They met in a Bible study- he remembers noticing her right away and strategically placed himself next to her when the group went out for dinner later. Not wanting to be too forward, Greg waited a bit to ask for her contact information, and even after she obliged him with her phone number he still waited a few days to say hello. He wanted her to know that he respected her, and his seeming inattentiveness left Sarah intrigued. Their first date was to a pizza parlor where two full hours passed with ease, and Greg again left Sarah wanting more when he politely ended their date before she was ready. “I didn’t want to overwhelm her, ” he says. “I didn’t want the date to end! He left me wanting to know more,” she reminisces. As the days and weeks passed, she found herself more and more interested in this man, intrigued by the stark contrast between him and any other date she’d been on.

Greg & Sarah were due to visit Greg’s hometown of Newport, Rhode Island when Greg remembered something Sarah had said a few weeks earlier- “I wish we had more photos of us together! But I know you don’t like taking pictures.” Wanting to show her just how much he adores her, Greg contacted me about flying up to Rhode Island to do a portrait session with the two of them- it was perfect!! Also wanted to keep his plans from seeming too suspicious or over-the-top, though, Greg led her to believe that I happened to be in town visiting family. The story doesn’t end here… keep reading :).

We began at Ochre Court Mansion in Newport, RI…

I LOVE all of your ear-to-ear smiles, Sarah!

Please put this on a canvas. PLEASE!!

The light! So beautiful! I seriously hope this wasn’t my only time shooting in Rhode Island- I’m so in love with New England.

That one on the right may be my favorite…

We left Ochre Court and headed over to the coast, meandering our way toward our dinner reservations. Then I looked to my left, saw this, and begged them to stop the car. SO WORTH IT.

Impromptu bouquet made from the hydrangeas in front of the restaurant! Don’t worry, I asked permission before I picked them.

Castle Hill Inn, where our dinner reservations were! Greg explained to Sarah that he wanted to take the three of us to dinner as their way of thanking me for the great time we just had. Moohahaha

Greg was cool and calm all through the first two courses, but as soon as we ordered dessert Greg and I were both snapping our necks to the entrance of the room we were sitting in. Here’s why:

^ENGAGED!!!!^

Greg and Sarah, thank you SO MUCH for the opportunity to photograph both your love AND your proposal!! This was an experience I’ll always treasure, and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed spending the time with you both. The BEST of wishes in this newest season! Cherish these next few months- they fly by so quickly!

Happy Thursday :)!

*I wanted to label this was as “Before we say ‘I do,'” but I didn’t want to give away the surprise ending!!