Wow! This post on Ali and Brian’s Engagement Session is LONG overdue!!! Partly because of the Holidays, and partly because this cold winter weather has me feeling a little lazy. (That’s okay to admit right??! ) Ha
So now that I finally have some ambition- I want to brag all about another freakin’ amazing (and fellow Potty mouthed) couple: Alison and Brian!
Ali + Brian
I’m super excited have had the opportunity to hang out with these guys! They booked with me just before Christmas, and we were able to squeeze in their Engagement Session just afterwards!
Why the rush you may ask?! Well- Brian travels all over the country installing custom Rock Climbing walls! (how effin’ cool is that?) And the week of Christmas he was home!
It made for the perfect time to get this Adventurous couple’s engagement session marked off the “to-do” list. Not that an engagement session should be a “to-do’ kinda of task. (I mean… after all they are so much fun!) But they are an important part of the wedding process!
Ali and Brian were referred to me by Ali and John, another kick-ass couple who were married this past year. So I knew right off the bat that we would be a good fit.
About their Engagement Session
They are an adventurous couple who enjoys to Hike, Rock Climb, run and of course enjoy some fun drinks too! These two are bad-ass on so many levels, and we wanted to try and incorporate their love of exploring into their photos. And… thanks to Alyson’s Orchard- , we had the perfect backdrop!
They brought their hiking bags and kept they styles to reflect their authentic selves. These two are just so awesome. So.. read on and get to know them a little!
How did you two meet?
Brian was working as a Door Guy at a local Brighton Bar, Harry’s. Alison moved in next door and Brian checked her ID. Alison joked with Brian that according to her roommate, they were going to be “regulars.” After a few games of trivia at the bar together and a few rock climbing gym sessions later, Ali and Brian started dating.
Tell us about your first date!
Brian will argue that Alison and Brian’s first date was a trip to the local rock climbing gym where they both found their love for a new sport, completed with a post workout trip to Panera. Ali says their first date was to a local restaurant, Publik House followed by after dinner drinks at Washington Square Tavern where they spent hours chatting and closed down the bar.
Tell us about the proposal!
Brian went out for morning errands and came home with beautiful flowers for Ali. Before heading back to New Jersey for his work project, they spent the afternoon going for a small walk around their neighborhood, venturing out to Castle Island . Ali knew something was up and was feeling a little nervous that Brian might purpose with so many people out walking around. They came back from the walk, decided to grab lunch and a drink at the restaurant/bar across the street from their apartment – the Local 149. After lunch, in the living room, on a casual Sunday afternoon, Brian got down on one knee and asked Ali to spend the rest of her life with him – she said YES!
What do you do for fun as a couple?
Everything Outdoors – We are both very active and former college athletes. Brian played lacrosse at Western New England College and Ali was a thrower on the James Madison University Track & Field Team. We enjoy rock climbing, hiking and biking together. We love traveling and exploring new cities together. On trips we are always on the hunt for the best local coffee and beer. However, we are also very happy to simply spend an evening curled up on the couch watching movies and Netflix.
What are some individual hobbies you each have?
Besides rock climbing, Brian likes to fly fish, read books and taste craft beers. He spent the past few years as a rock climbing instructor sharing his passion for climbing with new climbers. This passion lead him to his new job that has him building rock climbing gyms all over the country.
Ali loves to stay active by spinning, boxing and even training for races , having run the Boston Marathon in 2019. She also enjoys cooking and spending time catching up with family and friends over a good cup a coffee.
How are the wedding plans coming along?
We have solidified a bunch of the major vendors including most importantly the venue and a band! Brian and I, are of course still working through the little details since we are only 2 months in to planning. We knew we wanted to get married in the mountains because they are a huge part of our relationship – spending our time in them hiking and climbing together. We are getting married on top of a mountain. Get excited to take the chair lift up to the ceremony!
As a couple who is currently planning their wedding, can you offer any advice?
Pick a time frame and lock down the important vendors ASAP – venue first. Once this is done, take your time to enjoy spending time and picking things out together. This should be fun . Not a chore. You are about to have the biggest party of your life to celebrate your love. Enjoy it! Its ok to be picky or different – its your day! You don’t need to do it like everyone else.
What are your professions?
Brian builds custom rock climbing walls all over the country and Ali works in digital advertising as a Senior Account Strategist .
Anything else that you would like to share?
We are really excited to share our wedding day with family and friends. To us, family and friends are a really important part of our life. We wanted to make this day a celebration that everyone could relax and enjoy. This is one of the biggest reasons we choose Sugarbush Mt as our venue. The location is beautiful, tucked in the Green Mountains of Vermont and with the resort on site, it will allow everyone to stay in one spot and enjoy the entire weekend with us celebrating.
Update! Their Married!
View their wedding day at Sugarbush!
