Batsto Village Engagement, Hammonton, New Jersey: Taylor and Matt

Taylor contacted me specifically looking for a winter engagement session. I was THRILLED because usually clients want the warmth of summer or the leaves falling, so I love when someone comes along and shakes things up! Taylor and Matt landed on Batsto Village in Hammonton for their session location. Batsto is such a great spot- there are so many great locations/textures, there’s water, tall grass, rustic buildings, and to top it off- it’s DOG friendly! Which brings me to the star of the engagement session- Archie, their adorable pup. Well he wasn’t the star, but I sure thought he was the cutest teddy bear I ever saw. Taylor and Matt, we had an amazing session, congratulations on your engagement!!

Ridley Creek State Park Engagement, Pennsylvania: Joe + Amy

Joe and Amy wanted a gorgeous location for their engagement photos with lots of greenery and somewhere their pups could enjoy as well. They came up with the gorgeous Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania and I'm so glad they did! The Hunting Hill Mansion at Ridley Creek State Park, is now used as a wedding venue, and my goodness, how could you go wrong with such a stunning backdrop? Amy and Joe are so much fun to be around- joking every minute, so grabbing smiles was not an issue! Cheers to Amy and Joe’s gorgeous Ridley Creek engagement session!

Smithville Mansion, New Jersey Engagement Session: Scott and Rebecca

If you've been following my work, you've probably noticed this location pop up quite a few times- Historic Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly, New Jersey. My couples love this gorgeous location and it's easy to see why- there's so much variety and looks amazing in every season... not to mention the gorgeous sunset over the lake. Rebecca and Scott are getting married in just a few months and what better way to celebrate than an engagement session. When I saw Rebecca in a white tulle skirt, I was SO excited! I love when couples get a little fancy for their session- it's so inspiring. I was also excited to see Milo, their excited little guy! We had a great evening- see for yourself. :)

Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Engagement: Parker and Jaclyn

On a Sunday evening in July, I met with Parker and Jaclyn in Philadelphia. The plan was to shoot in some of the most meaningful places to them including Penn's Landing and Downey's (where they had their first date). The city was bustling with visitors, delicious-smelling food in the air, and gorgeous colored lights as we stumbled upon Spruce Street Harbor. We found gorgeous flowers, hugely colorful ships and (the best) a mural of Mario (and Luigi) near a small arcade. Parker and Jaclyn stopped at a pop-up beer garden for a glass of their favorite brew as we started our way back towards Penn's Landing. I love the way that Parker makes Jaclyn laugh- I'm sure he's become quite the expert in this when they first started began dating in their long-distance relationship. As clouds rolled in, Jaclyn reminded me that she would definitely be okay with a few shots in the rain, and that it was actually encouraged! We managed to get a couple of shots between the rain drops before the thunder began. I'm so excited to have photographed their engagement! I love to get to know my couples so that on their wedding day, I'm not just a stranger, but a friend, ready to document their day. Their day is coming up really soon- just under two months!

Smithville Mansion, Mount Holly, New Jersey Engagement: Jeff and Anna

It was late-April when I met Anna and Jeff at Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly for their engagement session. I love Spring. It’s a time of renewal and new life. There were gorgeous blooms everywhere- we even found the most beautiful purple flowers for a portrait of Anna’s engagement ring. Anna and Jeff are so genuinely fun to be around. They were super laidback even while they were in the process of moving and planning their wedding. I can’t wait to share their wedding with you!

I'm in love with all the blooming flowers at Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly, NJ.

SO much joking. I love it!

Catching the golden light with Jeff and Anna.

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!