Julie and Rob - Snowy Old City engagement session

A few weeks back, we planned Julie and Rob's engagement session to take place in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia this past weekend.  Since it was a few weeks out, we clearly didn't expect a Polar Vortex to come through the week prior, let alone for it to snow the day of our shoot.  Because only 3" were forecast, instead of nearly a foot the city was still under, we kept to our schedule. When I arrived at their Old City apartment, we took a few minutes for a few quick family portraits, while staying warm inside.

We started their engagement session portion at Elfreths Alley and meandered around 2nd and 3rd streets for a bit.  Getting to know these two was a real treat.  They are a ton of fun; such a cute couple and really willing to get some awesome pictures.  I can't wait for their wedding in just a few months at Hotel Monaco.

Jocelyn and Alan - Center City engagement session

I've known Jocelyn and Alan for a few years now.  We play on the same summer softball league in Philadelphia.  I've made some good friends through different teams like this, but these two are my first to turn to clients! I met them at their place in Philadelphia, not far from South Street.  We started the afternoon off with lunch at an amazing crepe place (they're like tiny pancakes ;) ).  After, we walked around Center City for a while and just casually stopped in different places.  The first stop was on Addison St.  During the day, it's a nice side street with a pretty tree canopy, but at night, all of the trees are light up with Christmas lights, that really make the street take on it's own life.

Meandering around a bit longer, we ended up on Broad St, with City Hall behind them.  As we made our way back towards their apartment, with a random look around, I told them to go down the stairs of the subway entrance.  A little reluctant, they did and when they came up, we were all happy with the final image!

I can't wait to be part of their wedding next year!

Valerie and Jason - Engagement session

So like a few recent sessions, I know Valerie from past couples.  I photographer her brother's wedding about 2 years ago, and was really happy to be part of this family's important day again! I met up with Valerie and Jason at Yards Brewery , but unfortunately they were doing some renovations, so we had to come up with plan B.  Right around the corner was Frankford Hall - it was a perfect location for such a relaxed session.  We all grabbed a drink and while they snacked on the Bavarian pretzel and played some Tumbling Blocks (also known as generic Jenga), I snapped some pictures.  Without a big crowd there, we were able to  go about our session with very little interruption and had an all around blast!

Jamie and Jason - Old City, Philadelphia Engagement Session

It's the beginning of the season! And that means engagement sessions!  I really enjoy this part of the whole wedding process - it's because I get a chance to spend sometime with each couple, before the wedding, and get to know them - how they act with each other, how they'll act with a camera pointed towards them, what kind of movies they like and just how much fun we'll have the day of the wedding, making their pictures. Jamie and Jason, fit that description perfectly.  I met them at their place in Philadelphia, and then we all drove to Old City.  Starting out near Penns Landing, we strolled around for a bit, stopping every now and than for a few pictures.  As the session went on, we moved in towards the parks near Carpenters Hall.  After we finished up, and headed back to their house, they reminded me of their roof deck with the view to Center City - How could we NOT use that?!

I had a lot of fun with these two, and can't wait for their wedding down at the shore soon!

Amanda and Ben - Engagement

It's always an extra special honor to be asked by someone I have known for a long time to be their photographer for their wedding.  I met Ben, almost a lifetime ago.  We met where I began my photography education and knowledge - back when I was 12 years old!  When he was getting ready to propose to Amanda, he sent me a Facebook message saying that he knew he wanted to talk to me about their soon to be official engagement. Fast forward to last week when we planned their engagement shoot.  I met them near Old City in Philadelphia.  Amanda and Ben - like most people... myself included - told me they didn't feel comfortable in front of the camera.  No worries though, I told them, this was just gonna be a chance for them to interact with each other they way they usually do, but while I happen to be off to the side taking pictures at the same time.  They did great too.  After about 5 minutes, they fell right into the session as if we had been working for hours already.  It was great to catch up with Ben and really get to know Amanda too.  They are getting married in a few weeks at the Ballroom at the Ben, and I can't wait for their fall wedding!