Sarah & Jason // Grove City College Engagement Photographer

Sarah & Jason’s story begins with them meeting each other & not even realizing it.

Sarah was touring Grove City College in preparation to begin attending in the fall. Part of that initial tour was the opportunity to sit in on a class: Orchestra Class. As a music education major, Sarah would become intimately involved in the orchestra & music programs that Grove City offered, so she was excited for the opportunity to preview the class.

Unknown to Sarah, she was seated next to Jason. Even though they didn’t officially meet that day, they both remember the day a bubbly highschooler came through & she was sat next to the serious (but soft on the inside) sophomore bear.

Fast forward a few weeks to the first day of the fall semester – Jason was now a Junior and Sarah was a Freshman. They are convinced that their professor played a little bit of matchmaking by seating the two of them together. Because, just like that first day when Sarah was touring the college, she walked into Orchestra Class, and found her place next to the same guy.

They quickly became friends over a mutual love for music, stringed-instruments, and learning. She found him a great listener, and he found her intriguing. The semester flew by with classes, homework, and a close knit circle of friends (two of which might be very familiar). And suddenly it was fall break. The long weekend meant that Sarah was planning to head home – her first time home since going away to college. Home was only about 2 hours away, so it was an easy trip. Jason on the other hand, was not planning a trip home. His parents lived much further away, and the trip simply wasn’t practical.

Before Sarah left, Jason dropped the innocent comment: “I really wish I could get off this campus & be in a house for a few days.” For a moment, she considered inviting her new, close friend to come spend the weekend with her & her family, but then she dismissed the ideas as crazy. There was no way she could bring a guy home on her first trip home from college – no way.

She got in her car & drove the 2 hours home. But upon arriving, she felt lonely. Sure, she was back in her old bedroom, in her old house, but she missed her friends and college life. Taking a leap of faith, she explained to her Mom that she’d become good friends with this guy who’s family lived too far away for him to travel home to on a short fall break weekend. Making a snap decision, she asked her Mom if it would be okay if he came to spend the weekend with them.

Her Mom said yes.
Sarah excitedly made the phone call to Jason to invite him up for the weekend. He must have been waiting for her call because hardly 2 hours later, he was knocking on her front door.

They spent the weekend together and realized that they really enjoyed each other’s company – more than just as friends. They came back to school intent on keeping their baby relationship under wraps. But there was just one problem: all of their friends could already see what was happening. Most of them had already put the pieces together before fall break had even rolled around. And so, around Thanksgiving, when they officially announced their dating relationship, everyone responded with a resounding: “DUH”.

For Sarah & Jason’s engagement photos, we decided to head back to the place where it all started – Grove City College. I’ve heard a lot about Grove City & know quite a few people who have attended there, but I’ve never been there myself. It is an absolutely gorgeous campus that I think we could have continued touring around all day long! The grounds there are obviously filled with so many memories for Sarah & Jason and I was so excited to capture the place where it all began for them for generations to come.

We took a lot of pictures on & around the Rainbow Bridge simply because there is so many traditions & memories tied to it! For example, a Grove City couple isn’t considered “official” until they’ve kissed on the Rainbow Bridge. Also, when a Grove City couple announces their engagement, it is tradition for the guys to toss the gentleman into the creek under the bridge. Both traditions were upheld for Sarah & Jason, so we spent a lot of time around this gorgeous bridge!

Since both Sarah & Jason were Music Majors, both had to perform senior recitals. Thankfully, the music building was semi-unlocked and we were able to sneak in to snag a few photos on one of the stages.