Oh boy… this one has been burning a hole in my hard drive for the better part of a YEAR! Last year, while my family and I were on vacation, I had the absolute JOY of photographing Megan and Jake at the breathtaking Ringling Museum in sunny Sarasota, Florida. I have been dreaming of photographing a sweet couple in this iconic venue for years, and Megan and Jake made that dream come true. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and an undeniable connection between the two.
Megan and Jake’s journey began five years ago when they met online! (Now… they’re MARRIED!)
Their first date was filled with hours of deep conversation, but both had commitments in their personal lives that made them decide to wait before pursuing a relationship. Two years later, fate intervened, and Jake reached out to Megan out of the blue. They went on a dinner date, and from that moment, Megan knew that Jake was meant to be a significant part of her life. The rest, as they say, is history.
In November of 2023, Megan and Jake found themselves visiting London together. On their second day in the city, they experienced a perfect day that included watching Jake’s favorite soccer team win a game, exploring a Christmas market (Megan’s favorite holiday), and stumbling upon a bar playing nostalgic hits from the 90s and 2000s. Little did Megan know, but Jake had also been carrying her engagement ring all day, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to propose. That moment came as they were crossing Westminster Bridge, with the iconic Big Ben in the background. With a heartfelt speech, Jake dropped down on one knee, and Megan joyfully exclaimed “YES!” over and over again.
One of the things that make Megan and Jake’s relationship so special is the way they support and understand each other.
Jake cherishes Megan as his number one fan, appreciating her unwavering support in every aspect of his life. Whether it’s his crazy hobbies or his work, Megan is there, cheering him on. She even goes the extra mile by packing his lunch every day before he heads off to work. On the other hand, Megan admires Jake’s patience and understanding. Even when they don’t see eye to eye, Jake always makes an effort to include her in his hobbies and activities, strengthening their bond.
As we embarked on their Ringling Museum engagement session, we started by exploring the pretty pink pastel art museum side of the property.
The entrance greeted us with stunning pink-peach-colored stucco, ornate columns, and sprawling gardens that beckoned us to explore further. The picturesque scenery was a photographer’s dream, but we had to keep moving to experience the captivating water views and beautiful architecture at Ca’ d’Zan, the magnificent mansion on the property. We then made our way back to the art museum side for some final portraits, capturing the essence of Megan and Jake’s love against the backdrop of incredible architecture.
From the moment we began the engagement session, it was clear that Megan and Jake were naturals in front of the camera.
Despite it being their first time having professional photos taken together, they effortlessly twirled and snuggled their way through the session. Even the sweltering Florida heat couldn’t dampen their spirits. Their love and chemistry were undeniable, and it was an absolute joy to capture their genuine connection. As a photographer from the East Coast, I couldn’t help but fangirl over the charming palm trees and the sweetness that radiated from Megan and Jake.
This Ringling Museum engagement session with Megan and Jake was a dream come true for me! The stunning venue, their beautiful love story, and their natural chemistry made it an unforgettable experience. I am grateful to have been a part of this special moment in their lives, capturing their love and creating memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re ever in Sarasota, I highly recommend visiting the Ringling Museum to witness its enchanting beauty firsthand. And who knows, maybe you’ll also take me with you so I can document your sweet love story too?! (No seriously… take me back!)
Now… the moment you’ve been waiting for: their photos!
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