I seriously can’t believe I’m even writing this post and I have tears in my eyes just thinking that my baby brother is engaged!!!! These are not tears of sadness, however, but of pride and pure joy. First off, I couldn’t be more proud of the man Jonathan has become and how responsible and level-headed he is as a 21-year-old. And I’m absolutely overjoyed that he is marrying Val and excited that we are one step closer to officially having her as part of the family :)

Jonathan and Val have been dating since they were both 17 years old. They started dating at a young age, and we all knew that they were a perfect match for each other. God wrote their love story and they are now about to start a life together (insert crying faces). There are literally no words to describe all the things I feel inside. My brother and I are almost 8 years apart, so he was practically my baby for most of my childhood and teenage years. I changed his diapers, took care of him, and watched him grow up throughout the years. Sure, there was a season in my life where I couldn’t stand him (I’m sure any 15-year-old girl could relate) but he’s become my closest confidant and best friend now. So it’s bittersweet to see him grow up and yet I’m so happy he has chosen to spend the rest of his life with Val!

When Jonathan told us he was going to propose, we were so ridiculously excited! He explained that Val loves New York City and her dream had always been to get proposed to there. Long story short, we put the entire trip into motion with the pretense that it was a “family trip” to New York City in the fall. Little did she know what was about to happen, and that all their friends and her family would show up as well! As soon as we got close to the Brooklyn Bridge (which was the spot he decided to propose at) my heart started racing, knowing what was about to happen. When he dropped on his knee, I immediately started crying (and I am currently getting emotional again just writing about it) and she, of course, said YES! After her family and friends came out of hiding and more crying ensued, we were able to snag a few portraits of the two of them, just as the sun was setting!

We’re excited to be sharing a few pictures from our trip to New York and some favorites from my brother’s perfect proposal!

We started the day as tourists to try to avoid any suspicion :) We had to stop in this spot because… that light! We had to get a typical brownstone steps picture!
And once we got to this spot and we knew it was about to happen, we pulled the camera out again because “it was such a pretty spot” We took turns doing couple pictures with my brother and Val going last. AND THEN IT HAPPENED!!!!! And this is the perfect moment when she realizes that her whole family is there and all of their friends! And the ugly crying on my part continued! Eeeekkk! I’m still so happy that Val is becoming part of our family! With that sunset and this amazing moment, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture it all for them! Love this one SO much! We did this same exact picture during their senior sessions 3 years ago and we HAD to recreate it for this amazing occasion! 

To say that we love these two is the understatement of the century! This is by far the most special proposal we will ever capture and we’re SO excited that they are now entering this amazing season in their lives. Jona and Val, we love you both more than words can express and we can’t wait to be right by your side as you promise forever to each other. May this be the beginning of the most wonderful time in your lives! WE LOVE YOU!