Wissahickon Trail Engagement, Philadelphia PA: Zane and Deana

It started with a conversation between Deana and me. She asked if I would be willing to shoot their engagement session in a location that involved rock climbing, something that Deana and Zane love to do. Did it sound crazy and a little challenging? Yes and Yes, and I was instantly up for it. We discussed wardrobe, hair and makeup- I advised Deana to go all out- and boy, did she. We met on a windy Sunday in May at Wissahickon Valley Trail in Fairmont Park in Philadelphia, PA. Deana showed up in a gorgeous peach gown from Nordstrom, professional makeup, gorgeous locks and HEELS. I still am in shock. I wore Toms and almost fell more times than I wish to share. Deana ROCKED her heels. (Zane was pretty cool too.) We hiked through lush foliage, fallen trees, and massive rocks. We made our way to Devil's Pool for some stunning shots just as dusk fell upon us.  Deana and Zane are just so adorable together- you could tell by the way Zane helped Deana along wet, rocky paths (even though she didn't need an ounce of help) that they are just made for each other. I am beyond excited for their wedding next year in Philadelphia at the Curtis Center.

When a tree is in your way, just cut a path through it.. because who doesn't want to stand in the middle for an adorable shot? The Wissahickon Trail was full of amazing little spots for Deana and Zane's engagement session.

Deana braved some creepy, crawly bugs by this tree at the Wissahickon Trail in Philadelphia during their engagement session.

Don't they look like they are in their own secluded wilderness? Hard to believe its in Philadelphia!

Deana and Zane are so adorable together. I cannot wait for their wedding at The Curtis Center next year!

Deana was in HEELS- yes, heels at Wissahickon Trail. Climbing rocks, sitting on the edge of a steep hill, and also sitting on a fallen over tree that is literally just above the water. SO adventurous- I love it.

So much greenery- it makes my photographer heart sing!

Zane was a perfect gentleman helping Deana navigate through the rocky stream by Devil's Pool in Wissahickon Creek.... and then he also helped me. Save the camera, let me fall in!

Deana and Zane climbed up, up, up to get to this gorgeous spot by Devil's Pool in the Wissahickon Creek. Did I mention there were people swimming?! Just feet from Deana and Zane were two men jumping into a small water hole from a great height- and I looked away because it looked really dangerous and it was FREEZING. Can you tell I have no inner daredevil?

Absolutely adorable together

I could hardly put my camera down since everything seemed like a photo op, but alas we were losing light and we were exhausted!

South Street Engagement: Cassie + Vinny

Cassie and Vinny know all the great spots in Philly. Their history is spread up and down South Street in Philadelphia. We started off at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in the midst of colorful mosaics. Next, we headed to their favorite BBQ Bar- Percy Street Bar. Did I mention this was the most charming little bar I've ever seen? Vinny, a total foodie, told me about the amazing cuisine over a glass of Black Maple Hills bourbon. Lastly, we walked a few more blocks to the bar, Tattooed Mom. Cassie and Vinny had one of their first dates upstairs, surrounded by graffiti, while sitting in a bumper car. Cassie, not only are you stunning, but you'd make a fabulous Philly tour guide! I've been to South Street a million times, but next time I go, I'll be thinking of these two lovebirds!

Fairmount Park Engagement: Hilary & Shawn

The minute I received Hilary's email, I knew I liked her. There was so much excitement and lots of !!!!!!!! (I have been known for the love of exclamation points myself.) Hilary and Shawn have been dating for ten years, so when they got engaged in September, Hilary couldn't wait to start planning! This couple is one of the most adventurous couples I have ever met- they regularly go hiking and (even cooler) got engaged while geocaching together. We headed to the Wissahickon Trail on a bright Sunday afternoon for some hiking and engagement photos. Hilary and Shawn were ready and willing to do anything to get amazing photographs (a photographer's dream) including going barefoot in a stream, and climbing down something I would never (without crying first, see below please). They are an absolutely adorable couple who will surely spend the rest of their lives making each other happy!

Hilary and Shawn had the great (but scary) idea to climb down... I'm so happy they did, because the next shot turned out to be one of my favorites!