From The Photographers

We recently met up with Ali and Jake for their engagement session at Trexler Park Nature Preserve — and despite the wind, these two made it an unforgettable day! From wandering the scenic trails to enjoying the overlook views, every moment was full of laughter and joy. Their sweet dog, Bear, even joined in for some adorable shots! Sessions like this remind us how special it is to capture love in its most natural, candid form.

How They Met

"Our story is one of legend. The big city girl managed to land herself a small town boy. We first met at a wedding where Ali was a friend of the bride and Jake was a groomsmen for a groom named Jake....yes you read that right. It only took one dance for Jake to sweep her off her feet and make an impression that would last for a lifetime. Jake gave me a vodka lemonade after my best friend pushed us to slow dance. We ended up talking over cookies from the Pittsburgh cookie table and then continued to talk all night. From there, we continued a long-distance relationship until we could close the gap."

The Proposal

"So Jake tried really hard to surprise Ali and even had a 400 day countdown at work. But Ali knew when Jake booked our annual trip to Longwood Gardens that there was a high probability that it would be the best day of her life. December 14th 2024 started with us hanging out and me freaking out about what to wear for dinner. Jake made us reservations at Season 52 and we had a delicious dinner, but then Ali panicked and made us go to Macy's so she could buy a new sweater. We then went to Longwood Gardens for the Christmas lights (we would go every year and take our annual picture by OUR favorite tree). This time Ali's whole family was there and we "ran into" (Jake planned it) Ali's childhood best friend and her boyfriend. We wondered around until we got to the conservatory and then the nerves hit us both, When we got to OUR tree, Ali's family barricaded the entrance to the photo spot as Jake and we went to stand by the tree for our picture. Then it happened, Jake started his heartfelt speech and I tried to hold back my tears. Neither of noticed we were standing over a grate lol. But luckily the ring did not fall in. I was swaying back and forth just stating how nervous I was. He got on his knee and popped the question. I was so excited. He put the ring on and lifted me in the air. Truly a magical moment and one we will not forget."

Best Part of Being Engaged

"Getting to look at each other every day and know that we get to love each other and be each other's best friends forever. Every moment is looking at the future as a unit and together. We love planning our future together and getting to celebrate with our loved ones."

Some Advice From The couple

"Remember to plan your big day as a team and that you are not planning the day for your mom, mother in law or friends but a day that celebrates your love surrounded by the people that will always be by your side. Make it unique to the two of you and plan it with what you two love! Be the center of attention, you deserve it!"

Playful engagement photos in a wooded area with natural lighting.
Romantic woodland engagement session with natural greenery backdrop.
Couple walking through a serene wooded path during their engagement session.
Intimate moment captured between couple during autumn engagement photoshoot.
Black and white engagement photos with bare winter trees in background.
A romantic outdoor autumn photoshoot showing an intimate embrace in a natural setting.
Silhouetted couple sharing an intimate moment under tree branches at dusk.
Couple sitting together on fallen leaves during an autumn engagement photoshoot.
Close-up of couple holding hands while walking through fallen autumn leaves.
Playful black dog wearing bandana poses in foreground of autumn engagement photo.
Happy couple playing with their black dog during outdoor fall photoshoot.
Couple poses with their black dog for fall family portrait on grassy hillside.
Romantic couple sharing playful moment on wooden observation deck with cloudy sky.
Intimate moment between couple on wooden bridge during cloudy autumn day.
Couple sharing tender moment against autumn foliage background.
A couple walks through a scenic autumn field with rolling hills and cloudy skies in the background.
A romantic moment shared between a couple in a rustic field on an overcast day.
A couple shares a playful moment in a field of tall grass under moody autumn skies.
Two people enjoying a tender moment together in a hilltop meadow during fall.
A couple embraces in a field of golden grass with dramatic cloudy skies overhead.
Two people stroll hand in hand through an autumn meadow with rolling hills in the distance.
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