INSPIRATION LAKE ENGAGEMENT | SARA & CHEN | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Sara and Chen met their first year of high school as Freshmen. They had first period Gym together. Sara recalls that they shared an immediate connection. Chen, on the other hand, would testify that it was love at first sight. He remembers fondly asking about “the girl in the pink shorts” who would one day become his girlfriend. It was in this Gym class that Chen made his first move, if you call playfully tossing basketballs at Sara’s head a romantic strategy.

OLD LOVE & FRESH PAINT

Chen and Sara began dating when they were 14 and 15. Eight and a half years had flown by. The two had purchased a home together and spent a lot of time talking about their future. They were also spending a lot of time working on the house so that it could be moved into. Sara knew Chen would likely propose before they did so, and knew it was a done deal when her mother and sister randomly invited her out for manicures.

On the particular day of the proposal, Chen asked Sara to come by the new house. Being the planner that she is, she took a trip out and got a new dress. She had a feeling it was going to be the day and her heart raced as she drove over to their new home. As she verged on tears, she remembered that she had (unfortunately) forgot to use waterproof mascara. She pressed on.

As Sara opened the door, she found Chen down on one knee. He had lit tons of candles, sprinkled rose petals all about, and she found behind him a message on the wall. Painted behind Chen the message read, “IT’S ABOUT TIME, RIGHT? MAKE ME THE HAPPIEST MAN IN THE WORLD. WILL YOU MARRY ME?” All of Sara’s memories blur after this moment. Thankfully, Chen had hired a photographer to capture it all.

YOU MY FUTURE WIFEY

For Sara and Chen, the date all came down to finding the perfect venue. They are getting married at Stone Manor Country Club in September. Aside from being surrounded by loved ones celebrating their day, Sara and Chen are most excited about being married to one another. They both admitted that they feel they have been through it all together. All of these years have led up to this, and while it was difficult to put into words, they know the day will be “one for the books.”

FIVE FUN FACTS

Sara and Chen’s favorite restaurant is Cava Mezze. They love to try new recipes at home, and consider themselves “foodies.”
The pair just played “bride and groom” for me in a styled collaboration last month! What better way to prepare for your big day than a dress rehearsal?
Sara admitted that even after all this time, their song remained “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” circa 2008.
If they could invite one celebrity to their wedding, it would be Oprah. They both agreed she would undoubtedly give an amazing toast.
Chen said, “we eat pasta with our chopsticks and rice with our forks!”