I’m finishing out my Pride Series Blogs for this month with a very special couple who were SO DOWN to go to Mass Moca for their engagement. Lets just say we had a LOAD of creative fun with everything in there. If you have not been to Mass Moca, definitely worth a day trip! Dana and James were ready to ham it up for the camera, and already knowing James as a friend made me very surprised finding out how much more shy they seem to appear when around Dana. There’s something the other that eases each of them into a softer, lighter view of the world when they are together - and I think that’s amazingly beautiful when I get to see this in couples.

Anthony and Andrew first Met at City Beer Hall so it only made sense that we start their day HERE at City beer hall. Caring, the ability to care, to nurture, to uphold and to help flourish are evident in the smallest of acts - wiping away dirt, caressing the cheeks, holding hands, sharing inside jokes, holding each other up over fears of height. All these things they did this day and it made me so excited for their day. Even though as I’m sitting here making this small blog of their engagement, I know that through all of the hard times faced by the whole world over the crazy health pandemic - They will hold each other up. That’s what makes relationships last.

These two just love to laugh with each other… CONSTANTLY, and its the best! Whether its when Ben says something silly or mildly existential out of context, or when Kevin tells an engaging story, they just love to highlight all the funny and good moments. This was definitely one of those times when laughing together means crazy amounts of good times during our session. Nervous at first, we quickly moved into a comfortable place to create hugely cool photos while also LAUGHING their butts off. Indie Cover band couple anyone?

What more do I need to say about Asia and Tammy? They are a low key, fun loving couple who deeply love with all of their being. Silly, Sarcastic, and always a good time - We took an engagement session with these two at Schodack Town Park, maybe one of my new favorite places for a nice wintery sunset through the forest (you’ll see what I mean at the end). This is a place that is not without beautiful fall colors and a fun path through a small forest, close to the river and plenty of room to roam.

We’re starting off this week’s Pride Celebration with a couple who’s created a beautiful life together already and they only want to continue this adventure together. Kim is a bit shy, very intellegent, and so compassionate you just want to give her hugs all day and Jen is an outspoken, heart on her sleeves and self sacrificing kind of person who would do anything for the people she loves.

These two are nerdy, silly, passionate, and downright FUN to be around. They were down for capturing their personalities in multiple different places in the city that they love so much. A bit of role playing maybe, but a couple of really unique compositions while they joked, sarcastically participated, and in some quiet moments, softly enjoyed each other’s company. Philly is one of my favorite cities to just be in, walk around, and explore the congruence of Historical and Modern Architectural elements. I would come back here in a heart beat, if not for the city vibes, then for these two amazingly fun and chill couple!

David and Joe are two silly people. Everything about them reminds me that life is way to short to be so serious. They just constantly were laughing and having fun and enjoying themselves and thats exactly what I wanted them to do - to just exist with each other in their space. There was just so much laughing there wasn't enough time to think about negativity and insecurities, only time to think about having fun, being in love, and laughing all the way home. It was a perfect day filled with perfectly real people.

Tamara and Luisa are such a fun couple. They love to be silly, they love spending time with each other, and they LOVE to LAUGH. Our engagement session was filled with so much laughing, and loving and cuddling. There was even a bit of adventurousness, and some derpy climbing with attempts to not slip into the thawing river, but maybe I'll let them explain that one ;-). On to the cute photos!

Ryan and Matt found me online, but I knew that talking to them made me realize that they needed to be my clients because they are both silly and ready to party, but indulge in the quiet romantic moments when they get the chance. Of course they were a bit shy at first, and it was a bit chilly out by the water, but as soon as they began being silly and laughing and embracing to stay warm, I couldn't get them to stop smiling, not that I wanted to anyway :-). They just get better and better as the day went on, and my favorite moments from this session are ALL of the in-between moments. I can't WAIT for their day!

I can't lie, it was a rainy Sunday in the middle of the city and there was no evidence of it stopping anytime soon! Fortunately, these two were up for the adventure as the rain sometimes took some moments to waiver in its strength and allow us to be less wet. Might I add that the penguin umbrella was not planned? It was essentially the perfect prop for the day, and we played in the rain. regardless of where we decided to take photos, things were quiet, allowing this hard working hyper focused couple to really enjoy their time with each other.

Compassion for others runs through the blood of these two, and when two kind hearts come together, it becomes so apparent that they carry their compassion through into their relationship. Although they live in NYC now, I can't wait for their Wedding! There were a lot of laughs and a lot of conversations that were had that might very well be embarrassing (but I couldn't hear it, i swear!). I don't know what they are like apart, but together they are calm and collected, hearts of ease and comfort. Let me show you what we made that day!

Being able to be comfortable with each other is part of being in a relationship, and Mike and Mat are more than just comfortable being around each other but definitely comfortable in their own skins in public. The make everything feel easy with them, which is the energy that they exude to others. I can't wait for their big day at Honors Haven!

Nikki and Reilly are so made for each other, Nikki is the type of woman who's always super enthusiastic and you can tell when her wheels are churning and she comes up with a plan in less than a minute. Reilly is the Cool, chill we're going to make it work type of person who would roll with however things are going. Nikki fires Reilly up, and Reilly settles Nikki down. On this day though, there was nothing that was going to keep the high of the feeling of finally celebrating the day with all their friends. They have been "Officially" Married for some long now, it was a day that they now get to share with their loved ones.

Lisa and Roxana are easy going people, low key, no fuss, and they LOVE Netflix and Chilling. I was welcomed into their home for a nice intimate session with their fur babies. Their cute Brooklyn apartmentwas made for them, and I can't wait for their intimate wedding!

Anna and Kirstie are private people, which for more intimate photos can be a small challenge, but once Anna was giving a million kisses and warming Kirstie up, it was game time and love just shown through. We took a couple of photos within the apartment that they are leaving for Philadelphia with their dog and cat. Excuse the excessive animal photos. We moved through Astoria Park and eventually ended up at LIC Landing for a beautiful skyline. Smart, easy going, and dedicated, they would go the extra mile for the other in a heartbeat.

FALL IS MY FAVORITE and these two were OWNING their Engagement shoot like a BOSS. PLUS we had an adorable sidekick along with us who just wanted to explore! There were lots to see and lots to do and beautiful colors all over. I can't wait for their wedding at the Troy Kitchen!

Mike and Adrian just recently moved to Hartford, but that won't stop them from having a wedding at Birch Hill in Castleton. Life doesn't stop, not even when opportunities arise so it was appropriate to give them an engagement session in their new city where they will reside. I think they are settling in pretty nicely. Check out my favorites from the session!