She’d moved home after college to pursue her masters degree online, and with a little spare time on her hands, decided to volunteer at a local youth group. As Jessica spent more time with this newfound community, there was one name that kept coming up time and time again… Matt Yaniga. Though it wasn’t until later in 2010 that they met, they slowly made connections over time of all their shared background… they’d grown up less than a mile apart, attended the same elementary school, belonged to the same local pool, went to the same church at different times… and coincidentally, even their moms went to high school together!

A friendship was born and before long, Jessica found herself falling for the countless admirable qualities she saw in Matt. She loved how he was genuinely kind to every single person he came into contact with, the way he looked out for and cared for her, and the way he viewed every moment of life as an adventure. And without a doubt, Matt found just as many reasons to love Jessica right back. The way she put her whole heart into everything she did, how she was always encouraging those in her life to be the best they could be, and the way he felt like he could be 100% himself around her.

It was during a day trip to Rehoboth Beach, after strolling the boardwalk with ice cream cones in hand, that Matt led Jessica down to the beach for one more walk at sunset before their dinner reservations. It was there, amidst the sand and the sea, that Matt took Jessica’s hands and told her how much he loved her… how much he loved experiencing life with her… and how excited he was to keep adventuring with her through life. He then got down on one knee and asked Jessica to marry him, revealing a perfect solitaire ring featuring Jessica’s grandmother’s diamond.

On May 29, 2016 these two will celebrate their one thousandth day of dating, and their first day as husband and wife! Thank you Matt & Jessica for being the absolute sweetest and for spoiling me with so much love and engagement session presents! I feel truly blessed to be the one there to document this incredible day in store! I CAN’T WAIT. Until then, enjoy a few of my favorites from your engagement session! Xoxo