Rustic Fall Engagement Session at the Tenafly Nature Reserve in New Jersey

The Stars Aligned

You know that feeling when the stars align and everything just falls together perfectly? That was exactly how I felt during this engagement session with my good friends Steve and Jade. Our location at the Tenafly Nature Reserve in New Jersey was the perfect place to photograph them and truly capture who they are as a couple. They are both outdoorsy and active. For example they love to camp, go on bike rides, and explore. He even proposed while they were on a hike!

It was only fitting that their session should take place outside surrounded by nature. I knew they would be awesome to work with and I was genuinely looking forward to documenting them together. However, I could have never prepared myself for the overwhelming beauty that was about to unfold before me. Little did I know I would walk away from this session calling it my favorite one to date.

 

Light

Golden hour is the time shortly after sunrise or before sunset where the sunlight looks softer and warmer. This is always my favorite time to shoot. In the end, Steve and Jade’s session during this golden hour was beyond my expectation. The lighting was perfect. The sun peeked through the trees creating golden halos around them, adding to the romance and energy of the session. Light glares mimicking rainbows were a nice little added bonus. It was a cool and crisp day out, just cold enough to keep you moving and make you feel a little more alive, but not cold enough to make you uncomfortable. It was perfect. Did I say that already?

 

Laughter

When I look through these photos I can’t help but be reminded of how it feels to laugh so hard your stomach hurts. Jade has the bluest eyes I think I have ever seen, and to watch them light up with love and laughter is something I’ll never forget. I had a blast with these two beautiful souled people while they laughed and played together just like big kids. This was one of those days my cheeks were sore from smiling so much.

 

Love

As a portrait photographer what I strive to do in every session is capture real and authentic emotions that are almost tangible. Most importantly I try to stay true to who my subject is. I like to think that I accomplished that with Steve and Jade’s session. In each image you can feel the love they have for each other in such a genuine and almost childlike way. The love shown in these portraits is the kind of love I think we all look for in a partner. Their love is light and uplifting, the kind that picks you up and makes you feel free.

Steve and Jade, you are the definition of couple goals. Congratulations you two!

 

PS. Carhartt, if you’re reading this I think I’ve found your newest models.