Philly Art Museum E-Session |Mary Kate & Justin

Mary Kate and Justin met in December 2018 at a track and field coaching conference in Atlantic City. During that time, Justin was a collegiate track coach, and MK was coaching at the high school level. They met through a mutual friend at the coach's social and quickly enjoyed a great initial conversation. That evening, they went to Boogie Nights and danced the night away. And the rest was history.

This lovely couple had the most significant shared interest in track and field (they were both former track athletes). They also like being active (working out, riding bikes, and just being outside), and both love animals. They each rescued a dog before they met and now their dogs are siblings. What’s more is that they both prefer warm weather, traveling, and going out to dinner. Mary Kate and Justin have excellent communication and a similar moral compass. Because of this, they both support and encourage each other to grow into the best versions of themselves.

 
The Proposal:

The proposal took place at The Yards Park’s bridge in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, DC. They had spent all day walking around Washington, DC. and exploring all of the monuments. After visiting the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, they took an Uber to Navy Yard to explore the place and to meet one of Justin's former athletes who lives in the area. This was an excuse to get Mary Kate to Navy Yard. 

While walking over a cool-looking bridge, Justin stopped her to take a picture and grab some water for himself. He bent down to reach into his bag and pulled out a box. He then finally confessed that they hadn't actually come to Navy Yard to meet up with Kaila, and then he kneeled and asked her to marry him. 

She said, yes, of course! 

Then at the end of the bridge, there were a lot of cheers. She looked over and saw some of their closest friends and family hiding at the end of the bridge, watching the proposal. 

The proposal wasn't a complete surprise since Justin and Mary Kate had been ring shopping. They had discussions about their timeline for when they wanted to be engaged and married. But, the setting and their friends being present was a complete surprise. When she saw the effort and thought that went into this moment, Mary Kate was overwhelmed with emotion. 

The proposal's location was significant for them because it was where they spent their first overnight trip together earlier in their relationship.

Here are some favorites from their Philly Art Museum e-session beautifully captured by Ralph Deal Photography.