It was one of those perfect days. The sound of gentle waves cascading against the beach, a sky so blue it almost looked unreal, and warm sand under bare feet. As we walked along an almost deserted beach by
Barnegat Lighthouse, leaving our footprints in the sand, Jenny and Ki Joon thought back to the moment they first crossed paths.
They met in church. Ki Joon was attracted to Jenny's bright smile and vibrant personality while Jenny was innately drawn to Ki Joon's quitet sense of confidence. After a few weeks of playing hard to get, Jenny agreed to Ki Joon's proposal for dinner and a movie. Two years later, these lovebirds were engaged to be married.
Fast forward to today. Along with planning for their December wedding at the beautiful
Cairnwood Estate, Jenny and Ki Joon are busy finishing up school. Jenny spends the majority of her time with her pre-law books while Ki Joon strives to earn his degree in accounting and finance from
Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. In his free time, Ki Joon can be found swinging his clubs on the golf course. Jenny can appreciate golf, but really prefers flag football on the beach!
I feel so lucky to have met this amazing couple. I can't wait to capture their big day in December. For now, please enjoy their engagement photos, shot on the beautiful
Long Beach Island in NJ!
We started out their engagement session at Barnegat Lighthouse. Jenny and Ki Joon looked very nautical in their white and navy!
These large rocks were scattered along the edge of the beach. Jenny, you are looking SO FIERCE here, wrapped in Ki Joon's arms.
Jenny and Ki Joon know how to have fun together! They were laughing and playing all day!
I thought a shot standing among the seagulls would look cool. Ki Joon wanted to run through them. His idea wins, hands down!
Sitting amongst the yellow wildflowers, Jenny and Ki Joon enjoyed a quiet moment to themselves.
J ♥ KJ
Ki Joon couldn't have done a better job in selecting Jenny's brilliant round engagement ring, surrounded by pave diamonds.
After we finished exploring the lighthouse, Jenny and Ki Joon changed and headed down to 19th street.
Grabbing a couple of scattered sticks, Jenny and Ki Joon drew a heart in the sand.
Jenny, you are BEAUTIFUL!
Jenny and Ki Joon, it is such a pleasure to know you. Your love for each other shines brightly as a wonderful example for all those around.
It could have been the red dress, or it might have been the good-looking khaki suit. Maybe it was the two photographers snapping away at the beautiful couple strolling hand in hand in Times Square. Either way, it was obvious to everyone around that Ali and Nathan were special. As Nathan spun his beautiful fiancé into a dip kiss, a man standing by approached the couple and ask with excitement in his voice, “Are you on
The Bachelor?!”
Ali and Nathan may not have gone on national television to find love, but their story is just as romantic. Nathan met Ali when he was a sophomore in high school. Right away, he knew she was someone he wanted to get to know better. Besides being beautiful, Ali was smart, confident, and an amazing tennis player. Nathan quickly caught Ali’s eye as well. As a football player and a total gentleman, Nathan was every girl's dream guy. It was the summer before senior year when they started dating. Both were available, and Nathan took a chance and asked Ali out to dinner and a movie. As you can probably guess, Ali accepted and so began their love story.
Ali and Nathan grew to be very close. When the time came for college, Nathan chose to attend
East Tennessee State University, while Ali accepted a tennis scholarship to
Georgia Southern University, seven hours away. It takes complete dedication, trust, and a lot of communication to make a long distance relationship work for four years. Through many trips back and forth from Tennessee to Georgia, and an unlimited text-messaging plan, Ali and Nathan fell deeper in love and established a relationship based on true understanding and respect for one another. They are planning on tying the knot next June and I couldn’t be happier for them!
