Cariann and Andy's Engagement Session!

I wanted to post Cariann and Andy's photos tonight because...they're getting married tomorrow!!! We shot their engagement session on July 5th at Robert Moses Beach and the Fire Island Lighthouse. Every single amazing element that could have been present definitely was! You'll see for yourself, but during out shoot we encountered great weather, a stunning sunset, a couple of run ins with some deer, fireworks in the distance (not close enough to get them in the photos, but still awesome!), and an AMAZING moon! We kept shooting well into the night (my husband actually called to see where I was!) because the moon was casting such an amazing glow, and the building around the lighthouse provided us with even more amazing lighting.

Shooting with Cariann and Andy was like I was shooting with friends I've known for years! We have some common bonds and were talking and laughing the entire time. I had such a great time with this couple. I can't wait for tomorrow! See you two in a few hours to capture you exchanging your I dos!!!!!!!!

(don't forget--click to enlarge!)

Jen & Kevin's Engagement Session!

Jen and Kevin were the lucky winners of my Valentine's Day free engagement session contest! They sent me a really sweet story about their relationship that was incredibly moving.

These two decided to have their shoot at Avalon Park & Preserve in Stony Brook, Long Island. I had never been there before, and was totally blown away! This park is absolutely gorgeous. It has beautiful paths, bridges, boardwalks, and even a labyrinth! There's also a big beautiful lake, which made a great backdrop. It was hard to find a spot that wasn't gorgeous!

Jen and Kevin were so much fun to shoot. They were one of those couples that listens to all of my crazy requests without staring at me as if to say "Seriously?" Their connection was undeniable, and I love the way Kevin kept Jen laughing throughout the shoot.

Here are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy!!!








This little guy ran into our path while we were heading to the lake...

Le Ink Coquette!

When Barbara (unless this is your first time visiting my blog, don't act like you don't know who she is!) told me I was going to be featured on Le Ink Coquette's blog, I was completely flattered and excited! First of all, Eve (the creator/author/owner/fashionista) is amazing! Her posts are filled with gorgeous wedding ideas, witty writing and a great sense of humor! On my first visit, I immediately bookmarked the site and made myself a "follower".

Next, I checked out her Etsy site. Let's just say that I wish I could rewind back about two years and hire her for all of my wedding paper needs!! I mean seriously...LOOK at this table number!!!! I want. I can put it on my dining room table. My husband might think I'm a bit nuts though...(as if he doesn't already?)


Her Etsy site can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7618009
Her work is custom, original and gorgeous! When you visit, you will be drooling over menus, table numbers and save the dates. Consider yourself warned. You may want to arm yourself with a credit card in case of emergency.

Her blog is here: http://leinkcoquette.blogspot.com/
You will definitely have a new daily read with this one! Eve posts the most amazing ideas, photographs (if I do say so myself!), stationery and fashion. She "swoons" over select items...She swooned my photos!! I feel so honored!!

Eve--thank you so much for featuring me on your blog! And keep on rockin' it! You definitely have a new loyal reader, and I can't wait to see your future swoons and Etsy items!

For those of you who want to check out Le Ink's feature on me (and Barbara & Michael!), head over this way: http://leinkcoquette.blogspot.com/2009/07/coquette-engagement-session.html

Catherine and Eirik's Engagement Session!

For this shoot, I'm going to start at the end...After we *almost* finished up with the shoot, we were walking along the boardwalk to head back to our cars. Eirik and I were discussing his interest in photography, and he asked me what I liked about wedding photography. Though I knew the answer, it was the first time a client had ever asked me. The answer? It's simple. I love love. I love being around it, I love capturing it with my camera. I love being in love and being near love. Weddings are emotional for me, and I try to let that emotion come across in the photos I take. I feel the same way about engagement sessions. It's just me there, watching this couple so madly in love...preparing to exchange vows and declare their love for one another, and celebrating that excitement right in front of my very eyes (and lenses!). It's such an awesome feeling to be surrounded by so much love all the time. Every shoot I do reminds me of my husband and I, and there's an instant connection to the couple I'm shooting-a connection I want nothing more than to capture. And that's kind of the theme of this post.

I've selected a lot of images of Catherine and Eirik kissing, though I've got tons of shots of them smiling, looking at the camera, looking at the ocean, etc... But I thought the love and kissing theme was perfect for them. These two were so much fun to watch! They each got a little smirk on their faces each time I asked them to kiss, and in a lot of shots you can see that they're still smiling. Even though it was a bit chilly, and somehow I was the only one to get soaked(!), I had an absolute blast with these two! All my best to you both!!

Enjoy! And as always, don't forget to click to enlarge the images (I promise with my new blog, you won't have to!)
















And here's what happened after our stroll on the boardwalk...As we were walking into the parking lot, I was struck by the lighting in this tunnel against the bright blue sky. These are the results:

Central Park on a Cool Spring Day

A soft, misty rain set the stage as he led her into the park. She had never been here before, and he smiled excitedly as she took in her surroundings-completely unaware of what was about to occur.

They arrived at their mark, though she had no idea. He gazed into her eyes as they listened to "Come Alive" by the Foo Fighters on his iPod. He removed her headphones and then his own, as the soundtrack for their journey came to an end; A journey which had landed them just a few hundred feet from myself.


I could sense his excitement as he began to fidget, and readied myself. This was going to be it. He spoke to her and she began to grin. After he brushed the hair from her eyes, he reached his right hand into his pocket.

As he knelt down to the wet ground, she suddenly realized just why he had brought here there. Her hands raised to her cheeks as he asked her to be his bride, and she happily accepted.




He practically leapt to his feet as her jaw dropped upon closer inspection of her new ring.


He threw his arms (still clutching his umbrella) into the air in victory, before hugging his now bride-to-be.


A small crowd formed as they shared their first few moments as a newly engaged couple. A few polite young girls offered to take their photo, at this I giggled a bit.

He turned to give me a quick grin, she still blissfully unaware of my presence.


A few kisses before finally, they joined hands and walked off into the evening...ready to start a new chapter in their lives.


Another photographer walked by and grinned at me, "Did ya catch that?" he asked. "Yep!" I replied happily, "he hired me to."

Paul contacted me a few days before his big trip to NYC. He had decided it would be an awesome idea to document the proposal. I, being a fan of all things stealth and sneaky, happily agreed. I don't think I realized at the time just how much fun being so sneaky could be! I had been a bit worried about the rain, but I think it only added to the romance of the moment. Seeing their excitement and happiness literally brought tears to my eyes. This was truly one of my favorite shoots to date.

Congrats to the two of you!!!!