Sarah + Jared Engagement Session | Nights of Lights| St. Augustine, Florida
“I love her heart for Jesus, she prioritizes Him over everything and I can see how her life clearly changed after accepting Him as Lord. I love that she is a hard worker, prioritizes friends/family, and knows how to make people feel cared for. She is very reasonable and kind. Knows how to have fun and still have strong values. There is no one else I would want to spend the rest of my life with!”
“I love His intentionality/thoughtfulness - he asked my love language on day one and is great at gift giving and words of affirmation. He always tries his best to make me feel known and loved. Jared is also very goofy and always makes me laugh. His wisdom of Gods word has been encouraging to me since the day we met and I know he will lead our future family well.”
As wedding photographers, we have the unique privilege of witnessing countless love stories, each one as unique and beautiful as the next. But there's something truly special about Sarah and Jared's journey that has touched my heart in a profound way. As we prepare for their wedding this weekend, we wanted to take a moment to share their incredible love story and some magical moments from their engagement session during the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, Florida.
Sarah and Jared's story began in July 2023, when they matched on Hinge. Jared, who lived in Orlando, was immediately drawn to Sarah's profile, captivated by her intentionality and deep love for God. Without wasting a moment, he asked her out to dinner that very night. What Sarah didn't know at the time was that Jared wasn't already in Jacksonville—he drove two hours that same day just to meet her. It was a bold move, but one that set the tone for their intentional and heartfelt relationship.
Their first date was at a cozy restaurant where they quickly connected over their shared faith, values, and interests. The evening flowed naturally into a lighthearted and playful walk along Atlantic Beach, filled with laughter and meaningful conversation. Their connection was undeniable, and by the end of the night, they had already made plans for the next day—to attend church together and enjoy a scenic bike ride on the beach.
As the weeks went by, the distance between their cities didn’t deter them. Instead, it strengthened their bond. Jared suggested they write letters to each other, a beautiful and intentional way to deepen their connection. The first letter Sarah received left her smiling from ear to ear, touched by Jared’s thoughtfulness and encouragement. These letters, along with long FaceTime calls and weekend visits, became the foundation of their blossoming relationship. Each conversation was spiritually uplifting, reinforcing their confidence in their future together.
On December 9th, 2023, Jared took their love story to the next chapter with a heartfelt backyard proposal. In true Jared fashion, he wrote and read one final letter as Sarah’s boyfriend, pouring his heart out before asking her to be his wife. With tears in her eyes and joy in her heart, Sarah said an enthusiastic "YES," marking the beginning of their forever.
I asked both Sarah + Jared what attracted them to eachother at first and heres what they had to say…spoiler alert- they basically said the same thing =)
“He is a cutie that loves Jesus (it was on his profile) which was confirmed on our first date!”
“She knew what she wanted and that was a serious relationship that was Christ-centered. And of course she's a DIME.”
ugh, arnt they just the cutest, sweetest couple ever?!? Their engagement session during the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine was nothing short of sweet + magical. The historic city, adorned with millions of sparkling lights, provided a breathtaking backdrop for their love.
We began their engagement session at Magnolia Avenue, often called as one of the prettiest streets in America. The majestic canopy of oak trees draped in Spanish moss created a stunning and romantic setting. Sarah and Jared’s playful and sweet nature shone through immediately. They needed no prompts to enjoy themselves; their laughter and joy were genuine and contagious.
From Magnolia Avenue, we made our way to the Lightner Museum and the Plaza. The Nights of Lights transformed these historic landmarks into a winter wonderland, with millions of twinkling lights creating a magical backdrop. As we wandered through the illuminated streets, it was evident how deeply they cared for each other. Every glance, every touch, and every shared laugh captured their genuine affection and the joy of being together.
Next, we wandered down Aviles Street and other cobblestone alleys, each turn revealing more charming and picturesque scenes. Watching Sarah and Jared interact was a joy; they were completely in sync, effortlessly bringing out the best in each other. Their happiness was infectious, and it was clear that they were meant to be together.
Throughout the evening, I was struck by how genuinely joyful and content they were in each other’s company. Their love is the kind that fills a room and touches everyone around them. It was a privilege to witness and capture these moments, knowing that they are just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.
Sarah + Jared, we can’t help but feel excited for your upcoming wedding. Your wedding day is sure to be filled with sweet moments, joy, and happiness. Sarah and Jared, thank you for letting us be part of your story. We can’t wait to see you become husband and wife this weekend and to capture the beautiful memories that will mark the beginning of your forever. Wishing you all the best and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!
see you soon!
xoxo,
Kristina + Jerico