I am so excited to present the second installment of Ali and Nathan’s engagement session, “City Chic”! I love the outfits the couple chose, especially for this location. Here is a closer look into our time in
Times Square.
 |
| The spaces between my fingers are right where yours fit perfectly. |
 |
| We made sure to arrive to Times Square early, when we knew the light would be good and the crowds would be small. |
 |
| I loved the way these cute red tables complimented Ali's dress. |
 |
| This was the moment right before Ali and Nathan were mistaken for the newest Bachelor couple. Looking at these two, it is easy to understand why this assumption was made. |
 |
| Ooh la la! Thanks to my second shooter Mekina Saylor for capturing this steamy shot. |
 |
| Being in a long distance relationship for four years, Ali and Nathan are very comfortable communicating by telephone. |
 |
| "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13 |
 |
| I was absolutely in love with Ali's chic Nine West heels. |
Ali and Nathan ended their Times Square session exactly how they started it, hand in hand and totally in love.
The taxi raced past the stores on 5th avenue, a blur of Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton barely visible through the window. As it came to a stop on 60th street and 5th avenue, Ali and Nathan slipped off of the busy city streets and into Central Park.
It was a beautiful day for a walk. The sun was slipping in and out from behind the clouds and a slight breeze could be felt on that warm day in July. Holding hands, Ali and Nathan made their way through “the mall” and to the Boathouse. As they climbed into a rowboat, they smiled at each other as they took in the stillness of the lake. The busy streets were forgotten.
I am very excited to present the third and final installment of Ali and Nathan’s engagement session, Central Park! The white outfits the couple chose to wear really give these photos a fresh look that I absolutely love! Congratulations again Ali and Nathan, you two make a beautiful pair.
 |
| We started off at Gapstow Bridge in the south end of Central Park. I can't imagine a more beautiful background. It looks like Ali and Nathan stepped right into a painting! |
 |
| I love it when my couples are a little adventurous! Ali and Nathan climbed up on the bridge to get this amazing shot. |
 |
| Nathan swooped up his future bride and carried her all the way down "the mall". Running through the center of Central Park, "the mall" was originally designed to accommodate carriages passing through on their way to Bethesda Terrace. |
 |
| Two lives, two hearts joined together in friendship, united forever in love. |
 |
| Ali, you are so stunning, really. |
 |
This is one of my favorites. Ali, you look so elegant and Nathan, you look so happy to be with her.
 |
 |
I really like the way the engagement ring shines against the wood on the park bench.
|
 |
| Ali and Nathan stopped for a mini picnic in Central Park. I can't think of a better way to cool off than with a couple of ice cream cones! |
 |
| Ali and Nathan are one of those couples you can just tell will love and care for each other for the rest of their lives. |
 |
| Ali and Nathan started off their ride around the lake at the Boathouse. |
 |
| I couldn't help but swoon as Ali and Nathan rowed under what is possibly New York's more romantic setting for lovers, Bow Bridge. |
 |
| A special thanks to Mekina Saylor for styling Ali's hair. I can't believe you made it look so beautiful in only three minutes! |
 |
| Nestled behind a bed of purple flowers, Ali and Nathan share a quiet moment alone, and a sweet kiss. |
Ali and Nathan, you have a way of making ordinary moments, extraordinary. Thank for you allowing me the honor of photographing your engagement session in NYC. I can not wait for your wedding in June!
To see more of Ali and Nathan's engagement session, feel free to view their slideshow
here.
They say good things come along when you least expect it. For Kelsey and John, this just happened to be the case.
It was February in New York. John and his best friend were walking up 5th Avenue in search of a new wallet and an escape from the cold. When they came upon the Coach store, they decided to duck inside and have a look. It is funny how sometimes the smallest decisions can have the largest impacts on our lives.
It was just another day at work for Kelsey, that is, until she saw John walk into the store. Getting the sense that they needed some help, Kelsey went over to see what she could do. In the search for the perfect wallet, John and Kelsey began joking amongst themselves and quickly realized how much they have in common. John purchased the wallet and then disappeared back onto the city streets. Knowing that the chemistry they felt together was not something that comes along every day; Kelsey used John’s receipt to find him on Facebook. The next evening they had dinner together and the rest is history.
