In-Home Engagement Session in Fishkill, NY | Kelley & Jason

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As soon as I heard Kelley and Jason's proposal story when they inquired about wedding photography last November, I knew we were going to be great friends! It turns out that they have a grand love for Hawaii like Arturo and I do!! But before I get to the romantic details of the proposal, I have to tell you what fabulous people these two are! Kelley and Jason are sweet, loving and oh so outgoing! They invited Arturo and me to their home in Fishkill, New York, nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. This is the first home that the future Mr. & Mrs. purchased together, so they decided to go a bit off the beaten path and have an in-home engagement session! The four of us chatted about their wedding plans, Hawaii and home decorating. Kelley even gave us some tips to make a killer mojito (our favorite!).

Their house is truly a home; it's cozy, welcoming and filled with plenty of natural light. It definitely gave Arturo and me a ton of home décor inspiration for our future home! We started off their session with Kelley and Jason enjoying some tea and cuddling on the couch. We moved our way into their beautiful kitchen where they made some waffles together (my kind of people!) and later enjoyed some wine and cheese. Towards the end of their session, they took some time to include their pup, Dakota, in some of their photos by throwing the ball around with her in their backyard!

During the beginning years of their relationship, Kelley and Jason focused on supporting each other to grow toward their goals so they could be the best versions of themselves while building a life together (let's just say these two are the definition of #couplegoals). They first met at Sacred Heart University in 2008, but it wasn't until August 2015 that they planned their first big trip together to Oahu, Hawaii. They took this life-changing vacation to celebrate several life accomplishments; Jason had just achieved his goal of entering law enforcement and becoming a police officer while Kelley had just finished five years of graduate school to become an occupational therapist. Not only that, but they were also getting ready to purchase their first home!

On the day Jason proposed, he and Kelley woke up before sunrise to start their hike at Diamond Head Crater (since Hawaii is 5-6 hours behind us East Coasters, waking up before the sun comes over the horizon isn't too hard to do!). As they reached the top of the crater, it started to drizzle as an enormous rainbow made its way across the entire sky. As they stood there in total awe, Jason asked Kelley to turn around and look at the ocean so he could take a photo of her (or so she thought!). After taking a few moments to soak in the beauty of the views in front of her, Kelley turned around to see Jason on one knee holding a beautiful diamond engagement ring, "I was so weak in my knees I could have fallen off the ledge!" Knowing that a picture is worth a thousand words, Jason had given his phone to a bystander when Kelley had her back to him, who was able to snap some photos of the whole proposal for them. While many family members and friends saw the proposal coming, Kelley was totally taken by surprise when Jason popped the question, since she thought their next plans were to start looking for their first home (she didn't even think Jason knew her ring size!!).

Kelley and Jason are getting married at Windrift Hall in Coxsakie, New York next May, and we are so excited to celebrate these two sweet souls on their wedding day!

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When did you know you'd found "the one"?

Kelley: "When Jason and I first met, I honestly thought that we would never have a chance of being together. We were saying our goodbyes (he was graduating and I was moving back home for the summer until the fall semester) and it was then I realized that I might never see him again! I also FIRST realized how much he meant to me."

Jason: "Kelley and I had been together for about a month or so. I had been offered a contract to play professional football overseas. As much as I loved football while thinking over the opportunity, I realized that football would end one day but that Kelley was the person I wanted around me forever. I decided to not risk growing apart from her."

What's one thing you love about your partner?

Kelley: "ONE THING?! If I have to choose one thing I'd have to say I love his drive. He always strives to learn, grow and improve upon all areas of his life. His drive has always inspired me and I am so proud of everything he's worked for."

Jason: "It would definitely be what caught my attention from the start: her energy!! She is always in a good mood, joking, smiling, helping. She is the definition of being in the moment."