Yaeisha and Howard dated for 14 months before he popped the questions. “Time didn’t seem to exist when I was with Howard. Our dates would last into the wee hours of the morning. He always had me laughing to the point of tears even,” says Yaeisha. “I remember being with him at a local park the fall after we began dating, and I told him that he had many qualities that I wanted in a life partner.”

On the day of the proposal, Howard told Yaeisha he had something to tell her, and came to her work, card and roses in hand. “I asked him what he needed to tell me. He leaned back coolly on his car, gave me a sly grin, and asked if I would marry him. I chuckled, and said only if he promised me a lifetime of scrapple — a PA delicacy. He agreed,” she laughs. “He was cool like a cowboy. I love that the proposal was characteristically him and not necessarily what some people think a proposal should look like.”

For their engagement shoot, they chose three locations in their city of Philadelphia. First was Wissahickon Valley Park where the lovebirds often go on walks and take in all of the beautiful scenery. “Howard is a proclaimed ‘country boy,’ and the park is a nice respite in the city where he can feel right at home,” adds Yaeisha.

Next up was the Fountain Street steps in Manayunk. “We take these steps a lot on our walks down the Tow Path. Philadelphia has a fantastic mural arts program, which the step are a part of. We both enjoy art and regularly attend First Friday art shows around the city. I knew I wanted the beautiful backdrop of the steps to be a part of our photos.”

Lastly, they went to the Glendinning Rock Garden. “Glendinning is a new find for us. I drive by it every day after work, but never knew it was there!”

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