You’ve decided that you want to have a Summer Princeton University Engagement Session! How exciting! The Campus is rather large, so you want to be sure to hire a photographer that is familiar with the location, so you can utilize your time appropriately.

Below are some of my favorite spots at Princeton University, with the beautiful Erica and Joe for their engagement session this past June! We have a wonderful time walking around the campus, exploring and creating beautiful images!

Nassau Hall

The perfect starting point for your Summer Princeton University Engagement Session! I love Nassau Hall because it’s beautiful in all seasons. Below you will see what it looks like in June. This is the front side of Nassau Hall on Nassau Street. Starting here, makes it easy to loop around the campus and end very close to this spot, so you aren’t too far away from your car.

 

 

 

 

Below, it the right side of Nassau Hall. There is this beautiful arch against the building that just frames the soon to be Mr & Mrs so perfectly! I love stopping here to take a quick photo before we continue on our journey through Princeton University!

The back of Nassau Hall is covered in ivy and the symmetry is just gorgeous. This is the perfect location for a wide angle showing off the building and maybe a nice little stroll.

The sun shines through the trees here perfectly!! A Summer Princeton University Engagement session is just so magical.

East Pyne Hall

My next stop is East Pyne Hall! Behind Nassau Hall, to the left. It’s a really fun spot that looks like a castle!

Clio and Whig

After East Pyne Hall, I like to go back to Clio and Whig, which is directly behind Nassau Hall. Now we are kind of making our rounds around the Cannon Green lawn. Once you figure out where you are going, it’s not that difficult to navigate. Clio and Whig are twin buildings that have gorgeously tall columns and the buildings are made of a beautiful white stone. In my opinion, this is such a gorgeous look for a bride to be!

McCosh Hall

A little backtracking here, but I love to head over to McCosh Hall. From Clio and Whig, you walk down Chapel Drive. McCosh Hall is right next to the Chapel. I love McCosh Hall because the doors are old and ornate, the sun shines beautifully here, and the ivy is hugging the building! It feels old here, in a good way. My favorite spot to practice some dancing!

Prospect Gardens

After McCosh Hall, we turn left and pass the Art Museum and go straight for Prospect Gardens. Princeton University does such an amazing job at keeping this garden looking absolutely stunning! The amount of butterflies you will see in June is mesmerizing!

Rockefeller College

The last stop is Rockefeller College. This is probably the most iconic spot at Princeton University aside from Nassau Hall. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also a residence hall. Photographing here in June, July and August is usually not a problem, but when school is in session it’s off limits. Being respectful and understanding that the residence do need their privacy is very important. Keep that in mind when booking the time of your engagement session. Also, we are right back to Nassau Street, so your car should be relatively close!

Helpful Information:

-Check out map of Princeton University so you can map our your engagement session for an easy and wonderful experience!

Planning to propose your partner?

Planning to photograph your proposal is the best gift to your partner!  Click here for some Proposal Inspiration!

About the Photographer:

Lauren Adams of Bokeh Love Photography has been a wedding and portrait photographer in New Jersey for over 13 years! Having photographed hundreds of wedding, she is a seasoned professional who can be a helpful asset to anyone planning their wedding in New Jersey, the Tri-State area or beyond. Lauren is available for local and destination weddings from coast to coast! Click here to view Lauren’s Wedding Portfolio and click here to contact her directly!

 

Tips to plan the best Jersey Shore proposal!

The best tip I can give, is that the photographers you are going to want to hire, are busy photographing weddings on the weekends. Try to pick a date with this key detail in mind. Some key benefits to not proposing on a weekend are that you have a better chance to secure the photographer you want and the location you choose will be far less crowded. Below are some other tips to keep in mind when planning your Jersey Shore proposal!

1. Consider your partners likes and dislikes.

   Will they like what you’re planning? Are they into the beach, or into the city. New Jersey is a diverse state, and there are so many different options here. From beach to farm, from city to small town, NJ really has it all! Think about where your favorite memories have been together, what you dream about in your future together, and what she has always dreamed this moment would be like.

2. Chat with their friends and family.

   If you’re unsure on their likes and dislikes, you can always turn to their friends and family, the people that know them best! You can ask them things about jewelry likes/dislikes, size of their ring finger (if you didn’t know already) and if they like being the center of attention, or if they dislike attention at all! Maybe something more private would be more suited to their style.

