Megan and Yaniel chose their dream home, a local bar (their first date), and a stunning Japanese-style Pagoda (wait until you see the sunset) for their Reading PA engagement session. Don’t miss this romantic, sentimental, Spring engagement session!
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Megan shared, “From the beginning of the wedding planning process, it was important to me to have a seasoned photographer. Thankfully, I knew just the right person! In 2013, Lisa and her husband photographed my sister’s wedding at Lake Raystown Resort.”
She continued, “Lisa’s work is incredible. She has the ability to capture raw, candid moments with just the right angles. Lisa’s strength is her willingness to go to great lengths to get just the perfect shot. She captures amazing emotion, light, and she really knows how to work with any setting.”
They added, “We’re hoping our photos capture the genuine love and feelings of our engagement. We hope to feel the vibe and emotion through the pictures.”
Why your home?
Megan & Yaniel explained, “Three years ago, we purchased our first home together. Our home is so important to us because it is our safe place. It is a place we value because we worked so hard as a team to make it happen. Our home is a place that we created a life we dreamed of.”
They added, “The memories we created here in 3 short years are my favorite. Our home has become a place to hold holidays and important family milestones (I graduated from my Masters’s program in my living room). So, it was a no-brainer to get photos at our favorite place. “
I love that they chose such a sentimental location for their Reading PA engagement session!
Why Frymoyers?
Megan says, “Frymoyers is a hole-in-the-wall bar that changed my life forever! It was the place that my path crossed with Yaniel’s for the first time.”
She added, “Of course, it only made sense to take photos where they first met!
When I asked about how they went about choosing their engagement session locations, they said, “We talked it over and said ‘let’s keep it true to us and who we are’.”
I love that they took the time to think about the places that meant the most to them.
We also had to sneak in a few photos with Yaniel’s sweet ride!
When we spent time photographing inside their home, I noticed the Always Kiss Me Goodnight sign above their bed. They shared that to them it means, “No matter was is going on or what we have been through, we will always end the day with a kiss of love.”
So sweet! I have some photographs where I focused on the sign, in this one I just loved their expressions too much to do that!
The Proposal
Megan says, “Yaniel would always say ‘I’m gonna marry you one day.’ After we bought our home, things settled down and that’s when Yaniel popped the question.”
Yaniel continues, “Despite the pandemic, I was determined to stick to my plan. I took Megan’s father out to lunch and asked for his blessing. On Christmas Day, in front of our immediate family, I got down on one knee and asked Megan to marry me.”
What a romantic proposal!
Shared Values
Yaniel shares, “We work well because we are the true definition of a team and we share similar values. Yaniel and I are both family-oriented and are happiest when constantly surrounded by family and friends. “
They added, “Laughing is our favorite thing to do.”
They definitely shared many laughs during their session!
Their Favorite Qualities of Each Other
Megan shares, “Yaniel is supportive of my passions and dreams. We push each other to be the best versions of ourselves while keeping each other grounded on faith and love.”
Yaniel shares, “Megan is an amazing soul with a heart of gold. Megan is a beautiful person. She is assertive yet easygoing.”
I love hearing what couples love about each other!
Why the Pagoda?
The pagoda is a popular landmark in Reading PA. It has amazing city views, especially at night.
When I asked Megan & Yaniel how they decided on the pagoda as one of their engagement session locations, they explained…
“Yaniel and I both grew up in Reading and it’s the city that made us. It’s home. This spot is a great representation of how much the city means to us.”
Easy on the Eyes
When Megan & Yaniel talk about when they first fell for each other, their stories had something in common! Megan says, “Yaniel was “easy on the eyes” and carried himself like a real gentleman.”
Yaniel says, “From the moment I laid eyes on Megan I knew she was different and that there was just something special about her.” I love that Megan & Yaniel fell for each other from the moment they laid eyes on each other!
It’s so unique and almost like they have this otherworldly connection. For me this shot seems to capture that:
The Connection
Megan & Yaniel told me about the first time they made a connection and it had to do with a hat! When at home, Megan said her family members came to her house begging her to go out for drinks.
She explains, “I reluctantly threw on some jeans, long sleeve shirt, and a red polo hat.” Megan continues, “Later that night, Yaniel looked at me and said ‘take off your hat’. After I did we both just smiled and laughed at each other.”
I love to play with reflections and caught this one of Yaniel in his vehicle. I love how the polarized glass amps up the color and how the sun is illuminating their backdrop of Reading, PA.
Moving In
Moving in together is such a significant step in a relationship. Megan told me more about when they moved in and how they ultimately purchased their first home together.
She says, “Yaniel and I discussed moving in together 4 months after we met. Life was always easy together, especially once we were under one roof. We started out renting a 3 story semi row in Reading, PA and in that home was where we began to discuss our future.”
Megan continued, “Exactly two years after renting our fun city row home, we purchased our first home. “
Their Wedding
Megan & Yaniel are getting married this November, on the 6th year anniversary of the day they met! How sweet is that? They are both so excited!
Megan shares, “That day is so special to us because it was the day both of our lives changed for the better. We are extremely blessed and grateful for our special bond. ”
Can’t wait to share more from their wedding this fall!
Hungry For More?
Engagements: Did you enjoy this Reading PA engagement session? Check out a few of my featured engagement sessions here.
Bear Creek: Megan & Yaniel will be married this fall at Bear Creek Mountain Resort. To get a sneak peek of their wedding venue, check out some of my work there, here.