Barnegat Lighthouse Engagement: Rose and Joe

I met Rose and Joe on a warm July evening at Barnegat Lighthouse to capture their engagement session. Rose and Joe came ready to have some fun- maybe a little bit too much! I love shoots like this because it feels like hanging out with friends! We had lots of laughs and even more great shots. I love that they brought their adorable little guy, Riley, who was just as photogenic as his mom and dad. I can't wait until I see you again at your wedding- clearly it is going to be a good time!

Friday Bride Day Launch- Do we really need an engagement session?

So it's Friday... You know what that means, well not yet, but you will! Friday Bride Day is going to be a feature every Friday on my blog featuring a question from a bride! If you have any questions about wedding photography, weddings in general, or cute, small animals... email them to diana@styledpink.com. Now onto the question for today: Do we really need an engagement session?

Yes! Let me give you three reasons why.

1- It helps us get to know each other. Usually I meet all my brides and grooms for a consultation before they book with me. Well, that consultation may be an entire year before your wedding. That's a whole lotta time! I want you to feel comfortable with me on your wedding day, and an engagement session helps us get comfortable with each other.

2- An engagement session helps you to get comfortable in front of the camera. Some people freeze when they are in front of the camera (myself included). They start wondering "What should I do with my hands?" "Should I smile?" I will guide you through all of these questions as I help you pose naturally and comfortably- that way on your wedding day, you've already had a taste of it.

3- Lastly, engagement sessions are a great way to capture the two of you for some wonderful artwork- whether it be for your walls or your Save the Dates! It's great to have options besides just the shots of you on your wedding day. I love having canvases of my husband and I in our casual clothes from our engagement shoot in addition to our wedding shots.

I hope you enjoyed this first edition of Friday Bride Day!

Collingswood Grand Ballroom Engagement: Kara & Matt

Kara and Matt are engaged! When I put out the call for a couple within a moment's notice to shoot at the gorgeous Collingswood Grand Ballroom, Kara responded quickly and enthusiastically! I'm so glad she did! Kara and Matt are so adorable together and up for anything. The weather had been less than perfect for about two weeks prior to the shoot, rain- every single day. I think we can say we were all concerned about what Mother Nature decided on doing that day. Luckily, we got our shoot in and the VERY MOMENT I got into my car to leave, it started downpouring. I think it's safe to say Kara and Matt are a lucky couple!

Ocean City, New Jersey Beach Engagement- Jess and Justin

On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in June, I met up with Jess and Justin in Ocean City, New Jersey <- the best beach in the NJ! I may be partial to OC because that's where Mike and I were married- so naturally love is in the air there. Jess and Justin are getting married next summer on the beach, so this was the perfect time to invite sand in their toes and the salt water air to celebrate their love. We started off on the boardwalk and ended up on the beach. Here are the results!

Batsto Village Engagement

Meet Tim and Ashley. Back in the winter, I offered the biggest giveaway I ever have before... a completely free engagement session including a custom DVD with all of the images- a value of $300. Ashley entered and won! I'm so glad she did because Tim and Ashley are the sweetest, and sooo in-love! It sure makes my job easy! Our shoot was April 6th, they will get married one year from now (minus a day) on April 5th at a gorgeous vineyard. They chose Batsto Village in New Jersey for their engagement session. It was a perfect, sunny, but cool day. Tim was not only the groom, but a guide for me and Ashley as we spent the afternoon learning about the village. I had such a blast and wish this couple nothing but the best!