Megan + Ben Engaged!

Being homeschool parents brings a unique aspect to each of our client interactions. It’s a hard thing for me to sometimes “turn off” the homeschool mom in me, so you’ll likely find me spouting some random educational fact. Or you’ll find Jake teaching someone the art of finding four leaf clovers. Megan + Ben probably didn’t consider they were signing up for such a significant skill when they booked us for their 2024 wedding.

The day of their engagement, we met down at Van Lierop Park for a quick session in the lupine field. I’ve mentioned before how I love this place, but did you know that the adjacent Farm 12 was actually named by the Van Lierop family because it was their 12th bulb farm? The Van Lierop family encompassed five generations of local family farmers, who’s presence still graces the Sumner and Puyallup Valleys in various ways. Farm 12, Van Lierop Park and Van Lierop Garden Market all have ties to the farmers of the valley.

When Jake and I arrived, we were a bit early as we always try to be. I started scouting for the best spot and checking the light, while Jake apparently went off on his own. I legit turned around and had no idea where he was, until he popped up with a four-leaf clover. You’d best believe I rolled my eyes and walked back over to meet Megan + Ben, hoping he’d get on board and follow me. (Guess what? He didn’t.)

When Megan + Ben arrived, we chatted for a minute while Jake caught up to us. He was still off looking for clovers while I moved through our session. By the end of 15 minutes, I’d gotten some amazing photos of these two, but now Ben was equally as distracted as Jake was. (If you’re not laughing now, you will be in a minute or two).

You see, Jake had started giving his four-leaf clover speech and instructing Ben on how to best find them. In order for these rare clovers to grow, the soil has to be the perfect acidity and a combination of the right nutrients. Once you find one, you’re likely to find another if you just keep looking. So while I had Megan + Ben seated for the last set of poses, I suddenly heard “Found one!” and looked around my camera to see that Ben was holding up his own four-leaf clover.

I guess you can say, their engagement session was everyone’s lucky day.