Engagement Session West Orange NJ
Crystal and Jeff’s Engagement Session West Orange NJ was cold but beautiful! The best part about this session was that I had known Crystal and Jeff for a few years now, so shooting with them made it easier to know how they are as people and how to pose them. The location didn’t offer as much as I would have liked but considering it was cold, we accomplished a lot in the little space we had to work with. Sometimes as photographers, we don’t need an entire city to create beautiful imagery. It’s the ones who can think on their toes, taking a piece of coal and making it into a diamond. Engagement Session West Orange NJ
We started the session with some simple walking poses. You can tell how much these two are in love. It was smiles and giggles from the start. I start with walking poses because it eases the couple into the session and gets the nerves out. Some couples have never worked with a professional photographer before, so that’s how I allow them to overcome their nerve and start with a walking pose. Engagement Session West Orange NJ
Then we got into more of the intimate poses, touching foreheads, kissing, and giggles. Candid moments are my absolute favorite. I wanted Crystal and Jeff to feel like they could be themselves in front of the camera, and that is exactly what they were able to do. They were goofy and silly. Crystal’s favorite was when we did the bear hugs. Most of my brides like that pose, so I try to either start or end with it. Engagement Session West Orange NJ
Crystal and Jeff’s favorite thing is that they are game for anything, most couples are, but they were especially open to trying some different poses. Ya know, every couple is different, and I approach each session differently, so I did poses and prompts with Crystal and Jeff that I can’t do with other couples. It makes the session unique, which is my favorite part.
Crystal had this colorful sweater shall that I loved. It added some pop of color to a rather neutral and bland color palette. Winter is a hard season to shoot because there are no leaves on the trees, and everything is dead. So when my couples add some color into their outfits, it brings the images to life. Engagement Session West Orange NJ
Then we made an outfit change and did some stuff in front of the lake, which made for a beautiful backdrop and added some depth to the images. Sitting poses are always a good go too. I like using these because, in most places, we don’t get to them that often but my couples can get cozy and more intimate. I make my sessions light and fun, but sometimes it is good to get more serious with each other. Accentuate their stronger facial features and bring out their inner beauty.
We ended with some wider shots as the sun peered through the clouds and trees and setting. I wanted to make sure I added some variety to their gallery and do some classic mirror shots. The bare branches on the trees made some cool reflections and added texture to the shot.
I am honored to have photographed these two and capture their love from behind my camera. Crystal and Jeff will tie the knot in July 2021 at the Mineral Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ.
Congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Little. See you on the dance floor! 🙂
A LITTLE Q&A FOR THE BRIDE & GROOM
HOW DID YOU MEET?!
“Jeff was playing bass at an event I was working. I thought he was cute, so I asked a friend about him. We ended up talking, and hitting it off right away, so he slipped me his card.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST DATE!
“3 days after we met, I texted Jeff, and he immediately asked if I wanted to get lunch. We met up at Aki House in Bloomfield, had sushi and good conversations, and decided to keep hanging out and go get ice cream.”
HOW DID YOU FALL IN LOVE?
“Once we met, we just started spending more and more time together. We connected over tons of things, like music, performing, games, cats, food, being ridiculous… Eventually, we just knew we were destined to be together for the long haul.”
HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
“Jeff asked me if I wanted to go for a walk and have a picnic. We packed up a cute little lunch, and Jeff took me to this spot we walked back in 2016 when we first started dating (I was doing a show in the area, so we’d get food and take a little walk together before call time). When we got to the trestle, he popped the question!” Engagement Session West Orange NJ
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?
“Honestly, just being married afterward. But there is this cool backdrop I’m making for the wedding, and I’m super excited to see how it’s going to look!”
YOUR LOVE STORY IS MADE INTO A MOVIE; WHAT IS THE TITLE?
“Teamwork and Cats: The Musical”
DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP IN 5 WORDS
“Musical, Hilarious, Extra, Cuddly, Supportive”
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MEANS THE MOST TO BOTH OF YOU?
“Teamwork and support. We both share in being very supportive of each other’s aspirations and are there for each other when things don’t feel quite like we hope, which is one of the many things that keeps our relationship strong. Also cats, we super love our cats.”
