It was an evening like any other, that night they met. Nothing over the top, just a handful of friends huddled in the corner of Eastern University’s cozy campus lounge playing Apples to Apples late into the night. But all she could think as she sat there was that this Joel Keefer who had everyone laughing all night long was the funniest guy she’d ever met.

It wasn’t long after that first meeting that they bumped into each other on campus again, yet this time, Joel carried a different demeanor than the silly guy she’d hung out with that night in the lounge. Sarah has a compassionate heart and could sense his sadness, so she asked him what was wrong. Little did she know such a simple question would lead to the heart of what would ultimately bond them together…

Joel shared with Sarah the one-year anniversary since his dad had passed away was quickly approaching. And although Sarah didn’t know quite what to say in response, she tenderly answered that she’d be praying for him and would be there to talk whenever he needed someone.

In the weeks to come, Joel and Sarah would meet occasionally and share sweet, honest conversation about the things they were working through and how God still felt so present despite the pain and trials they faced. At the time, Sarah was preparing for her tenth knee surgery, and talking with Joel eased her nervousness. Together, these real, authentic pieces of their stories led them to encourage each other to find their strength in Christ alone and put their confidence in His faithfulness to walk with them through every season. How amazing to think that God was working and orchestrating something so beautiful in their lives and relationship through the shared struggles and heartbreak they’d each faced!

As their friendship grew, their meet ups and long talks became more and more frequent. Joel saw countless characteristics he admired in Sarah and he knew this was a woman who was far too special to simply just be friends with. Little did he know, she’d liked him from the very first time they’d met, in fact, she even told her roommate Joel Keefer was the man she was going to marry someday. ;)

Sarah’s most precious dreams came true years later when Joel planned an entire “date day” filled with fun memories and sweet adventures to some of the meaningful places that’d been a piece of their story. After a full day, Joel brought out two wrapped gifts that were tucked away in his truck, presenting them to Sarah. The first gift was old pieces of wood Joel had taken and sanded down, attaching a picture of them with a lyric to their song engraved in the wood. Overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, Sarah slowly opened her second gift through tears, carefully folding back the wrapping paper to reveal a book entitled “God Gave Me You” with a picture of them on the cover. Joel stood before her as she opened it to the first page where it read “To my beautiful best friend on the day of our engagement. Sarah Elizabeth Piluso, you are such a women of God and you make me a better man. I love you!”

Joel dropped to one knee and as his eyes filled with tears, he asked her to marry him. They hugged and cried and laughed and danced, then paged through the book together. Forty-five pages recording their fun times, their goofiest moments, the hardest times they’d walked through together, and the happiest days they’ve ever known. And to make a perfect night even more so, Joel whisked Sarah off to a small airport where his friend picked them up in his private plane… they landed an hour later in her hometown in New Jersey and Joel surprised Sarah with her family waiting for them at the airport — ready to celebrate with them on this most precious of days.

Joel + Sarah, I so admire the people you are and feel SO grateful to get to join you in this sweet season of your lives!! I am truly honored to document this time for you and can’t wait to celebrate as you make this amazing marriage commitment in just a few short months! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my favorites from your cozy fall engagement session! Xoxo!