3. Plan the location.

   As discussed above, you want to make sure this location is a good spot for them. Is this a place that has meaning to the both of you? First date perhaps? Will they just know right away, or is it a completely new location, to make new memories! Once you’d decided on a location, it wouldn’t hurt to take a trip there by yourself to scope it out and make sure it’s “the spot!” If you need help, ask your photographer for ideas. They should have a ton of secret spots up their sleeve that would be the perfect location for you!

4. Plan for the right timing.

   A beach engagement in the summer sounds lovely, but maybe not at 12 Noon, when beach goers are lounging and soaking up the sun! Plan for golden hour, when they’ve all gone home, the beach is empty, and the sun is even with the horizon. Do your research, this time changes every day! Or, if it’s an indoor proposal, you have more flexibility with timing.

5. Time to choose your photographer!

   There are so many photographers in New Jersey, it may be difficult to find the best one for your needs. Look at portfolios, read reviews, and even ask friends and family their recommendations. Be sure to do this in private, so your partner doesn’t catch on and ask why you’re looking for a photographer.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to a few different photographers and ask for pricing information if it’s not listed on their website, and also full galleries of past proposals.

   Click here to book your proposal with Bokeh Love Photography!

6. Dress to Impress!

   I know this one can be difficult, but maybe tell her you’ve planned a date night, and you’d like to get dressed up! Make sure your outfits match the location. Tuxedos and ballgowns may be a bit much for a beach proposal, but if you’ve planned a beach picnic, a sundress and some linen pants may not be out of pocket!

7. Plan what you will say ahead of time.

   Proposing sounds scary, you may not know what to say. Don’t let this deter you from being your true self. This does not have to be a 10-minute speech. Keep it short and sweet and say what you want to tell them. Make it personal, and from the heart.

8. Have some friends on call to help.

   Get your friends involved. If you want to have a picnic on the beach, or want some candles set up in a park, bring on the help of your friends to set it up for you! Talk to them ahead of time and be in communication with them in case of inclement weather. Anything happens, especially in NJ! The weather can go from sunny to rainy in an instant. Think about a backup plan where you and your photographer can switch the location easily without any hiccups. If you don’t have any friends that can help, there are companies that you can hire that will set up a picnic for you (inside or outside).

   Companies that set up picnics for you:
   1. Jersey shore Picnic Co
   2. Surfside Picnic
   3. Styled Memorable Picnics
   4. Uniquely Made Events
   5. Black Basket Picnics
   6. Mega Celebrations
   7. OS Picnics
   8. Pop up picnics by the shed
   9. The Picnic Fairy
   10. Perfect Picnic LBI
   11. Simply Picnic
   12. South Jersey Picnic Co
   13. The Proper Picnic

9. Don’t rush to take pictures afterwards.

   Your photographer should not be rushing over to you to take pictures after you propose. Embrace the crying, the happy tears, and the emotions! This is not an engagement session; this is a proposal. It’s a surprise, and you want this moment documented for what it is. Pure joy. When you are ready for some portraits, or you’d like to point out that you’ve hired a photographer to your now Fiancé – go for it. Approach your photographer when you’re ready, then finish strong with some beautiful images where they are ready for the camera!

10. Enjoy this moment!

    Don’t forget to enjoy this moment. We’re just as happy for you as you are, starting this next chapter in your lives. Congratulations and we hope to work with you soon!

I hope this blog post helped you with some ideas and tips to Plan the best Jersey Shore proposal! If you have any questions, Please reach out to me directly. I will gladly assist! Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

 

Cape May is renowned for its beautiful beaches, where the golden sands and rolling waves create the perfect backdrop for family portraits. However, as much as I adore capturing memories by the sea, sometimes the beach can be too bright and harsh for the best photos. This is where exploring alternative locations in Cape May becomes an exciting adventure, offering unique and stunning backdrops for your family photos. Searching Beyond the Beach for Stunning Family Photos is one of my favorite things to do!