Kelsey and John, you are inspiring. It takes only moments to know how much you two truly care about each other. Your ability to laugh and just enjoy life together will make for many happy times in the future. Beautiful both inside and out, it was a pleasure spending the evening with you in SoHo. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do!
 |
| We started the shoot at 7:00 p.m. on the corner of West Broadway and Prince. Kelsey and John were dressed impeccably, as always. |
 |
| Ooh la la..getting up close and personal right from the start! |
 |
| Obvious in their eyes, smile, and the soft touch of their hands, these two have found true happiness. |
 |
| My very talented second shooter, Mekina Saylor captured this photo! |
 |
| A quick change of clothes moved the vibe from city chic to romantic. A special thanks goes out to Mekina Saylor for styling the hair piece! |
 |
| Here the couple is sharing a sweet kiss in SoHo. The way John cares for Kelsey is something I think every girl looks for in a man. |
 |
| This is one of my favorites from the day. It was hard to pick because Kelsey and John look AMAZING in EVERY PICTURE! |
I will end this post with a cute picture of Kelsey and John posing with their
playbills from
RAIN. Seeing a
Broadway show is one of Kelsey and John's favorite ways to spend time together and a great way to keep their love for each other alive.
Want to see more of Kelsey and John? Check out their slideshow
here.
Lori is the type of girl you look at and think, I want to be just like her. She is a classic beauty, always perfectly put together, down to the very last detail. (Check out her super cute owl earrings in these photos). She has a unique and hilarious sense of humor that not many people get, but Ashley does. Ashley can joke around with the best of them. Half of the time I can’t tell whether he is being serious or sarcastic because he always keeps such a straight face! Together, Lori and Ashley make the perfect pair, balancing each other out in a way that only people who are meant for each other can.
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of photographing Lori and Ashley on a rooftop in the Flatiron District. We were able to shoot at golden hour, right before the sun set on NYC, and I just LOVE the beautiful glow it cast on the scene. Check out a few of my favorite photos from the day below.
 |
| I think the most beautiful smiles are genuine smiles. |
 |
| Lori, YOU. LOOK. AMAZING. Ashley, you look pretty good yourself. |
 |
| My second shooter and stylist Mekina Saylor came up with the idea to add a brelli to the shot. I think it is great when a couple is up for using fun props. |
 |
| "We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh" -Agnes Repplier |
 |
| STOP IT...you guys are too adorable. |
 |
| Lori and Ashley took a chance and climbed up on the the side of the building to get this amazing shot down 22nd Street at sunset. |
I will end this post with a very cool pose on top of the water tower. Lori and Ashely, you are fearless, fun and fabulous. Your joy for life and quickness to laugh will make for many happy days.
It was a perfect evening. The summer sun was warm but there was a slight breeze blowing through the air, making it a beautiful night for a walk in the
Hamptons. Kelli and Brian made their way down to a private beach in
Montauk, a small surfer town at the very tip of Long Island, NY. As the sun slipped behind the soft pink and blue clouds, Kelli and Brian reminisced about the very beginning of their relationship, almost two years ago.
It was New Years Eve in New York City and Kelli was out at
M2 Ultra Lounge with her girls friends, ringing in the new year. As midnight drew near, Kelli picked up her phone and dialed Brian, informing him that they would be going out on a date when she returned home to Tennessee. A small decision that would effect both of their lives greatly. A few months went by, and in May, Brian called Kelli to take her up on that date. Kelli's vivacious personality and total love for living life to the fullest quickly drew Brian in, and soon, they were an item. What followed can only be described as a whirlwind romance. These two compliment each other perfectly and have been enjoying one adventure after another ever since.
