David contacted me earlier in the week to chat about documenting his Congress Hall Marriage Proposal to his girlfriend, Amy. (Spoiler alert, she’s a fiance now!) David had a few really amazing ideas on how he would propose. At first it was going to be on the beach by the lighthouse, but the wind was a bit much. He decided to propose on the lawn at their hotel, Congress Hall. Which by the way, is one of the most amazing Hotel’s in Cape May! (Good choice, David!) He planned out their entire proposal, down to the champagne, ice bucket and flutes (even the chairs that faced the beach for a gorgeous sunset!) I heard it was a very nice bottle of champagne, but you should know that David is one of the world’s leading wine writers and just recently wrote a book titled, “But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine”. (Seriously, what a lucky lady to have a fiance that knows all about champagne and wine!)

As I waited for them to arrive, getting text updates from David, I did my best to hide in the bushes by the parking lot. Hotel guests were staring at me, as I am sure I looked… well… pretty shady standing in a parking lot, hiding behind bushes with a hoodie up and holding a giant piece of black metal (yep, it’s my “stalker lens” as I like to call it. Perfect for documenting proposals from far away and not being noticed!) (Although Amy told me later on, that she saw someone in the bushes with a camera… I think she knew all along this would be the day for a marriage proposal!)

Congress Hall was phenomenal, I met with Casika who unfortunately couldn’t wait to watch the proposal, but she was so excited that this was happening at their hotel! If you are even THINKING about it, stop thinking and do it, have a Congress Hall Marriage Proposal! They were so fantastic and helpful! Ask for Casika!

So, When it came time to pop the question, it was magical. David and Amy hugged and kissed, and all the love was there! I was secretly crying in the bushes because well, who wouldn’t!? When I told the hotel guests, I wasn’t some crazy person, I was documenting a proposal that would go down at approximately 6pm… of course they stayed to watch! Everyone loves a happy ending! After that, we went down to the beach to take some beautiful portraits to capture their happiness! It could not have been a better evening for a Congress Hall Marriage Proposal!

David and Amy, Congratulations on your engagement! I wish you both nothing but success in love and your future together! Thank you SO much for trusting me to capture such an intimate moment between the two of you!

Nicholas contacted me just a few days before he would pop the big question! He planned an entire Cape May Winery Proposal! His soon to be fiance had no clue, and I was so excited to capture this special moment for them.

He had set up a tour with Mattie, at Cape May Winery, to walk around the vineyard. The end of the tour brought them to a table set for two, complete with wine from Cape May Vineyards as well as a cheese and cracker plate. My hideout was perfect. I was sitting, relaxing in plush chairs on a patio (secretly texting Nicholas to let him know we were there and ready!) As they passed by, I slowly got up and hid in the bushes and started clicking away! I was crying behind my camera, it was perfection!

I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to capture their beautiful Cape May Winery proposal, they will truly cherish this forever!

As for Cape May Winery, wow! You guys, they were so helpful, so totally in love with this idea! They not only made it absolutely perfect for them, but they were so kind to me as well! Working together as a team to make something so memorable and amazing for two people in love… It’s just the best thing in the world. A huge shout out to the owners of Cape May Winery (Toby it was SO nice meeting you!), and Mattie for being so totally awesome! If you are planning to ask your special someone, really look into having a Cape May Winery Proposal, you will not be disappointed!

Venue: Cape May Winery

Alison & Greg wanted to have an Ocean City, NJ Engagement Session . It was a beautiful August evening and we were able to get some beautiful sunshine as well as capture the most GORGEOUS sunset! These two love birds knew exactly what to do and needed little to zero coaching! Holding hands, soft kisses on the cheek, whispering funny little things to each other. It’s really a good example of pure romance. I love their life and how beautiful they are to one another.

Alison and Greg are true high school sweethearts and wanted to have romantic images captured. I’m pretty sure we accomplished that and I’m just so happy that it was such a fun session, they enjoyed themselves and were super comfortable showing their love for another! This is exactly how an engagement session should go!

Having an Ocean City, NJ Engagement Session is such a good idea, especially this pier and the Jetty! I’m so glad they chose this location and couldn’t be more excited and happy for them! Alison & Greg, Congratulations on your engagement and thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you!!

It was a fall romance at Caffe Galleria in Lambertville, New Jersey on Tuesday night!

Fabienne and John sipped their delectable cappuccino’s under the covered patio with plush blankets and warm hearts. This quaint cafe, shares special meaning to the two of them, which is why they chose this location to capture this amazing time in their lives. Not only can they see the church they will be married in through the trees from the patio, but they were also engaged here on March 30, 2015 as well! John planned the entire thing perfectly, as if it was out of a movie! Fabienne said that John has a violinist and a pianist play as he sang an Italian art song called “Morgen” (Tomorrow) by Richard Strauss to her (that he translated to English for her of course). If you hadn’t figured it out yet, John is a professional Rossini Tenor who preforms for various opera companies, he teaches private voice lessons AND one heck of a romantic! ::swoon:: They spend quite a bit of time here trying different gelato’s, enjoying the cider, and of course reminiscing about that perfect day!

Before reaching Caffee Galleria, we walked along the colorful path by Lambertville Station. The leaves were bright and gorgeous, and we were all so happy we were able to catch the fall foliage in November (which is totally hit or miss in NJ) ! The weather had it out for us, but rain will not keep us away from capturing these beautiful moments. In fact, I think it made it more romantic. There is no better way to spend a rainy day than snuggling with that special someone wrapped up in a cozy blanket and something warm in a cup!

Fabienne & John, thank you for allowing me to capture these special moments for you! I am looking forward to your amazing wedding in 2016!

“And tomorrow the sun will shine again
and slowly descent silently we will look in each other’s eyes
and upon us will sink the mute silence of happiness”
– Richard Strauss

*Side note: Railroad tracks are very dangerous.
The tracks seen in this blog post are at Lambertville Station, which is not currently running as a station, but rather an Inn, and Restaurant!
Please be safe when thinking of locations for your clients!

Laurita Winery is a BEAUTIFUL venue.

When I first arrived I drove down a beautiful long drive up to a gorgeous building with stone work all around. The atmosphere is so relaxed, and did you know it Laurita Winery was named 1 of the 7 Best Drinking Spots With a View in New Jersey! I just read about it on their blog, and I can absolutely believe it! I felt like I was on vacation here.

So when Melissa told me that was where she wanted to have her engagement session, I was so excited! I had never been there and was happy to take the drive. We started the session in the vineyards, the sun was bright, and the sky was beautiful. Her red shirt just popped! It was perfect.

I think engagement sessions are my absolute favorite. I get to know a couple before they get married, and we get to have fun in a relaxed environment. Not only that, but they get an idea of of how I shoot, and how I create these beautiful images.

I would highly recommend Laurita Winery for anyone that wants a casual, relaxed but luxury experience for their engagement session. Enjoy some delicious wine from one of the most amazing winery’s here in NJ, and set out for amazing photos at sunset.