Before I dive right into fall and winter engagement photos, a quick CONGRATULATIONS if you are coming here freshly engaged from the holiday season! After almost five years of capturing love stories around Hoboken, I still can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy when I think about what a special time an engagement is. Whether you are already in the throes of planning (make sure to check out more on the blog for wedding venues and tips!), or you just want to take this time slow and not rush in, I hope you take more than a few moments to just enjoy and appreciate how special this time really is.
Now, before I get too sappy, I am so excited to share just a few of the amazing engagement sessions I shot this past winter and fall! I firmly believe that no two couples are the same, and their photos shouldn’t be either. Instead, they should be a reflection of each couple’s natural chemistry that already exists before they show up to their shoot. You can always ask me for my favorite Hoboken photo locations, but the truth is, I love tailoring each and every session to each couple. I think you’ll see that passion come through below and find more than enough inspiration for your own engagement photos!
Engagement Photos that Tell Your Love Story
Melissa & Rob have quite the love story. When I talked to Melissa about her vision for her fall engagement photos, she said that she wanted to reminisce on where her love story with Rob began. She wanted to revisit where they met (middle school!) as well as a few special places in their hometown of Basking Ridge, NJ. Like any good dog mom, she also wanted to include their precious fur baby Theo!
Although they haven’t been together since middle school, Rob reached out about two years ago, they met for drinks and the rest is history. When Melissa reached out to me, she had already booked her wedding photographer but wanted to schedule these photos as a ‘warm up’ before their wedding. Unfortunately, on the day of their engagement photoshoot, we had to postpone due to weather and we actually ended up shooting this session after the wedding. Honestly, even though it wasn’t technically engagement photos, it felt so fun and light to take these photos just celebrating their love story as newlyweds. Some of my favorites from the session are the ones we took in the outdoor cafeteria and when we headed to the outdoor track as the sun started to go down. It was such a beautiful day!
If you are wondering how we captured so much in a single session, I do tend to book my engagement photos a little longer than the average photographer! The reason is, I truly want to give you (and your fiancé) time to get comfortable. I want you to have time for that outfit change you want. And YES, I want to explore the most precious places of your love story. Looking at these photos again, I really believe we captured that magic just like that.
Mile Square Moments Review
And because these two left the absolute sweetest review, I just have to share it here. I absolutely LOVE when couples connect with my vision over here and these engagement photos were such a favorite moment in 2021.
From beginning to end, Devin was an absolute PLEASURE to work with. You can tell she really cares about your experience with her brand and I whole heartedly appreciate that. You’re not just another client to her – she wants to get to know you, your vision and intention for the shoot. My husband and I asked Devin to shoot some photos of us in our hometown (where we met) and Devin not only delivered incredible photos, but she captured “us” perfectly.
Professional, personable, laid back but attentive, go with the flow (when our dog was acting up she was totally cool) …genuinely enjoyed everything about working with her and cannot recommend her enough. My husband obviously didn’t really wanna take photos (when do they ever?) and even he felt more relaxed because Devin was so fun to work with. Devin also referenced our inspo photos during the shoot so she was sure not to miss anything and that was awesome too. Eternally grateful to Devin! The absolute best.
An Art Factory Engagement Photoshoot!
Isa and John wanted to do something unique for their engagement photos so they opted for an absolutely stunning location: The Art Factory! If you are planning a fall or winter engagement photoshoot, I highly recommend mixing in both indoor and outdoor locations. After all, it’s cold outside! As much as I love a good outdoor photoshoot, and I LOVE when couples bring their dogs (Isa and John’s puppy Chico was PRECIOUS), mixing and matching both indoor and outdoor spots is a great way to add a little variety (in the photos, and the session!).
Looking back, I absolutely loved the unique backdrops this New Jersey wedding venue provides (the ribbon room was so much fun!) and it was such a nice alternative to the more traditional outdoor locations. I’m also obsessed with her custom leather jacket. I’m hoping it makes a reappearance when I photograph their wedding at Orale in Hoboken (my personal favorite Mexican restaurant and go-to date night spot!). Stay tuned for that one on the blog, because it’s a Murphy Studio / Mile Square Moments collaboration and if these engagement photos are any indication, it’s sure to be INCREDIBLE.
Classic Fall Engagement Photos that Feel Like a Jersey City Date Night!
If you are looking for fall engagement photos, Ali and Alex are coming in hot with inspiration. Looking back at their gallery, I am even more excited for their wedding at Battello in March!
When I first chatted with Ali and Alex to plan their engagement photos, they both wanted to incorporate a classic fall engagement feel for their session. They also wanted it to feel like a date night! After all, if you are going to spend two hours taking photos, you SHOULD make a date of it. We started their session at one of my favorite outdoor locations in Jersey City (Van Vorst Park). After a few classic outdoor engagement pics, we headed to a favorite Jersey City restaurant Skinner’s Loft so their date night could continue. We didn’t rush, and we took photos at all of the gorgeous outdoor spots along the way. When we arrived at the restaurant, it felt so cozy and romantic! Mostly, I loved that they enjoyed their session as much as I did.
Want to know the key to making your photographer cry? After I sent Ali their gallery, she sent this back:
Oh my gosh Devin these came out so great!!! We are totally obsessed with them. Some of our favorites were in unexpected spots (the street outside the bar, the firehouse door frame). Thank you so much for capturing us. The photos seem so true to who we are as a couple.
Be prepared for a million tags on Instagram!
Taking Engagement Photos Where You Had Your First Date
For Julia and Anthony, we started their engagement photos session at their their first date spot – Sally G’s. This was a place that Anthony used to visit often, so they gave us a lot of room to have fun with the photos! He even popped behind the bar and poured the two of them a drink at one point. It was so much fun! After that, we went outside to take advantage of the gorgeous fall colors, and Julia switched her shoes from heels to a pair of white sneakers which was a serious vibe. Seriously – use this as inspiration if you are debating an outfit change. Shoes can totally change your look.
When I sent their gallery, Julia responded “These are so amazing I’m gonna cry!! You are simply the best. We are absolutely dying at the sunglasses pictures!” Literally it made my day because this session was so fun to both shoot and edit, and I believe it truly reflects the two of them as a couple! I’m officially counting down for their February 2022 wedding at Hudson House in Jersey City!
Planning your New Jersey Engagement Photos!
Are you feeling inspired yet? I hope that this has given you just a few tips as you start to plan your engagement photos but before I leave you, can I wish you just the biggest Mile Square Moments Congratulations! Whether you were engaged for the last year or are sporting a shiny new ring from the holidays, don’t forget to enjoy this precious time in your love story. If you want even more advice on planning your New Jersey engagement photos, make sure to click the button below!
