The warm hues of the changing seasons provide the perfect backdrop for this cool, autumn engagement shoot in Pennsylvania. The resulting photos by Lindsay Eileen Photography reflect the love, respect, and lighthearted, trouble-making humor this couple shares.
Emily Kutch and Justin Meinnert met at a bar in downtown State College, Pennsylvania. Justin caught her eye break-dancing “during the time we were all still awestruck by Channing Tatum in Magic Mike,” Emily recalled. Their eyes locked but, according to Emily, he didn’t have the courage to ask her to dance, so she ended up making the first move.
This fun couple’s mutual sense of mischievous humor ranges from dark jokes to the strange voices they use for their dogs to “make them talk.” After dating for a year, the pair went on a trip to Las Vegas. In the true spirit of The Marriage Capital of the World, they visited a cubic zirconia store and purchased an engagement-style promise ring – which they used to prank their families.
At the CZ store, they discovered that they have the same taste in jewelry. Justin knew instantly that he would give Emily a round halo design (pictured above) when he proposed. Last October, that’s exactly what he did. Justin’s step-father accompanied him to choose a diamond and setting. The same day, Justin asked for and received Emily’s parents’ blessing. He had planned to propose during an upcoming trip to Hawaii…but couldn’t wait and proposed that night!
Emily and Justin plan to marry next June and are enjoying the benefits of a long engagement. “We’ve already set the foundation for our big day, having our venue, catering, cake, attire, DJ, and most other major expenditures out of the way,” Emily said, “so we are now excited to do all the fun stuff, like picking decorations and other add-ons.”
Most importantly, their wedding day will be about making memories, and they are thrilled to have their photographer Lindsay Varner there to help them preserve those memories.
Photographer Lindsay Varner of Lindsay Eileen Photography described Emily and Justin as one of the sweetest couples she has worked with:
I loved the time and attention to detail they put into choosing the perfect outfits and locations for their session.
We started our day at The Granary in Lemont, Pennsylvania. This is a quaint spot maintained by the historical society, and it is unique in the fact that it houses a small section of train track that photographs beautifully. We obtained permission prior to the shoot to use the segment of track as it is no longer functioning and just a small portion remains.
“We then headed off to one of my favorite parks in State College, Spring Creek Park. It has a lovely covered bridge, and Justin was such a great sport as he carried his lovely bride to be through the cold water for some fun shots even though it completely soaked his shoes and the bottom of his jeans!
Something I loved about their shoot was the addition of a fun plaid blanket to their laid back jeans and white t-shirt outfits. Such a simple prop can make a shoot even more spectacular and we love it when our clients get creative with those things! All in all, it was a lovely day, and we cannot wait until their wedding next June!
Location 1 | The Granary, Lemont, Pennsylvania, USA // Location 2 | Spring Creek Park, State College, Pennsylvania, USA // Photographer | Lindsay Varner, Lindsay Eileen Photography