After a quick wardrobe change, we were headed down the block for part two of Julya and Tommy’s engagement session.  Toes sinking into the sand, they set the blanket down and snuggled in close.  I stepped back and got myself situated into a semi-awkward shooting position.  As I peaked through the viewfinder and adjusted the settings, that’s when I saw it.  Their love… natural and happy.

Their love just shined through.  They weren’t worried about me or the camera.  They were relaxed and comfortable.  They trusted me and forgot I was there.  They were caught up in each others presence.  THAT is exactly why I love engagement sessions.

Engagement sessions aren’t about having some unnatural pictures to put in a newspaper.  Its about YOUR LOVE and stopping to enjoy your excitement.  I don’t care if you buy 50 prints from your engagement session or two.  What I care about is that I got to know them and they got to know me.  I got to know how they look at each other, how Tommy makes Julya laugh, and how she glows around him.  They got to know me and my quirks.  They learned what its like to work with me.  Before the session was over, I felt as if I’d known them forever.

The added bonus- the thing that makes it totally worth it… we really understand each other before the wedding day.  It’s one less thing to worry about on the day you say “I do.”  Because that should be your focus!  The celebration of YOUR LOVE.  Take it all in because it goes by so fast.  I can’t believe their wedding is just weeks away.  Can’t wait to see you both soon!

This image below is that exact moment- natural, happy, LOVE.

Thanks again to Events to a T for featuring Julya and Tommy on your blog!  I’m looking forward to working with you next month for their DC wedding!

The sweetest couple ever.  That’s the best way I can describe Evelyn and Chris.  I don’t know if they ever stop smiling at each other.  They are absolutely smitten and I loved this session.  It was completely overcast and drizzinling on and off.  Of course, that can make for some amazing light and gorgeous shots.  So, I really didn’t mind.   We started at Shark River Park where Chris proposed to Evelyn, then headed over to a beach nearby.  I loved their proposal story, so I decided to share it in Evelyn’s words:

“Chris took me and his parents dog (Autumn) for a picnic in the park.  We walked the park and then found a spot to sit and eat lunch.  We were taking pictures of the dog.  Then Chris said he wanted to take a picture of us, so he put the camera on timer to take  it.  To my surprise he actually put it on video got on one knee and asked me to marry him. So I was very shocked and happy:) and he got it all on video.”

Good job Chris!  So excited for your wedding later this year!