as well. I enjoyed hanging out with the guys having a couple beers every now and then, and Jay was friendly and made me laugh. In 2006, we became pretty close friends, but it wasn’t until a couple years later in July 2008 that we went on our first date.
We had been talking about getting married for a little while but neither of us was in a big hurry - hahaha! He had left the house to pick up some last minute things on Christmas Eve in 2021. I was busy in the kitchen getting food prepared since we were hosting Christmas dinner for our family the next day. He came home and was telling me how Murphy Jewelers was giving out free gifts and serving beer and wine while people did their last minute shopping. He put a large rectangular gift wrapped box on the counter and insisted that I stop what I’m doing and open our free gift. I remember rolling my eyes and saying fine. I really had no idea to be honest. I unwrapped the box and when I opened it a smaller box was nestled inside. I froze and just looked at him before picking up the small box and opening it to find the perfect diamond engagement ring inside. I think I was speechless and just hugged him and we both laughed and had tears in our eyes. It was as if the world had just stopped in that moment.
Best part of being Engaged + Some Advice
To be honest, I think we’ve really just enjoyed the past 3 years. We didn’t rush into wedding planning right away. We’ve just had time to be content with where we are right now. We’re definitely exciting to have a date set now and do all the planning and prepping but I’m glad we took it slow and didn’t rush. Most of our friends and family are like it’s been 16 years already…what’s a few more? :)
Enjoy the process - life isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. Take the time to slow down, savor the time together, and be in the moment. You can go as slow or fast as you want. Just keep each other at the center of it. It’s true that your wedding day is one of the best days. But remember it’s only the best day so far. You will have many more best days together! Stuff will go right and it may go wrong. The most important thing is the no matter which way it goes that you do it together.
