From Bumble to the Shore: A New Jersey Cabin Engagement
Lauren (she/her) & Kelley first matched on Bumble back when Kelley wasn’t looking for anything serious and Lauren was brand new to the app. A first date at Hop Shop in Staten Island quickly turned into late-night conversations and weekly trips between Staten Island and Central Jersey. From there came shared Halloween traditions, support through challenges, and eventually a proposal at Kelley’s dad’s annual Halloween party. Their engagement session with Jess Glass captured exactly what they wanted: moody, intimate, and true to them, inside a tiny beach cabin in New Jersey.
How did you fall in love?
Kelley: We met on Bumble. I wasn’t looking for anything serious, and she was brand new to the app. Her Instagram was basically nine photos, most of babies and graffiti, so I wasn’t sure if I was dating a single mom or getting catfished by a 55-year-old man.
We set up a date at Hop Shop in Staten Island. While I waited, an older guy kept pacing the bar, and I was convinced that was “Lauren.” But then the 90s lesbian heartthrob of my dreams walked in, bright red and avoiding eye contact.
We talked until 2 a.m., which is wild since Lauren is usually asleep by 10. After that night, I stopped messaging anyone else. Something in my gut told me she was different, and I’m so glad I listened.
How did you pick the proposal location?
Kelley: Lauren always said she was too nervous to propose, so I knew it would be me. When I asked how she’d picture it, she said a beach with family and friends. I thought beaches were overdone, but it was about the gesture, not the place.
Since we both love Halloween, I planned it during the annual party my dad and I host. She wouldn’t question everyone showing up. My dad’s house has always been special, it’s where our love grew, so it was the perfect spot.
Tell us all the juicy details of the proposal! What happened on the day?
Kelley: My dad went all out with decorations (he even dressed up as a priest). I was a wreck, rehearsing my lines over and over, while Lauren showed up after work excited to see all her friends and family. I played it off as party jitters, but really I was terrified. She, of course, was drinking enough for both of us.
When it came time for the costume contest, my dad announced us as winners. Lauren sprinted toward the goodie basket, completely oblivious. My dad handed me the mic, and I took her hand to start my speech. Before I could get through it, she blurted out, “Wait, you’re freaking out, are you breaking up with me?” The rest was history.
What were the emotions and thoughts running through your mind when you realized you were about to propose?
Kelley: It’s hard to keep a secret from your partner when they’re also your best friend. Thankfully, I could blame my nerves on the Halloween party, but it was still tough. I knew it would be worth it to make her feel special and celebrated in front of the people she loves.
Even though I was a nervous wreck about speaking my feelings in front of a crowd, it wasn’t about me. It was about showing her that she is seen, she is heard, and she means everything to me.
Did you propose with a ring? What was the experience like finding it?
Kelley: I found Lauren’s ring at the first shop I went into. She always liked diamond bands, but I wanted something with more personality. At Shoshany Jewelers, the first case had it: a yellow gold band covered in diamonds that caught the light at every angle. It did the damn thing.
We checked one other place, but the salesman felt shady, so we went right back and bought it. Shoshany let me propose with the display ring, and the next day we had one custom made to her size. She loves it.
Have you faced any challenges since the engagement?
It felt like one disaster after another. Our first venue went bankrupt less than three months after we put down almost $12K, so we had to start over and lost our original date. Then, five months before the wedding, our cat Tyler was diagnosed with cancer, and we had to say goodbye a month later. On top of that came family drama, bridal party stress, and major changes at work.
Through it all, we’ve been each other’s safe space. Even in the hardest moments, she can still make me laugh until my stomach hurts, and that’s what I treasure most.
How’s your wedding experience so far?
Kelley: We’re a week out from the wedding, and honestly, we’re just ready for it to be over. Neither of us ever pictured having a big wedding (I always wanted to elope) but Lauren’s family really wanted to see her get married.
Looking back, we both agree we should have eloped. The stress and cost just aren’t worth it to make other people happy. We’re excited to finally be married and start our lives together, but our advice to other couples? Skip the wedding and spend the money on an amazing honeymoon.
Why did you choose to have engagement photos taken?
We found our photographer, Jess Glass, on Zola and loved her dark, moody, yet sensual style. Her wedding package came with a complimentary engagement shoot, so we thought, why not?
We wanted something that felt like us, not a staged beach shoot or standing in a park in formalwear. So we rented a tiny home by the shore for a private session where we could just be ourselves. It was perfect, and we had an amazing time.
How are you organizing your wedding planning?
We’ve got a lot of checklists on poster boards and we’re using Zola. Honestly, we’re kind of rawdogging this wedding planning, but at least we’re keeping it fun. I mean, how many people do you know have a piñata full of joints and edibles at their cocktail hour?
Photography by Jess Glass
Ring Shoshany Jewelers
