Spring Engagement in West Chester

Patrick & Joy

We finally got to meet Patrick and Joy in person for their spring engagement in West Chester at Everhart Park! The light was **chefs kiss** and these two showed up looking like dang models! Seriously, there was a point where they were just doing their thing, showing each other affection and I was over the moon, I didn’t have to pose or prompt them for a few minutes. These two were so sweet and seriously so much fun to photograph. We somehow spent 90 minutes in a small little area of this park running around, getting fun photos, and chatting about their wedding coming up in just a few months. Cannot wait for that and to photograph these two all over again!

Q: Share with us your proposal story! How’d it all happen?

Patrick had gone to a dozen jewelers to try and find the perfect ring. Spontaneously just days before New Year’s Eve, he had set out on a mission to create the ring himself. He bought the diamond from one jeweler, the shank from another, and found the perfect setting from a third. The final jeweler he went to wanted to help this engagement dream come true but his Bench Man was in the hospital. So, the jeweler brought the parts to a competitor jeweler to have it completed just in time for Patrick’s trip to OCNJ.

In Ocean City, Patrick had plans to propose on New Year’s Eve just before a family celebration. Patrick wanted this to all be a surprise until he found out that Joy’s sister Mercy was actually traveling back to her home in DC. Patrick spoke with Mercy and together they devised a plan to have everyone believe she did travel back home, despite staying down the street at a friend’s house. On New Year’s Eve, Patrick brought Joy to the beach just hours before the party and God had painted the most beautiful sunset that covered the sky. Joy thought they were taking pictures with their husky, Kira as they posed in front of the GoPro. Much to her surprise, Patrick dropped down to one knee. Joy, of course said yes and was thrilled to be celebrating with an extra special meaning to ringing in the New Year. Her only wish was that her sister Mercy wouldn’t have to miss out on the family affair. Just moments following Joy’s wish, her sister Mercy came running through the dunes of the beach in a surprise embrace the two girls could share.

Q: What has been your favorite part about being engaged?

The anticipation of what God has planned for this next chapter.

Q: Any advice for other couples currently planning their weddings?

Plan times to focus just on wedding decisions, and then plan times to take breaks and enjoy the season.

To Patrick & Joy:

I had such an awesome time with you guys! Thanks for coming out and shooting with me! I cannot wait to see the film I shot at your session and for you guys to see the entire gallery. There are so many great shots! But until that is ready, I hope you enjoy this little preview of your spring engagement in West Chester!