Nicole and Shawn’s romantic engagement session took place in Philadelphia and began at The Merchant’s Exchange Building in the heart of Old City. They also decided to bring a long their dog Chunk who is a big part of their life together. He even has his own Instagram account! We then made our way down to Penn’s Landing to end their session with a gorgeous sunset by the Ben Franklin Bridge. It was such a gorgeous day for a walk and although the city was full of life we were able to keep the intimacy of the session in all of our favorite spots.

Their Love Story

Shawn and Nicole met almost ten years ago while working at their local Panera Bread Cafe together. Although Sparks did not go off the first time they met, they became friends quickly. It wasn’t until a couple summers later that they went on their first date. Shawn caught Nicole by surprise when he had asked her to go to lunch at a local hangout spot. Nicole had just finished class and in her opinion wasn’t in “an appropriate first date outfit” however she didn’t let that stop her from accepting Shawn’s offer. She recalls being nervous, but her nerves quickly faded as she had such a fun time with Shawn on their first date. Their date went extremely well and the two have been inseparable ever since! When I asked them if they could go on a dream date they both said that they would love to visit Japan and have their favorite sushi dinner while overlooking a forest of Cherry Blossom Trees. However, you can usually find them enjoying some Tacos and Margaritas at one of their favorite local spots or enjoying a date at one of their other favorite spots in Northern Liberties.

Years later Shawn knew that it was time to ask Nicole to spend the rest of her life with him. After asking her father he decided to pop the question while they were visiting her dad during his deployment in Poland. Shawn even had a custom ring box made for Nicole with her name carved in to it. Shawn had planned to do it earlier in the week, but on the particular day he planned to pop the question Nicole decided to wear sweatpants the entire day, and he knew that this was certainly not an appropriate proposal outfit so he went with his gut and decided to wait. The day that he actually proposed they were touring the Old City in Poland. Later on they decided to tour the Royal Castle In Warsaw. The Castle just so happened to be closed that day, but they were still able to tour the gardens. Before Nicole knew it Shawn was down on one knee with a beautiful engagement ring asking her to be his forever. Of course she said yes and her dad was even able to take capture the entire proposal! Nicole says that Poland was her favorite trip they have ever been on together, not just because it is where she said yes, but more importantly because of all the memories they made there.

Shawn and Nicole will be getting married next September at the gorgeous historic Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. They said that they both cannot wait to marry their best friend, but they are also really excited about cocktail hour! (I mean who isn’t) It is so fitting because they love spending time together while also hanging out with friends and family. They are so excited to share this moment with everyone they love and celebrate the friendship and romance that they have built over the years. We are so excited to celebrate with them!