Surrounded by the lush scenery of the Penn State Arboretum, I met Allie and Ben to take their engagement photos. A place where flowering shrubs and weeping willows paint the grounds, it was the perfect backdrop for this sweet couple. Ben hoped the engagement session would capture Allie’s beauty, radiance and excitement for their wedding day and I can’t imagine a better place to do so – especially when the backdrop matches her sunny disposition and beautiful yellow dress!

Last July, the happy couple got engaged down in Panama City Beach, FL while visiting Ben’s mom and grandma. Thinking they were simply going to see the sunset on the beach and take family photos, Allie was completely surprised when Ben got down on one knee and proposed! (Apparently bystanders on the beach started clapping in celebration with the happy couple!)

Allie loves Ben’s patience for her, his thoughtfulness, his respectful attitude and how he is such a loving Dad and always puts their family first. A southern gentleman as well, there were moments during the engagement shoot when Ben stopped to kiss Allie’s hand (so sweet!).

Ben loves how Allie motivates and pushes him while being supportive at the same time. Her ability and willingness to communicate with him through the good and bad make her an excellent mom in Ben’s eyes. Allie actually wore a beautiful necklace and bracelet with their kids’ names for the photoshoot to make sure they were incorporated. They are truly a wonderful team and it was so evident throughout the entire photoshoot!

Fast forward to now, planning their wedding and getting ready to say their vows, Allie and Ben like to enjoy a night in playing games, cooking, reading, and watching movies together. With kids, the couple says a date night is a rare occasion but that doesn’t stop them from planning adventures together as a family or spending an evening at the Penn State Arboretum for some dreamy engagement photos!

Allie & Ben – Boy were you up to a challenge! We skipped all the basics and went straight to advanced posing and you rocked every single image! Despite this being your first photoshoot, you guys were pros in no time. I love the way you laugh together (oh, those candids are coming!). Allie, the way Ben gently held your gaze, the ease in which he lifted you, and how he was all in with pure bliss during your lead-and-chase run were some of my favorite moments. What a blast getting to know you two and I’m so glad we were able to have Rowan and Aiden along for the photos too. 😉 I can’t wait to meet up again for your wedding this fall!