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!)

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:

Barbara and Michael

You may remember Barbara and Michael from their amazing engagement party a few months ago (and if not, check out my August blogs!). We had originally planned to shoot in September, but the weather just wasn't cooperating. We finally got to shoot yesterday, and we could not have asked for a better day! The weather was amazing, and the sunset was spectacular! We had a great time taking photos and hanging out (for almost 3 hours!) at Jones Beach. I'm probably the only New Yorker who had never been there before! These two are a blast, and were up for anything! I'm not exaggerating when I say that by the end of the day, we were all soaked and covered in sand (not only did they get into the water, but I followed! Hey, you do what you have to for awesome shots!). I think our hard work was well worth it, don't you? (click the photos to enlarge!)