Crissy and Josh's engagement session in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Sometimes fate has a strange way of intervening in our work lives. Crissy and Josh were not my couple to begin with. In fact they were the couple of my colleague, childhood neighborhood adversary and superb photographer Jon Pivko. Visit him here. Then of course, Covid hit and threw everyone’s plans in a blender. Jon and I have been no stranger to the bizarreness of the last year as far as scheduling goes. Turns out the couple’s new date just did not line up with Jon’s new schedule.

Enter me! I happened to have their wedding day open and Jon was nice enough to recommend me to them. After our first call I knew we would be an appropriate match. It’s important that couples and their vendors mesh well. I’ll dedicate an entire blog post to that later.

We all had ties to North Carolina and Boston and shared similar ideals of what they wanted as far as photography was concerned so they pulled the trigger and welcomed me on board.

Everyone knows engagement shoots are fabulous test runs. They are a wonderful way for the couple to get to know the photographer, their style and how well they mesh well together in person. You also do not have the looming anxiety of deadlines as a wedding may produce. I was so excited to hear they wanted to do their photos in their neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. I have had so many lovely times in this borough and was excited to be back photographing in NYC as Covid(slowly) subsides.

We started at Grand Army Plaza where Josh proposed. It’s a lovely keystone to the park and even more wonderful when the giant ugly crane isn’t present so I don’t have to spend hours photoshopping it out.

Look at Crissy’s dress! Completely adorable and of course, with pockets! Josh was no slouch either. I pride couples that take consideration into their wardrobe. It’s important that you do feel comfortable but also show your best self.

From there we entered grabbed some coffee(my fave) and entered the actual park. Don’t be fooled. The park was as busy as any day but with some creative angles and well, Photoshop, they magically had the entire place to themselves.

We then headed into their neighborhood and actual apartment for a quick outfit change(super casual and fun) and checked out one of their favorite eateries, Barboncino. Then it was off to their subway stop and a French Pastry Food Truck! Did I just say French Pastry Food Truck? I did! This is why I love these guys. Well, also because they are super sweet but they also know the right food to feed the photographer.

I don’t like to make these photo blog posts too wordy because I want the pictures to speak for themselves so please enjoy our little excursion through Brooklyn, New York.

As always, like what you see? Leave a comment but more importantly, book with me!

Deb and Chris in Hoboken: An engagement journey.

If Deb and Chris are any indication of the couples coming my way for the wedding seasons of New York and New Jersey, I think I’ll be okay. I mean it. It’s scary to move back to your home state after almost 18 years away. Everything is familiar but also quite different. It’s nice to have two kind and gracious souls to photograph. That’s what I ask for the most, kind people who are interested in having quality photos. It’s part of my mission statement on this website! I do not want photography to be an afterthought. It’s important.

Anyway, as per usual, I digress. Spring has been a bit rough in New Jersey. Only a handful of days have been suitable photos outdoors. Luckily, this was one of the first. You felt the energy of Hoboken on this first validly spring day. Funnily enough, it was my job to make sure that the energy was all these two. This means avoiding people and using my composing skills as a photographer to make sure Deb and Chris were the only ones that mattered. There were so many people to avoid!

We started our journey at the Ainsworth, a cute little restaurant on the Hudson. Mere minutes before two arrived I was accosted but a pretty inebriated man who had a thousand questions about my cameras. That’s always fun. Thank goodness these two came and saved me. From there we visited the spot where he asked her to marry him, pier c, and meandered through Hoboken’s quaint streets. These are my favorite kind of engagement photos because they take time. They are not rushed. They are just the couple and myself getting to know each other and if a photo opp arises we take it. They practiced dipping(keep practicing you two) and I pointed out all the places to eat pastries, as per usual. We finally ended at the Hoboken train station which is BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, it’s a relic of a different time and then caught the final moments of “sun” as New York City loomed in the backdrop. I am so excited to also be photographing their wedding in November. I couldn’t ask for sweeter people, honestly. This is why I am a photographer. It’s the people that matter. I hope you enjoy.

Please, share, like, comment to your heart’s content!

My personal favorite. Hair so healthy, it Debs!

Okay, close second as personal fave.

THE WINK!

Okay, third personal favorite. Heart bokeh, completely unexpected!