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!

Cooper River- One Year Old Shoot- Andria

As you might have noticed, I have quite a few nieces and nephews. Today, my youngest niece turned one! I cannot believe how quickly time flies by! A couple of weeks ago we went to Cooper River Park for a one-year-old session. The best sessions always get a little messy at the end with a cake smash! Happy Birthday, Andria! <3

Cooper River Family Shoot

This is hands down one of my favorite families- quite possibly because they are part of my family. If you've been reading my blog posts for some time, you'll notice this family is familiar with my camera. The scary thing is how quickly the kids grow up- that's why family shots are so important! We went to Cooper River on a Sunday afternoon for a quick family shoot with the promise of going to the Pop Shop in Collingswood for dinner and ice cream. I'm not sure who was more excited about the ice cream- me or the kids!

One year ago...

Today is a happy, happy day at Styled Pink! One year ago, we registered our business and made it official. Prior to this, photography was a hobby- but I wanted it to be more. So last year, with my husband by my side- we decided to register Styled Pink and turn it from a hobby into a profession. There were lots of things to learn about (that weren't always fun) like paying New Jersey sales tax, buying insurance, and lots of accounting. We couldn't be happier one year later! We've met so many wonderful clients (some of which have turned into good friends) and helped capture special times in our clients' lives. This coming year will be an interesting one! We'll start off by welcoming a baby in the fall! During this time, we're going to focus on our 2014 brides and booking shoots in between changing diapers and making bottles. We plan on getting back into shooting again in November (just in time for the holidays)- and at that time we'll be back to business as usual. We plan on focusing on weddings, engagements, family and children shoots.

Thank you so much to everyone who has made this first year so amazing! I'm so excited to see how Styled Pink will grow and all of the wonderful people we will meet this year! I think tonight I'll pour myself a fancy glass of apple cider to celebrate!

Smithville Mansion Wedding: Jessica & Tom

Well... not quite a wedding- more of an anniversary shoot. Jessica and Tom were married five years ago. They decided to commemorate their perfect day by putting on the clothes that they wore that day (props to all gals who can fit into their dress five years and one kid later!) and heading out for a photo shoot. Did I mention who did Jessica's hair and makeup? The wonderful Kate Spencer provided the romantic updo, and Paula Miller with the flawless makeup. I'm pretty sure that these two practiced their poses and faces before they came- they seriously brought it on. Models! I had such a great time celebrating five wonderful years with them. You two are amazing! <3