“Michael and Jill are from New Jersey but they chose to come to Yardley, PA to photograph their epic engagement session in recently remodeled farm house dating back to the 1700’s. With the help of a floral designer, they were able to transform the beautiful space into something worthy of Architectural Digest!” –Delaney Dobson Photography

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you two first meet?

It all started on Michael’s 21st birthday in Hoboken, NJ. As chance would have it my sister and Michael almost share the same birthday (only 1 day apart). Not knowing each other we still had one thing in common; my older sisters husband is from the same hometown as Michael. The mutual friendship between ourselves led us to be in the same place that night and the rest is history.

What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together. What makes your relationship unique?

Being able to marry someone you can call your best friend may seem cliche’ but I am happy that applies to us. We do everything together from weekly Sunday breakfasts to binge watching Christmas movies on Hallmark channel; just to name a couple things. After 8 years, we have been able to maintain our honesty and love for each other. Michael and I are always our true selves and I can honestly say I don’t think we have ever made each other feel embarrassed. We thrive off each other and constantly pushing the other to succeed and follow their dreams.

How did you know your partner was the one? When did you first know this in your relationship?

Jillian:For me, I realized he was the one after the summer of 2014 (3 years into dating). Now don’t get me wrong I loved him very much, but we were together since we were 21 and the summer of 2014 was the first time I really went out without him by my side. I never wanted to regret missing out on opportunities in my 20s, so when all my best friends got a summer shore house I went in on it. Yes, it was definitely a true test of our relationship and most certainly the hardest time we’ve ever had together, but once summer was over I knew I could not live without him by my side. Through all the bad times that summer, I always wanted to go back to him. Our love and commitment proved to be everlasting. Michael:My lust turned to love a lot quicker than Jillian’s. I knew that she would be the only girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with after just a few months of being together. I guess I was right…

Give us all the details about the proposal. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the planning process?

After 8 years, we knew the proposal was coming, however I did not know where and when. I always told him I wanted a low key, one-on-one proposal with no one around and that is exactly what he did! I came home one Sunday morning after running errands and walked into our house seeing Michael standing there with ‘Marry Me’ in white flowers, lots of candles, pictures of us, and a ring in his hand. I instantly started crying tears of happiness. Obviously the answer was yes and immediately following I said “how could you pick a day I didn’t have my hair done” (since I always get blow outs)! However, he did make sure my manicure was freshly done which was always my number one request. With all that said, it was my perfect proposal with just us in our home.

We’re all about the bling… Tell us all about that ring!

Lets just say it is everything I have ever wanted in an engagement ring! It truly is my dream ring. It has a simple, thin band with tiny diamonds with one radiant cut diamond as the focal point. So sparkly! So shiny! So perfect!

Are you excited to start planning your wedding day? Do you have any ideas in mind yet?

We are both excited and nervous. Switching from a destination wedding to a big North Jersey affair, our budget changed very quickly. Truthfully, planning hasn’t been so bad! Yes, it definitely is a lot and can be overwhelming at times, but it has brought us even closer together! Michael has taken a jump start following the life motto ‘A happy wife, a happy life’. Our theme is whimsical, fairytale at the Park Chateau in East Brunswick, NJ. There will be lots of greenery with a variety of blush flowers, lots of candles, lots of food, and most importantly lots of love! -Jill, the Bride

Event Credits

Photography: Delaney Dobson Photography // Design and Decor: Peonies to Paint Chips