Engagement at Sayen House + Gardens

Jeff + Raquel

We met up with Jeff and Raquel earlier this week for their engagement at Sayen House + Gardens in New Jersey. We’d never heard of this place and it really seems like someone just built a cool garden area surrounding their house and then let people come and walk around. It was pretty cool and seemed endless. I’m not sure that we even made it to every spot in this garden in the 2 hours we were shooting. Anyway, we had such an awesome time with these two. They made the shoot so much fun, and we really can’t wait to do it all again at their wedding next year!

Q: How did he propose?

Jeff proposed at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. We were planning to meet up with friends at a bar in Hoboken for a friend’s birthday. I wore jeans and sneakers, but Jeff put on fancy dress clothes and I immediately knew we were getting engaged. I quickly changed into the shirt I bought months earlier in hopes he would pop the question. On the way to the proposal, we hit a ton of traffic and Jeff anxiously checked his phone every few minutes checking in with family who were at the proposal site. I was filled with so much emotion.

When we walked to the pier there were rose gold balloons, rose petals, a “Marry Me” sign in the distance and a photographer waiting to capture the moment. As they walked closer to the water, I definitely started to ugly cry and everything after that was a blur! Afterwards, we drove home and were welcomed to an engagement party with their family and closest friends.

Q: What’s the best part about being engaged?

Our favorite part about being engaged is the enormous amount of love, support and excitement we feel from our family and friends for our future. We have had so much fun DIY-ing decor and planning all of our favorites into the big day.

Q: What is one piece of advice you have for other couples planning their wedding?

Plan the day for the two of you, exactly how you both picture it! Enjoy planning together and even in the busiest and stressful times, take a second to just be thankful you get to share it with your person.

To Jeff + Raquel:

Wwe had the best time with you guys earlier this week! Thanks for meeting us halfway and bringing some great energy and a ton of fun with you. We can’t wait for the wedding. It’s going to be so awesome! We’re working hard on the rest of your images and can’t wait to share them with you. Until then, we hope you enjoy this sneak peek at your engagement at Sayen House + Gardens.

View more engagements here!