Last week I had the honor of photographing Kelli and Brian in the Hamptons. Here are a few of my favorites!
 |
| We started off at the beautiful house where Kelli and Brian vacationed during their visit. |
 |
| Kelli felt like a total princess as Brian helped her slip into her gold heels. |
 |
| Kelli and Brian stopped at an adorable candy stand on the way to the beach for a sweet kiss. |
 |
| Kelli, you really are SO beautiful. |
 |
| Kelli and Brian are the type of people that just make fun happen. They can bring life into any situation! |
 |
| Kelli and Brian swore up and down that they had never modeled before, but I'm not sure I believe them! You guys just look TOO GOOD! |
 |
| "Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one." -John Keats |
 |
| As the sun started to set, Kelli and Brian sat down to take in the beauty together. |
I will end this post with a sweet embrace. As the sun slipped below the horizon, Kelli and Brian breathed a sigh of happiness, soaking in the beauty that only comes at the end of the day.
The sun was shining and the city was abuzz with visitors fitting in one last vacation before the end of summer. Kelli was busy showing Brian around New York and she had saved one of her favorite spots for last, the
Brooklyn Bridge. Making their way up the old wooden walking path, they marveled at the beauty of many of New York’s historic icons.
As they walked towards the middle of the bridge, they were just able to make out the
Statue of Liberty. Kelli ran to the edge, excitedly pointing out the famous icon of freedom to Brian. Directly in front of them was
Brooklyn, the most populous of New York City’s five boroughs. Brooklyn is known for its distinct culture, independent art scene, and unique architectural heritage. Behind them lay the
financial district and
Pier 17, one of my favorite spots in the entire city.
Later that evening, Kelli and Brian returned to the pier for a romantic dinner on the water. As the sun went down, the bright lights of the Brooklyn Bridge shimmered against the Hudson River. Kelli and Brian smiled at each other, enjoying the simple pleasure of a day spent together.
I am in love with these fun pictures of Kelli and Brian on the Brooklyn Bridge! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
 |
We started off at one of the benches scattered along the walking path. The evening light was loving Kelli and Brian!
|
 |
| Kelli is the type of girl who can make anyone laugh! People are always drawn to her vivacious personality. |
 |
| With the right time of the day and the right angle, it was possible to make it look like Kelli and Brian were the only people on the bridge. |
 |
| Mekina and I picked up these balloons specifically for the shoot. I love the way the bright yellow pops against the blue sky. |
 |
| I love this angle my second shooter Mekina captured. Kelli, you look so genuinely happy! |
I will end with this shot of Kelli and Brian looking very much in love. To see more of this fun couple, check out
HAMPTON HAPPINESS. Happy Sunday!
Liz and Ben were young. When they fell in love that is. As sophomores in high school, they were drawn to each other in a way that could not be explained. Ben saw Liz first, riding around their neighborhood before the start of the school year. He was immediately smitten with Liz, the girl with the long blonde hair and a smile that could knock you off your feet. Liz was equally attracted to Ben's boyish charm, and soon they were an item.
College came and life took these high school sweethearts on separate paths. Ben ventured to
Gardner-Webb University to play baseball while Liz attended
Clemson, following her dream of becoming a nurse. For a while, Liz and Ben went separate ways giving both of them a chance to experience life and discover more about themselves. As their college years came to a close, Liz and Ben found their way back to each other, picking up their love story as more confident versions of themselves.
I am happy to say that Liz and Ben are two of my closest friends. Matt and I were lucky enough to spend last weekend with them, exploring New York City and enjoying the company of this wonderful couple. I captured these photos during our trip to
Roosevelt Island and I am so excited to share them with you!
 |
| Some things never change. Ben is still just as smitten with Liz as he was in high school! |
 |
| Liz, you are truly a beautiful person, inside and out. Your smile brings sunshine to every life you touch. |
 |
| STOP IT! You guys are just TOO CUTE! |
 |
| We arrived on Roosevelt Island right as the sun started to set. The light made for beautiful pictures. |
 |
| I am absolutely in LOVE with this photo! The dreamy feeling the 85mm creates is simply stunning. |
Liz and Ben, you are two of the kindest, most considerate people I know. Thank you for your friendship. Your joy for life makes this world a more beautiful place.
