Cooper River Engagement Photographer: Alex and Ali

On a warm August night, I met Alex and Ali at Cooper River Park in Collingswood for engagement photographs. Ali was stunning in a gorgeous white dress, fit for a bride, and I loved Alex's style, rocking a vest. Ali and Alex are so easy going and super fun to be around- the kind of people you could see yourself hanging out for hours and it just seems like mere minutes have past. I will forever remember the gorgeous willow tree with the sun light streaming through it, making the most amazing backdrop for Ali and Alex's engagement session. We started on one side of the river, and ended on the other, with a breaktaking sunset.

A willow tree + golden hour = ah-mazing.

That dress! I LOVE it!

There's a lot of little hidden spots at Cooper River that are just magical.

I LOVE a good sunset! Some nights are more gorgeous than others.

We ended with a silhouette with Philadelphia behind us.

Asbury Park Engagement Session: Eric and Becky

Color. Art. Music. Asbury Park.

Who doesn't love it there? Becky and Eric are artistic, colorful, expressive- if they were going to be a place, they would be Asbury Park. I was ecstatic for this engagement session, because I've known Becky for so many years and I knew she would be down for anything. Cue the rain. The forecast called for a 20% chance of rain- if you've been reading my blog posts, you might notice a common theme- how annoying I find the forecast :) As I drove to Asbury Park, I convinced myself the rain I was driving through must have just been passing showers, but they didn't end. As we met in the Convention Center through raindrops, we decided we would just shoot and make it work (after all, that's what would happen on a wedding day!) It's not the easiest shoot, having to hold your bag the entire time, putting your camera away after every couple of shots, but it makes every shot much more intentional. I couldn't be more happy that we decided to shoot in the rain. It made a unique session even more memorable.  Thank you so much to Becky, Eric, and the lovely Mackenzie for braving the weather!

A must-have shot in front of the Casino in Asbury Park, NJ.

I love the murals in Asbury Park- so colorful.

It's a good day when you can have the entire boardwalk to yourselves.

Princeton Battlefield State Park Engagement: Brian and Christina

Christina and I worked together years ago- I instantly liked her. She's creative, funny, has a great taste for music, and a heart of gold. When she got engaged, I had dreams about shooting her wedding, literally. Weird? Maybe. But I was so excited for her and I was even more excited when she reached out to me! I was honored to meet the man that won Christina's heart. Brian is nice, has a great sense of humor, and makes Christina giggle like no other! We had a great time chatting about buying houses, wedding planning, and the long list of concerts they were going to see. I'm so happy for Christina and Brian as they start the next chapter in their life, and I'm even more excited that I'm the lucky one to photograph it all. Can't wait!

Barclay Farmstead Engagement, Cherry Hill, NJ: Joe and Jaclyn

Jaclyn and Joe had been planning on a beach engagement session and then the weather stepped into our plans. They were flexible and we decided to stay local for their engagement session. When they asked for suggestions on the perfect location, of course I mentioned Barclay Farmstead in Cherry Hill, NJ. It's a hidden gem just minutes away from the bustling highway yet so private. I love that there is so much variety in one location- plus it's dog friendly! Jaclyn and Joe brought their amazing dog- Cooper! They were all so much fun and easy to photograph (yes, you Cooper)! Don't worry, there's more of that adorable guy as soon as their wedding hits the blog. I absolutely love when dogs make an appearance at an engagement session AND even more so when they are involved on the wedding day!

Ocean City Boardwalk Engagement, Ocean City, NJ: Geoff and Danielle

On a rainy day, I constantly refreshed my weather app, hoping we wouldn't need to reschedule Geoff and Danielle's engagement session in Ocean City, New Jersey. We decided to go through with it even though rain was in the forecast. When I arrived that evening, it was raining- but just a little- the kind of rain where you're not sure whether your umbrella should be opened or closed.  Geoff and Danielle said they were willing to brave the rain- so we did. It was pretty amazing because anybody who goes to Ocean City in the summer knows just how crowded it can be... well there was hardly anybody there. It was almost bizarre to see it so quiet, but it made for some amazing photos. We started on the beach just by the Music Pier in Ocean City and then made our way up to the iconic boardwalk. Geoff knows just how to make Danielle laugh and watching them interact is so adorable. They both have such an amazing sense of humor and it makes me so excited to be a part of their wedding day.

Geoff loves all things sea related- boats, fishing- you name it, so Geoff and Danielle wanted to incorporate that in their engagement session. They choose Ocean City, NJ- perfection.

We shot on the beach just by the Music Pier in Ocean City, NJ.

It was drizzling but we were able to on the beach and boardwalk to capture some great engagement photographs.

Nothing says "Ocean City," like the boardwalk and rides- a total must-have for an engagement session. 

Since it was raining ever so slightly, there was NOBODY on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ- something I've never seen. It was so awesome.

