They met in college… her freshman year, his sophomore. Matthew and his friends on the Drexel rowing team hosted a party with a bunch of girls in Annette’s sorority (smooth, right?) and of course they hit it off quickly!

They started dating in April of 2012 and after years of creating memories together… it was clear those memories were just the start of all that was yet to come.

Matthew, knowing he wanted to surprise Annette when it came time to propose, got strategic and worked for months in advance to plan out every detail. Anette was working at Anthropologie Headquarters at the time, so he coordinated with some of her co-workers and assembled both sides of their families to be there… including her grandparents and aunt who flew in from Houston (bonus points)!

Annette was under the impression she was helping out with a quick “Instragram post” for BHLDN when the executive assistant handed her the perfect white dress to put on, then led her down to the courtyard. As the photographer was taking photos of Annette out in the courtyard, all of the sudden, Matthew came around the corner with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, dressed in a suit, and smiling from ear to ear. In absolute shock, it didn’t even register at first to Annette why in fact he was there… but as he got down on one knee and revealed the ring so perfectly crafted for her just like her mood necklace… she caught on. :) Their families joyfully watched through a nearby window without her knowing, so when they strolled back inside and all of their loved ones stood before them… Annette was speechless once more. A day to remember, that’s for sure!

I think it’s safe to say I loved this shoot for many reasons: 1) Matthew & Annette are absolutely stunning (!) and so easy to photograph. 2) Drumore Estate is quite literally breathtaking. Everywhere you turn there’s another beautiful setting… a photographer’s dream! Thank you Matt & Nat for hosting us! I am obsessed. 3) Matthew & Annette are incredibly sweet and easy going… AKA dream clients! I seriously cannot wait to celebrate with them in September at their incredible Union League of Philadelphia wedding with Truly You Events! The countdown is on! Xo