We had the most wonderful CNY fall engagement session for Abby and Josh's engagement at The Otesaga in Cooperstown, New York. The fall foliage was at its peak, painting the landscape with vibrant colors that perfectly complemented their cozy fall outfits. Abby and Josh snuggled up together as we captured their sweet moments amidst the autumn scenery. We ended the session down by the water on the dock, just as the sun was setting. The golden light reflecting off the water created a magical backdrop that made the moment even more special.
The Otesaga, with its rich history and stunning architecture, was the perfect location for Abby and Josh's engagement session. But what made this session truly special was capturing their love story, which began during their freshman year at SUNY Oswego.
Their Love Story:
Abby and Josh first met in a Philosophy class at SUNY Oswego. Abby remembers how she stole Josh's seat one day to sit next to a friend, which led to them becoming close friends. They spent an entire winter break texting, and by the time the next semester started, their friendship blossomed into a relationship.
Josh, on the other hand, recalls that even though Abby hated the class, he enjoyed it and didn’t mind when she took his seat. Their fun banter and shared time eventually turned into romance, and nine years later, it was time to plan their wedding!
Their first date, as they both humorously recount, involved a mix-up with a concert date and ended up being a spontaneous night that included a hula hoop competition at Walmart! Despite the unexpected change of plans, the connection between them was undeniable, and the date lasted for hours. For Abby, it was the snowy walk across campus that truly felt like their first date, while Josh fondly remembers the fun and laughter they shared.
Favorite Moments:
When asked about their favorite date, Abby’s memory of their trip to Niagara Falls for their second anniversary stands out. Josh had secretly planned a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory, knowing her love for butterflies, making it one of the coolest experiences of her life. Josh, on the other hand, fondly remembers a Ke$ha concert that Abby surprised him with, where they had an unforgettable night screaming all the lyrics and even ended up with front-row seats.
The Proposal:
Their engagement story is just as magical. Josh planned a beautiful proposal during their trip to Europe, specifically in Salzburg, Austria. After a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city, they arrived at the Mirabell Gardens, where he proposed in a private corner of the garden. Despite the rain earlier in the day, the moment felt perfect as Abby said yes with tears in her eyes.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own CNY fall engagement session, I can’t recommend the Otesaga in Cooperstown, NY enough (The Otesaga is a beautiful venue for a wedding as well... and I might just know a good wedding photographer 😉)! Need help planning your engagement session? Send me an email at photos@rebeccasheets.com, I'm happy to help!
Also, be sure to check out my Engagement Session Tips.
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