April 27, 2022
Thankfully for my job I am able to travel all across the world. From Paris to California to even my own backyard (not literally, but you know what I mean). Leeann and Brendan reached out to me after seeing photos that I did for their friends wedding! When the time came to book a wedding photographer, they gave me a ring (pun completely intended). Not only did we get to spend time and get to know each other in front of one of the most beautiful views, BUT they brought along their adorable pup too. Their New Jersey Waterfront Engagement was one for the books, and I am so excited to finally share it with you!
A little bit about them…
Brendan and Leeann met back in college in 2012 and have been together ever since. Currently they live in Hoboken, New Jersey. Of course they wanted their engagement photos to take place in location that means so much to them. I hopped in my car and drove from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to photograph their engagement photos and you guys… just wait until you see them.
New Jersey Waterfront Engagement
As soon as I arrived I was greeted with both Leeann and Brendan’s bright personalities. They seriously are some of the easiest people to talk to and through months of chatting and planning, it was about time that I finally met them. Not only that, but they brought along their INSANELY adorable pup which if you know me… I love dogs but that’s a whole different story – lol. One of the many attractions of Hoboken, New Jersey is that it’s so close to the beautiful New York City. If you’re from New Jersey you may be familiar with the Hoboken Waterfront. It’s an area that’s very well known for it’s beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline.
Leeann and Brendan really wanted to take advantage of the bearable Fall weather as well as the waterfront views of the Hudson river. Typically during engagement sessions it is my priority to make sure that my couples are 100% comfortable in front of the camera. None of that super stiff posing here, folks! A lot of my shooting style incorporates a good amount of movement and realness which makes your photos truly look and feel like you! I walked away from this engagement session so excited to edit them. Oh and let’s be honest, their pup truly did try and steal the show hahaha. I am so excited at how amazing Leann and Brendan’s engagement photos turned out and I’m more excited to be photographing their wedding at Bonnet Island Estate later this year!
Should you take engagement photos with your wedding photographer?
Now you’re probably thinking… Jess, is it important to take your engagement photos with your wedding photographer? Okay, maybe you weren’t thinking that but you are now! The short and sweet answer is 100% yes but now let me tell you why.
Think of your engagement session as the stepping stone towards your wedding day. Of course it is just as important of an event as your wedding day, but the prep is just a bit different. For many of you, your wedding may be the first time you get professional photos taken. Which by the way, this is totally fine and completely normal! However, this can lead to a lot of nervousness with the thought of having your photo being taken on SUCH an important day of your life.
Questions like “what do I do with my hands?” or “will I like my photographer?” or “how will the photos turn out?” flood your mind. While I can’t speak for all wedding photographers, I can say that 99.999% of them will try everything in their being to make sure your wedding photos come out perfect. With that being said, a lot of them will recommend to have your engagement photos taken by your same wedding photographer. When you have your engagement photos taken by the same wedding photographer as your wedding it does three things:
1.) Builds a better relationship with your photographer
You are able to communicate with your photographer and establish a better relationship with them. Let’s be real, you hired them for a reason so there shouldn’t be too much doubt on their abilities. However it will make you feel 20x better knowing you’ve already met them before your big day.
2.) You are able to gauge how they shoot/communicate
Think of your engagement session as your “trial run” for your wedding. You are able to meet your photographer, gauge how they like to shoot and how they communicate with their couples (aka you). During this time, it’s also good to ask questions and express any concerns to your photographer. Trust me, this will save you a TON of stress in the long run.
3.) Get comfortable being photographed
Remember when I said some of you have never gotten professional photos done? Well now is your time to shine! Let your engagement photos be a time to practice getting in front of the camera. This can be trying new poses, learning to loosen your body and be more natural in front of the camera.
Have I sold you on it yet? If not I am more than happy to sit with you if you have any questions about booking your wedding with an engagement session. If you want to inquire & chat about all of your visions and questions, click here!
Oh and if you loved this New Jersey Waterfront Engagement, then you’re going to absolutely love this Awbury Arboretum Fall Engagement.
