Rebecca and Ben's Engagement Session at Minnewaska State Park

I love engagement sessions with my whole heart. I love getting to know couple. It’s the best because there are no real time constraints and we can take our time, walk around, get creative, and of course have some fun! Rebecca and Ben are from NYC and met me at the beautiful Minnewaska State Park. The weather could not have been more cooperative, it was perfectly sunny clear morning. Rebecca answered some questions about their relationship, read on for an awesome love story and their engagement photos.

How did you meet?

We met working at a mutual friend's wedding. Ben (close with the bride's brother) was the bartender, and Rebecca (was a client of the bride) basically did everything else behind the scenes. Ben was bartending and Beck was doing everything else. When Ben saw Rebecca lugging out enormous bags of trash, it was love at first sight.

When did you know... I'm going to marry this lovely human?

For me, Rebecca, after we survived a year of long distance (NY to CA) she knew they were meant to be. She never wanted to leave his side again after that.

Ben pretty much knew he couldn't leave her after our cross country road trip to move Ben out west. It was an eventful trip to say the least and Becky was the perfect copilot.

Tell us about you first date.

We met up at a bar in the East Village and Rebecca's ex showed up and tried to start some stuff! Ben offered to buy him a beer but he wasn't interested. Oh well!

What about your proposal?

Ben proposed at his family's lake house in October one weekend away with our closest friends. Funny, Rebecca had a feeling it might be the weekend, however, when she found out her mother still had the engagement ring she dismissed the idea (and even told her best friend to forget about getting off work for the trip). Then as all the friends took a walk along the water of Lake Wallenpaupack to see the foliage, Ben got down on one knee! Rebecca was a little shocked (she even forgot to put the Pacifico bottle down during all the commotion).

What was the location for your engagement shoot and how did you choose it?

We took our engagement photos at Minnewaska State Park. We picked that location because we love the outdoors, hiking and heights - and boy, did we love it! We'd do it again in a heartbeat!

What did you wear and why? What is your advice for other couples planning an engagement session to wear?

I brought two outfits - one sun dress because summer is my favorite holiday, and one romper because I'm a dancer and had to show off some dance moves!

Just wear what makes you comfortable and happy. Whatever it is you wear at this point in your life. You look always look better in a smile than a style, as Ben always says.

Were you nervous or anxious about your engagement session? How did it turn out?

I was not very nervous. Being a dancer I'm used to auditions and being in front of a camera. But even if you are camera shy, don't worry too much - Kristin is the BEST. She will make you feel so comfortable; after the engagement shoot was over I felt like I knew her for years.

Ben was not at all nervous. Kristin is a pro. She'll help you get the good shots.s.

When and Where are you getting married and what made you choose that location? If you haven't chosen a venue, what are you looking for?

We got married at Blenheim Hill Farm in Jefferson, NY. We were looking for a rustic, natural setting. We loved Blenheim because of many reasons...1. The gorgeous scenery - lakes, barns, decoration, farm animals, etc. 2. Weekend wedding all right at the venue (rehearsal dinner, wedding day and lodging for 20 people). 3. Wedding planner is included in the staffing. They communicated well and were always there for us. 4. The food!! The food is out of this world; they even have a restaurant in NYC. We also loved the fact that they are truly farm to table (with the animals and the greenhouse). We felt that our money was going towards a lovely working farm.

How are you feeling about the wedding planning process? I know this year has been a little different, do you have any advice for other couples planning a wedding?

The wedding process during Covid was definitely stressful. For a few months we weren't even sure if the wedding would go through. Ben's sister had to cancel her wedding so we were nervous. We had so many questions with very little answers. However Blenheim Hill Farm stayed positive, and as things got closer our they were there for us and steered us in the right direction with zoom calls, answers, and protocols. At the end of the day only a few people would not be able to attend because of covid, but we were actually able to invite some other guest to come, so my advice is don't get too stressed out. It will happen but don't let it ruin your day!

What are you most excited about on the wedding day?

Just being with all the people we love celebrating love. It will be amazing to see all these people from every stage of our lives in one place, many will be meeting each other for the first time, just partying together like animals. We keep saying it would be a barn burner!

Thank you so much to Rebecca and Ben for sharing your engagement session experience!