Remember Michaela and David’s gorgeous Stone Tower Winery wedding this past summer? If you missed it, check it out HERE! I had the privilege of connecting with Michaela’s sister, Crystal, during the day, and I’m so glad we met!!! Crystal reached out to me after the wedding interested in fall engagement portraits with her fiance, Jamie. As we brainstormed ideas for their session, one thing was clear, she wanted to have a natural, rustic, farm backdrop with fields … and chickens! I knew the exact place to go, and I’m so glad they were on board with the vision!

Jamie and Crystal are a SUPER interesting couple!!! I absolutely loved getting to know them and wish we could have hung out longer because the stories they threw my way left my jaw on the ground. For instance … They basically own a zoo at their house. I’m not just talking the typical dog, cat, fish, rabbit, etc. I’m talking wild cats (forgive me, I don’t know even the names of these wild animals!!), a mini pig, countless silkie chickens, ducks, a COATI (look it up if you don’t know what that is because my jaw dropped again), and so many more!!! Crystal was a zookeeper (now it makes sense, right?!), so her passion for animals is evident in her daily life, which is why it was awesome taking photos with chickens at Sky Meadows Park during their engagement session!!! Although, a few chickens is nothing compared to the animals back at home. 😉 Since her zookeeper days, she moved on to taking care of horses at a horse farm while Jamie geared up for Basic Training. It was fun chatting with Jamie about Basic Training after my brother went through it earlier this year, especially since he’s going to the same base my brother attended!! I’m sure he’s having a GREAT time right now!!! 😉 HAHA!

I could have easily chatted with Jamie and Crystal the entire 1.5-hours together, but I’m glad our fun convos didn’t distract me too much from chasing the sunset glow and taking their beautiful portraits last week!!! Oh, and be sure to admire Crystal’s custom ring!!! It’s a stunner! 🙂 I’m glad Michaela connected us, and I look forward to seeing where the future takes these two (and their bazillion fur babies!)!

Jamie & Crystal’s Love Story

How Jamie and Crystal Met

from Crystal’s point of view

Jamie and I met in high school. I knew him as the guy that dressed up like a pirate and played guitar in the hallway. I was a freshman and he was an upperclassman. I was friends with his brother who was in my class, so Jamie and I always ended up going to the same parties, camping trips, and small get togethers. I always thought he was so cool and very handsome and he always felt there was something special about me from the day we met. Fast forward a few years later to when my sister and her now husband invited us on a beach trip. We spent all weekend having a blast at the beach together and then we realized there was a spark between us. After that weekend we started spending all of our time together and fell in love.

How Jamie Proposed to Crystal

from Crystal’s point of view

It was actually on Valentine’s day. It’s one of my favorite days of the year. I love going to the store and walking down the isles and just feeling the essence of the day of love! Jamie had planned a surprise for me and I’m one of those people who will ruin surprises. I peek at presents and pry hints out of people, but this one he kept secret! I ended up working, so I got ready at work and he picked me up. It wasn’t until we were almost there that he told me where we were going, Schmankerl Stube, an authentic German restaurant. Jamie and I are total foodies! We love to go to authentic restaurants and enjoy great food, so this was perfect for us. After a wonderful meal he insisted we order dessert. In between dinner and dessert he started telling me how much our time together means to him and how much I mean to him. I could see he was shaking and nervous. He reached into his pocket and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and of course, I said yes!

Thank you, Jamie and Crystal, for a great, personable time together!!! I’m so excited for you both and your future together!! Enjoy this preview from our time together! Congrats!!!

Congratulations!!!!