I will never forget how barren Liberty State Park was during this engagement photoshoot. It was a crisp, April evening in Jersey City during the covid pandemic and all I kept saying was “wow, I can’t believe we have this entire place to ourselves.” I come to this park often, since it’s about two miles from where I live, and I’m certain I won’t have this wonderful opportunity again. We took full advantage of it though, and tried to fit as many of the backdrops as we could with the little time we had on our hands. Initially we were going to have this session at Branch Brook Park during PEAK cherry blossom season, but we were so unlucky with the rain, and kept postposing our dates. Although that surely would have been super beautiful, there’s something about this set that I just love so much. Maybe it’s the urban setting. Maybe it’s because I get to showcase Jersey City (my backyard). Maybe it’s because the NYC skyline was just perfect that night. Or maybe it’s because there weren't 20 other photographers fighting for the same spot, and that allowed for a bit more intimacy. Whatever it was, I thought it was the perfect day. I can’t wait to be a guest at their wedding here at Maritime Parc this December!!

I don’t think I can say enough how much I feel for the 2020 couples who were planning on getting married in front of their loved ones. It breaks my heart because I’m a newlywed, and I KNOW how hard it is to plan everything to a tee for MONTHS. I know what it feels like to dwell over that guest list… “should we include plus ones?!” “will they hate us for not inviting X?!” “how do we narrow family"?!” … it’s tough. I know what it feels like to have your heart set on a venue. I know what it feels like to work around a budget. I know what it feels like to cut costs and save up. I know what it feels like to be excited for that bachelorette ( or in my case a joint) getaway beforehand. I know those knots you get when thinking about all your loved ones under one roof celebrating YOU… and seeing faces you haven’t seen in a while. Imagining whether or not you’ll trip down that isle, wearing the dress that you so carefully chose. Having a vision of your “theme” come to life, whether it’s the flowers, decor, table setting, food, or little details that make it unique to YOU. Thinking of that first dance as a married couple or thinking of a full, packed dance floor. SO MANY THOUGHTS as you prepare for that big day. I get it. But I can only imagine how it would feel to have all that stripped from you, uncontrollably. Life is hard sometimes, and it’s okay to feel defeated, sad, or discouraged. But I do believe in silver linings, and I hope that in midst of it all, you and your partner can find that sliver of light.

Martine + Matt did just that! They rescheduled their wedding to 2021 (as with most couples), but decided to get married in their beautiful St. Augustine church on the original date they chose. It was a micro wedding along the hudson river of 30+ guests, which was mostly family. Everyone wore a mask. Everyone stayed within proximity of their household. Everyone was respectful. And at the end of the day, they were married! It was surely a different sight to see, but comforting nonetheless. Always grateful to be able to capture such a special moments in people’s lives. I’m here not only to be a photographer for ya, but also a friend and a support throughout this crazy process. Here’s a few snippets of their day :)

Liberty State Park Engagement | Kyle + Adam

Hudson Valley Microwedding | Martine + Matt