Wissahickon Trail Engagement, Philadelphia PA: Zane and Deana

It started with a conversation between Deana and me. She asked if I would be willing to shoot their engagement session in a location that involved rock climbing, something that Deana and Zane love to do. Did it sound crazy and a little challenging? Yes and Yes, and I was instantly up for it. We discussed wardrobe, hair and makeup- I advised Deana to go all out- and boy, did she. We met on a windy Sunday in May at Wissahickon Valley Trail in Fairmont Park in Philadelphia, PA. Deana showed up in a gorgeous peach gown from Nordstrom, professional makeup, gorgeous locks and HEELS. I still am in shock. I wore Toms and almost fell more times than I wish to share. Deana ROCKED her heels. (Zane was pretty cool too.) We hiked through lush foliage, fallen trees, and massive rocks. We made our way to Devil's Pool for some stunning shots just as dusk fell upon us.  Deana and Zane are just so adorable together- you could tell by the way Zane helped Deana along wet, rocky paths (even though she didn't need an ounce of help) that they are just made for each other. I am beyond excited for their wedding next year in Philadelphia at the Curtis Center.

When a tree is in your way, just cut a path through it.. because who doesn't want to stand in the middle for an adorable shot? The Wissahickon Trail was full of amazing little spots for Deana and Zane's engagement session.

Deana braved some creepy, crawly bugs by this tree at the Wissahickon Trail in Philadelphia during their engagement session.

Don't they look like they are in their own secluded wilderness? Hard to believe its in Philadelphia!

Deana and Zane are so adorable together. I cannot wait for their wedding at The Curtis Center next year!

Deana was in HEELS- yes, heels at Wissahickon Trail. Climbing rocks, sitting on the edge of a steep hill, and also sitting on a fallen over tree that is literally just above the water. SO adventurous- I love it.

So much greenery- it makes my photographer heart sing!

Zane was a perfect gentleman helping Deana navigate through the rocky stream by Devil's Pool in Wissahickon Creek.... and then he also helped me. Save the camera, let me fall in!

Deana and Zane climbed up, up, up to get to this gorgeous spot by Devil's Pool in the Wissahickon Creek. Did I mention there were people swimming?! Just feet from Deana and Zane were two men jumping into a small water hole from a great height- and I looked away because it looked really dangerous and it was FREEZING. Can you tell I have no inner daredevil?

Absolutely adorable together

I could hardly put my camera down since everything seemed like a photo op, but alas we were losing light and we were exhausted!

Columbus, NJ Engagement: Mike + Emily

As wedding season approaches, and my maternity leave comes to an end, I'm getting pumped up about getting back out and shooting.  Although Spring is officially here, I just had to share this dreamy Fall engagement session with Emily and Mike. I have to give the future groom all of the credit for finding this awesome location with the colorful foliage that all engaged couples dream of for their photos :) I am beyond excited to capture their big day in July!

Smithville Mansion, Mount Holly, NJ Engagement: Chris + Victoria

I've known Chris and Victoria for years- we've shot countless family sessions, and it was only a matter of time before this type of session was going to happen- their engagement session- and I couldn't be happier for them! They are the perfect match, along with their son, Aiden, they handle life with a toddler with a smile, and look amazing doing it. We headed to Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly and no matter how many times I've shot there, it never gets old. There are so many different spots around each corner, and it means something different to each couple. We were hoping to catch the fall foliage before it all came down, and luckily, we did! We were able to get some shots with Aiden before just focusing on the newly engaged couple. I'm so excited to be there to document Chris and Victoria's (and Aiden, too) big day next June!

Kirby's Mill, Medford, NJ Engagement: Taro + Kim

Kim and Taro met like so many other couples, online dating. The unique twist in their story is Kim had signed up that night, and Taro was the first person to message her. It was love ever since- if that’s not fate, I don’t know what is! When I met Kim and Taro via FaceTime almost a year ago, I was so excited to have the opportunity to work with them both. Kim is super sweet and bubbly, and Taro is always smiling (which makes for the cutest combination). We’ve stayed connected on Facebook and Instagram, so when we finally met in person, it felt like catching up with old friends. The day of their engagement session it was drizzling all day long, and I was unnerved at the thought of having to reschedule since it wouldn’t be easy with Kim and Taro living out of town. Luckily, it cleared up shortly before and we were able to get some great photographs at Kirby’s Mill in Medford, NJ. Did I mention there was a special guest at their session? The latest addition to their family, Chairlie. He is such a sweet, excited, and super obedient pup- the combination of a perfect gentleman. My favorite moment had to be when he started biting and chasing his leash while Kim and Taro were romantically strolling along- you’ll see below! I’m so happy to be a part of their big day next October at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club!

Kirby's Mill is known for the gorgeous red barn, so we had to take full advantage of that!

This is my favorite shot of Charlie- check out his eyes!

...and this showcases Charlie the super obedient pup. He's amazing.

How adorable are Kim and Taro together!?

Taro was in charge of throwing leaves with his left hand... seconds later a huge, clumpy pile of leaves fell on their heads, making for a hilarious moment.

Carousel Park, Delaware Engagement: Heather & Tom

I love everything about Heather & Tom's wedding plans. Their wedding will be my first December wedding and of course we are all hoping for just a pinch of those big, fluffy snowflakes that make for gorgeous photos- but not too many! I was so excited when Heather told me she wanted a snowy engagement session. We started watching the weather forecast and hoping for snow. It would be predicted... then it didn't snow, and again... and again... until finally one day IT HAPPENED! We met at a gorgeous location that Heather and Tom found, Carousel Park in Wilmington, Delaware. Highlights of their engagement session included a large party of feathered friends that crashed a couple of photos (see below), as well as a soft, dusk sky to end the session. Heather and Tom were willing to do just about anything to get the shot including not wearing jackets for quite some time, holding snow, and handling wildlife (well, almost). I'm so excited to see these two again, on their wedding day!