Downtown Utica Engagement Session

I was so excited when Vinny asked me to be his wedding photographer! I’ve known Vinny a few years now and am so blessed to be able to call him a friend. For as long as I’ve known Vinny he’s been a kind, loyal, and compassionate man who lacked nothing except the love of his life.

*ENTER SARAH*

When Vinny told me how they met, I think my actual response was “awwww!”

Getting to know Sarah, it’s easy to see how the two have fallen for each other. They have an easiness around each other that is infectious and adorable. I would tell you more, but I’ll let you read about it for yourself!

Tell us how you met!

Bride-to-be: We first met at one of my friends wedding, however we didn’t start talking until months later.  I remember my friend messaging me something similar to “Are you still dating that one guy, my husband’s friend is in love with you”. Shortly after he messaged me “where did you get your pup, I am looking for a dog”. We’ve been talking ever since. 

Groom-to-be: I first met her at our friend Jamie and Sam’s wedding.  Sarah was a bridesmaid and I showed up in jeans (it was a very casual backyard wedding) and I legit couldn’t stop looking her her all night.

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Tell us about the first kiss!

Bride-to-be: Our first kiss was during one of our dates before the first real date. I went to a concert with a couple of my friends. After the concert I went to Utica for the weekend to visit a couple of friends from college. Vinny messaged me asking if I wanted to get some coffee before I headed back home. We met up at Dunkin because Utica Roasting was closed. We talked for a couple hours and lost track of time. He asked me if I knew how to drive a stick shift and I said no, then he offered and asked if I was interested in learning how to drive stick shift. We then drove around the area for a couple hours and headed back to his house where my car was. (I haven’t driven stick shift since). We went inside and talked for a while, he then leaned up next to me and kissed me.

Groom-to-be: We were sitting on the couch in my living room after a date and I leaned over and kissed her.

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Tell us about the proposal!

Bride-to-be: He reenacted our first date. We went out to dinner to this Mexican restaurant called Cantinas. Afterwards we got gelatos and then took a walk in Congress Park. One of our spots was the bench under the Willow Tree. The spot was occupied and I was like “lets go and find somewhere else to sit.” He was determined to get the spot, we waited literally an hour. When we finally got there a family asked us if we could take a picture of them and he goes “yes only if you promise to take a picture of us”.  As the girl was taking a photo of us, he got one knee and asked.

Groom-to-be: It was the most nervous I’ve ever been even though I knew she would say yes. We reenacted one of our first dates in Saratoga.  We went to one my favorite spots out there (not hers) for dinner, got gelato and went for a walk in Congress Park. I was going to do it earlier but there were girls laying on a bench where I wanted to do it so we walked around until they left. As we walked up to the bench a family asked us randomly to take a photo for them and I said sure if you take one for us right after. After I took their photo I handed them my phone, then I surprised them both by getting on my knee and asking her. Her first words sadly weren’t yes they were “I knew you…..I hate you” 

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When did you first realize you were in love with your fiance?

Bride-to-be: The moment I first realized that I was in love with Vinny was during one of the weekends he went to visit me.  I didn’t even realize it until I was talking to one of my friends at work. I was having a rough day and the only thing that made me smile was Vinny. I only saw him on weekends and seeing him at the end of the week was the one thing that I always looked forward too. 

Groom-to-be: I can tell you the exact minute I realized it. She was staying in Saratoga for a week with her parents and I went to visit her out there. I left there to go home before she did and on the way home I realized my cheeks were hurting. They were hurting because I had been smiling the entire way home without realizing it.

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Dear Future Spouse,

Bride-to-be:  I know that I am not always the easiest person to get along with but thank you for everything that you do. Thank you for always being there for me and for being my best friend. I am excited for the family that we have started (the fur-baby) and I am counting the days until we say “I Do”. I am excited for our forever and to see what adventures await in the future. I know that I don’t say this often enough, I love you. You’re my world. 

Groom-to-be: I promise to always be your rock. Whenever you need me, I will be there to help you overcome any obstacle that may be in your way. I cannot wait to celebrate the best times with you and pick you up in your times of need. You are my best friend and I honestly don’t know where I would be without you. I love you Bae.

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XOXO,

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