We had an amazing but hot engagement session in Lafayette Hill, just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Fun fact, I met Ben & Tina at a bar at State College a few years ago, along with some other friends (RIP Bar Bleu). Later that year, we connected again with the same group of friends at Bald Eagle State Park, and we found out we had a lot in common, especially photography.

Ever since I met Tina & Ben, I have been dying to photograph them. Why? Because Tina herself is a photographer, and for a long time, we talked about this very possible scenario. In the early fall of ’21, Ben reached out to me about doing a proposal shoot for Tina. I was ecstatic. Fast-forward to the week before he was initially going to pop the question, and we had to, unfortunately, reschedule the event. However, I was already booked that day, far from where the shoot would be. While I was sad, I was very happy that my friend and colleague, Nhi K Thai, was available to capture their beautiful moment. Definitely check out her amazing work!

Several months later, Tina reached out to me, and the rest is history!

Tina and Ben met at Penn State in October of 2017; actually, they met at a Halloween party. Tina was a retro Roller Derby girl, and Ben wore a dinosaur onesie. They say it was love at first site, and I believe it. They are just the cutest. And they were great sports in the August heat. I think it was about 80+˚ by the evening.

We got to explore some fantastic locations near where Tina grew up; they were the perfect backdrop for this perfect couple. We headed to a cute trail with a gorgeous bridge to take a few with Willow! It was my first time meeting her; she is such a sweet and happy pup.

It has been a long time coming, and it was such an honor to capture these two. And hats off to Ben, who knew what to do before I told him what I wanted. He loves giving “T” forehead kisses, and I am here for it.

Some of my favorite parts of the session included when we were at the Dixon Meadow Preserve for the formal outfits. We popped some champagne, went dancing, and took pictures until sundown. As we headed back to the car, I had to make them stop and take a few photos outside of the Dixon Meadow House. Worth it? Absolutely!

Congratulations, Tina & Ben! June 2023, here we come!

-Taliya Michelle

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