I just had the incredible pleasure of photographing this beautiful couple’s wedding this past weekend! But we also did their Palm Springs engagement photos session out in the beautiful desert last week. While I’m working away on their wedding photos (and so eager to share them!) I wanted to share some of their adorable Palm Springs engagement photos and share their story in the meantime because it is awesome and definitely one worth sharing!!

These two were living on opposite sides of the country; her in Washington, DC and him in Northern California and can you guess where they crossed paths for the first time?  In Iceland.  Yes, you heard that right… Iceland!  How, you ask?

How they met

From him: ““…so we’re going to drive around Iceland in an RV…you should come with us!“ said my friends Ehren and Julie.  Now some people would think twice before joining a married couple on their vacation, but I’m not one of those people.  I’ve traveled with them multiple times, crashing their vacations for years even after they were married.  Fortunately, after some hesitation, Sabita (who was mutual friends with them) also decided to join us on our two-week trip and we were able to keep each other company while Ehren and Julie took off walking at light speed at every opportunity.  We became fast friends and were able to entertain ourselves for hours as the miles passed by the RV window.  At the end of the trip, we found ourselves without anything to say as we headed to the airport.  Those easy conversations were left behind as we sat silently; every mile bringing us closer to the airport that would take us to opposite coasts.  I used my time flying home across the Canadian tundra to write her an inappropriately long letter to let her know how I felt about her and our time together.”

Dating

From him: “Five days after we got back from Iceland, I flew to Washington DC to see Sabita, and she organized a picnic on the banks of the Potomac overlooking the monuments.  We had charcuterie and wine, and then walked down the national mall.  Then continued dating long-distance for the following eight months, spending countless hours on the phone recounting our days and lamenting the distance.  We developed a massive carbon footprint criss-crossing the country every other week to spend every available weekend together.  Sabita was offered a temporary contract to move to California, and work in San Francisco.  We settled into our routine, and went about the business of building our new life together.  A year later, we were engaged, and are excited to take the next step on our journey together.”

The Proposal

From him: “Because we were dating long distance, we spent a lot of time on the phone.  One time when we were in the middle of one of our marathon phone calls, she mentioned in passing that she would want to be proposed to in a grocery store.  When the time came, I remembered that little piece of information, and one evening after dinner I asked her if she wanted to go to the store to get some ice cream.  I pretended to not know what I wanted while I waited for some other customers to leave the ice cream aisle at Whole Foods, and then told her that I knew exactly what I wanted.  I got on one knee, and proposed.”

From Her

“He only ever eats vanilla ice cream, so I thought it was weird that he was pacing around like he couldn’t make up his mind.  Eventually, though, he said “I know what I want” and got down on one knee.  I was smiling and crying and the rest was a blur until he finally said “Can I get an answer?  My knee is starting to really hurt.”  Matt said he chose this location to propose because at some point, when we had been dating long distance about 4 months, apparently I mentioned that if someone were to propose to me, I would want them to do it in a grocery store.  I don’t recall this conversation, but I definitely recall the sentiment.  My view is that it’s easy to feel emotional and optimistic and romantic at the beach or in Paris or some 5-star restaurant, but the real romance of life is choosing to do ordinary things with someone.  So the proposal in the grocery store was awesome.  Sadly, though, we were so excited that we forgot to buy any ice cream.”

From her: “I knew he was the one when I was feeling ill one day and was lying on the floor of the bathroom, and he came in and laid down next to me and read me a funny book.”

Their Love Story Continues

Him: “We love to travel, and we take trips as often as we can.  In the times in between trips, we like to cook, watch sports and attend concerts.”
From her:  “… And drink wine.  Oh, and lounge on the couch.  We just really like hanging out together.”

From her: “I love his joyful demeanor.  He brings such optimism and fun to everything.”
From him: “Sabita is smarter than everyone I know, she never makes anyone feel dumb by comparison and she revels in the insanity of my jokes.”

When asked what 3 words best describe each other…

From him: “She is brilliant, elegant and silly.”
From her: “How do I choose three?  He is amazing, dynamic, lovable, clever, thoughtful, witty, and loves life.  In a word: awesome.”

Sabita and Matt, it has been such a joy getting to know you two this past week!  Your love for each other is so incredibly beautiful and oh-so-adorable and I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to capture their Palm Springs engagement photos!  I can’t wait to share your wedding images with you!!  So much love for you two!

Love!
Stefani Ciotti