Rebecca and Phil's Engagement Session at Glimmerglass State Park

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite kind of sessions. I love being able to get to know couple. We can take our time, walk around, get creative, and have some fun! Rebecca and Phil met me at Glimmerglass State Park last April. We could not have asked for a better late afternoon to take photos. Rebecca answered some questions about their relationship, read on for an amazing love story and their engagement photos.

How did you meet?

Phil and I met while we were both working at CVS. I was interviewing for a cashier position in the front store and I saw him back in the pharmacy while I was walking back for my interview. After I got the job, I found out that he was a pharmacy intern and was finishing up college to become a pharmacist.

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

I really don’t remember when I knew I was going to marry Phil. I guess when I first said I love you, I just knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

Phil always says he knew one random night while we were at my parents house for dinner. He said I was standing in the kitchen in sweatpants and a t-shirt and he said he was just looking at me and knew he was going to be with me forever.

Tell us about you first date.

We went out to dinner at a place called Hill City Grill. Phil picked me up after teaching dance at the studio and we rode in his car over to Oneonta for the dinner. After the dinner I made him take me to Walmart to get something for my sister and then we got Sweet Frog!

What about your proposal?

This is my favorite story. Phil and I own a very old building that houses my dance studio. One night before dinner at my parents he said we needed to stop by the building because my dad had forgot to turn off some lights (which is very possible). I sat in the car as Phil went upstairs to turn them off. After about 10 mins and me getting very impatient, he called me and said he couldn’t find the right light switch (also, very possible). I marched up the stairs, mad because we were gonna be late for dinner, and when I got up there, there weren’t any lights on. I could see a faint light in one of the studios, so I walked towards it. When I got to the door there was a red carpet, candles lining the carpet, heart shaped balloons, string lights, so many roses, a phil was standing at the end of the carpet on one knee. I didn’t even walk into the studio, I just stood at the door way crying. Phil had to tell me to come down towards him!

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

We did our photos at a weird time of year. There were not leaves on the trees, but I knew I wanted to do it outside. Kristin suggested Glimmerglass Lake and I said sure! It ended up being very beautiful, it didn’t matter that there wasn’t green grass and leaves on the trees. We were able to take photos with the sunset and the whole experience was so fun! Phil isn’t the type of guy to like taking pictures, but after the engagement photos, he said he enjoyed it a lot!

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

I had two outfits; a dress and jeans with a sweater. Phil had two shirts; a t-shirt and a button down. I would say to defiantly pick something that you wear everyday for some of the photos because that’s what you are like on the daily. The dressier outfit is always fun and there should be some of that as well! You are getting married and these are the photos that you may use for your invites or save the dates!

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

I was not nervous. Phil was very nervous, but in the end he wasn’t at all and really enjoyed the process.

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 are getting married October 9th at Peaceful Valley Campground. This location is my family’s campground, so it’s a very special place for me and my family.

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?

Wedding planning is a lot! It can be overwhelming at times and also very frustrating. There was so many wedding rebooked for the summer/fall that a lot of vendors are booked up. It did take me awhile to find certain vendors that were available. The best advice I can give is to get a wedding planning book/binder from Barnes and Noble! I loved mine and it kept me on track for everything!

What are you most excited about on the wedding day?

I am excited for a few things. First being my flowers. Phil and I both love flowers so much, and we did splurge on them a bit, so I am so excited to see them. We are also very excited to just get together with our friends and family that we haven’t seen in a long time. It should be a great day and we are excited for it!

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