Nicole&Declan
They warned me right away—“We’re so awkward in front of the camera.” And like so many couples who say that, they couldn’t have been more wrong. From the very first step on the trail, it was clear: this session wasn’t about perfectly posed moments or forced smiles. It was about them—their laughter, their little glances, the way they instinctively reached for each other’s hand.
These two are the definition of adventurous spirits. Whether it was climbing over rocks, dancing in the golden light, or just quietly taking in the view side by side, their connection made every moment effortless. It didn’t matter where we were or what the camera was doing—their love showed up in every frame. Not because they posed perfectly, but because they were completely themselves.
This wasn’t just a hike or a photo shoot. It was an experience that captured their story—one of joy, curiosity, and a deep bond that doesn’t need direction to shine
How did you meet!? Tell your story.
Nicole: We first met probably in middle school and in during our high school years we were in the same friend group all the way until we graduated. Wasn’t until after our first year of college that we started dating and getting to really know one another on a deeper scale!
Declan: We went to the same school growing up and became good friends in high school.
What was your first date and how did it go?
Nicole: Our first unofficial date was to an Italian ice shop called Ralph’s Italian ices. The date went really well considering we had already been friends for a while. Our first official date though was at a beach where we just sat and talked and contemplated staying friends or being more cause I was going back away to college and it was tricky . Wasn’t till a few weeks later we decided to give it a shot.
Declan: Our first date was at Ralph’s just getting Italian ice. Nicole will say our first date was to the beach. Both went really well.
When did you realize you had found “THE ONE”?
Nicole: Over 8 years of being together there’s always a lot of ups and down I’m not sure if I can pin point exactly when. I mean off the bat he was always great to me. Driving far to visit me at school and making time for me always when I’d come home. But I think it wasn’t until I was taking my CPA test crying almost every day and miserable quite literally every day for 2-3 years straight that I knew because he stood by me the whole time and tried to make me less miserable whenever and however he could. Kind of just proved he’d always be there for me.<3
Declan: Not sure if there was a specific time, but I am always happy and having fun when I am with her.
What do you love most about each other?
Nicole: He makes me laugh! Even when I get down he always finds a way to make me laugh.
Declan: We can joke around and laugh together at all times. And we can just be together watching a show and still have fun.
Just look at the cuteness and laughter in this photo when we reached the top of Bald Mountain — you can just tell how comfortable they are with each other and how much fun they have together, no matter what they’re doing
Tell Us about the proposal! How did it happen? Was it a surprise? What were you feeling!?
Nicole: I had no idea. My best friend told me we were going to go running on this bike path by the beach on a Sunday afternoon in March. I was actually wrapping myself up in layers for the run and then the sun started to come out and it got warmer so I decided to just bring some layers incase. She picked me up and as we walked a bit down the path for our “warm up” we came across a bunch of pictures of Declan and I and a sign that says “our story” leading me to Declan where he proposed. It was subtle and just perfect!
Declan: I had her friend bring her to a beach by our house where we set up pictures for her to walk to, to me on the beach.
When Nicole talks about Declan, her eyes light up. "He’s seriously the funniest person I know," she says with a grin. She describes Declan, "He can make me laugh even when I’ve had the worst day. And he’s not just funny—he’s handsome and athletic”
Declan, in turn, doesn’t hold back when it comes to complimenting Nicole. "She’s the kind of smart that surprises you in the best ways—super thoughtful and quick-witted. And she’s beautiful—obviously. But more than that, she’s just... fun to be around. She makes everything better."
Together, they describe their relationship in three words: fun, adventurous, and laid back. "We’re always up for something—trying new food spots, spontaneous road trips, or just chilling at home doing absolutely nothing," Nicole says. Declan nods in agreement. "It never feels forced with us. We laugh a lot, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and I think that’s what makes it work. It’s easy, in the best possible way.
If your relationship had a theme song what would it be and why!?
Nicole: Declan’s totally going to say like “who let the dogs out” or something like that but I think maybe “accidentally in love” by counting crows? Like I said we were always in the same friend group growing up and then just randomly happened to fall for each other after high school. Just seems like it fits.
Declan: accidentally in love because it kind of just happened
So, I even love these answers because not only did they individually give me their answers without each other’s knowledge, but they chose the SAME SONG! Talk about compatible right!? When talking about their love story I love this song from them because their story starts in high school in the same friend group and throughout the years, they never saw each other in a way of dating then college hit, and they decided to give a relationship a try! 8 years later and the rest is history!
If your relationship had a theme song what would it be and why!?
How funny is it they both picked quotes from the same movie!
Nicole: Too many lol. We are big on movie or show quotes.. “when I feel it I do it” is probably the one we say the most
Declan: Hard to pick one we share movie quotes all the time. Anything from just go with it. “Don’t pour over me”
As they look ahead to their wedding day, Nicole and Declan want their families to know just how deeply they love and appreciate each of you. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and love have meant the world to them throughout this journey. They truly can't wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you by their side. And before they go, they just want to take a moment to say to each other, from the bottom of their hearts: I love you!
A heartfelt thank you to Nicole and Declan for trusting me to capture such a special moment in your journey together. It was an absolute joy getting to meet you both and learn all about your beautiful love story. Your engagement session was so much fun, and I already can’t wait to document your big day next August—it’s going to be incredible!
