I’m so excited to share Hailey & Jake’s Valley Forge National Park Engagement Session! Hailey won my Instagram engagement shoot giveaway which was a collaboration between Jocelyn Cruz Photography and MJ Bridal Artistry. In addition to the engagement session with me, Hailey had her makeup done by the wonderful Melissa “MJ” the owner of MJ Bridal Artistry. I love collaborating with other creatives in the field!
For Hailey & Jake’s engagement session they really wanted a country setting, with wide open spaces and sunshine! Valley Forge National Park in PA is an ideal location for a country vibe as there is ample space, tall grass, and a gorgeous tree line in the background. Another bonus is the historic monuments and buildings at Valley Forge that provide a change of scenery without traveling too far.
Valley Forge National Park PA Engagement Session
It was windy the day of Hailey & Jake’s Engagement session, but they both did great and embraced the wind for their photos! I actually love how the wind blew Hailey’s gorgeous curls in some of the shots! Despite the wind, we had beautiful weather, with clear blue skies, perfect for a country setting, and generous amounts of sunshine.
Hailey was captivated by the solo tree in the open field, as she thought it was both pretty and unique. I love incorporating special elements or items that have meaning to my clients, so I made sure to capture a few photos of Hailey & Jake with the solo tree. The wind picked up significantly by the tree and it was like we were in a wind tunnel!
I loved getting to know Hailey & Jake better during our Engagement session. They shared with me a little bit more about them and their love story.
Hailey & Jake’s Love Story
How did you meet?
We met at a motocross track called Breezewood Proving Grounds in May 2020.
When did you know that you found the one?
Jake knew Hailey was “the one” the first time he came to her house for a bonfire and met her family. Everyone clicked instantly as if he already was a part of the family. Hailey knew Jake was the one also when she came to Jake’s for the first time – families instantly clicked. Jake’s family owns Tall Pines Distillery and on a night Jake was working – Hailey was behind the bar with Jake watching him do his job and how he interacted and treated people with such genuine kindness and patience. Since we lived 4 hours from each other, seeing where each other came from and who their families were really sealed the deal for the both of us.
Tell me about your proposal!
January 15, 2021: After a long day of snowboarding – during a snowstorm! – at Seven Springs Resort Jake proposed to Hailey inside the resort. The original plan was for us both to board down the mountain to Jake’s family and friends holding a “Marry Me” sign. BUT plans changed when Hailey dropped Jake’s snowboard down the side of a cliff!!! We took longer to get down the mountain, so the family had to quickly move the set up inside.
Tell me about your Engagement Ring!
Jake let me pick out my ring. He said since I will be the one wearing it every day – pick one you love. And he got me my dream ring!
What is the one thing that you love about each other?
Jake: how honest and easy to talk to she is. (He is a man of few words)
Hailey: He’s everything a girl would want in a man. But what I love most is how much he loves me.
He’s the definition of humble! Sacrifices his own happiness for mine. My better half. I hope to be half the person he is one day!
Hailey & Jake’s love story will continue in June when they become husband and wife! I’m so happy for you and what the future holds for you both. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to photograph and celebrate your engagement!
Want to view another PA Engagement session featuring wide open fields, romantic tall grass, and charming architecture? Visit my blog or click to read more of my LongWood Gardens Engagement Session.
Jocelyn Cruz Photography is based in South New Jersey and serves the surrounding areas of PA and NJ. Are you interested in learning more about our wedding photography or documenting your engagement? Please inquire here for more information.