The Charm of Cape May Beyond the Beach for stunning family photos

Cape May is so much more than its picturesque coastline. This quaint town is brimming with charm, history, and countless hidden gems that make for incredible family portraits. Here are a few of my favorite alternative locations:

1. Your Family Home: A Personal Touch
   • There’s something incredibly special about taking photos in your own backyard. Your home is where countless memories are made, and incorporating this personal space into your photos makes the images that much more meaningful. Whether it’s the front porch, the garden, or even the living room, capturing your family in the place where you share your everyday life adds a layer of intimacy and legacy to your portraits.
2. Local Parks: Nature’s Beauty at Its Best
   • Cape May boasts several beautiful parks that provide stunning natural backdrops without the harsh sunlight of the beach. Cape May Point State Park, with its scenic trails and iconic lighthouse, offers a variety of settings from wooded areas to open fields. The tranquility of the park adds a serene atmosphere to your photos, making them timeless and elegant.
3. Around Town: Embracing the Historic Charm
   • The streets of Cape May are lined with Victorian architecture, quaint shops, and vibrant gardens. Exploring the town with your family can lead to discovering picturesque spots perfect for photos. Imagine capturing moments by a charming B&B, in front of a colorful storefront, or along the historic streets – each location adding a unique story to your family portraits.
4. Gardens and Vineyards: A Splash of Color
   • The lush gardens and vineyards around Cape May are often overlooked but offer breathtaking backdrops. Places like the Cape May Winery or the various public gardens around town provide vibrant and varied settings, from rows of grapevines to blooming flower beds, enhancing the beauty of your family photos.

The Beauty of Flexibility

One of the greatest joys of being a family photographer is the opportunity to capture your family’s unique story in a setting that feels most comfortable and authentic to you. By exploring these alternative locations, not only do we avoid the challenges of harsh beach lighting, but we also create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

 

Making Memories Last

Ultimately, whether we’re at the beach, in your backyard, or exploring the charming streets of Cape May, the goal is to capture genuine moments and create lasting memories. Each photo session is a chance to document your family’s growth, love, and connection, ensuring that these beautiful moments become part of your legacy.

So, the next time you’re considering family photos in Cape May, remember that the beach isn’t the only option. Embrace the diverse beauty this town has to offer, and let’s create stunning portraits that reflect the heart and soul of your family.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to explore the hidden gems of Cape May for your next family photo session? Contact me to schedule your personalized photoshoot and let’s capture your family’s unique story in the perfect setting. Click this link to book your session: https://bokehlovephotography.net/2023/07/13/extended-family-beach-session/

As a family portrait photographer, I have the privilege of capturing moments that families will treasure for generations. One of the most special sessions I offer is Extended Family Portraits at the Beach, and there’s no better backdrop for these cherished moments than one of the beautiful beaches at the jersey shore. Here’s why these sessions are so special, why the beach makes an ideal setting, and why hiring a professional allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your time together.

The Importance of Extended Family Portrait Sessions

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s rare for extended families to gather all in one place. When these moments do happen, they are worth documenting. Extended family portrait sessions celebrate the bonds between generations, capturing the love and connection that span across grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, and cousins. These sessions are not just about the photos themselves but about the experience of coming together, sharing stories, and creating new memories.

Why the Beach is the Perfect Setting

1. Natural Beauty: The beach offers a stunning, natural backdrop that complements the warmth and joy of family gatherings. The soft sands, rolling waves, and golden sunsets create a picturesque setting that adds a touch of magic to your photos.
2. Relaxed Atmosphere: The beach naturally encourages a laid-back vibe. This relaxed atmosphere helps everyone feel comfortable and at ease, allowing genuine smiles and interactions to shine through in the photos.
3. Versatility: Whether it’s a playful shot of the kids building sandcastles, a candid moment of grandparents walking hand-in-hand, or a beautiful sunset portrait of the entire family, the beach provides endless opportunities for diverse and captivating images.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Photographer

Hiring a professional photographer for your extended family portrait session ensures that every detail is handled with care and expertise. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:

1. Experience and Skill: A professional photographer has the experience and technical skill to capture the best possible images, regardless of lighting or weather conditions. They know how to position and pose large groups to ensure everyone looks their best.
2. Stress-Free Experience: Coordinating a large family for a photo session can be challenging. A professional photographer manages the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. This allows you to focus on enjoying your time with your family.
3. High-Quality Results: Professional photographers use top-of-the-line equipment and editing techniques to produce high-quality images that will stand the test of time. These are photos you’ll be proud to display in your home and pass down to future generations.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy

One of the greatest benefits of hiring a professional photographer is the ability to sit back and enjoy the moment. You can fully immerse yourself in the experience, knowing that someone else is capturing the memories. This is a time to laugh, play, and connect with your loved ones without the distraction of trying to take photos yourself.

Extended family portrait sessions at the beach are about more than just beautiful images; they are about celebrating togetherness and creating lasting memories. By hiring a professional, you ensure that these moments are captured with the care and attention they deserve. So, gather your family, head to the beach, and let a professional photographer do the rest. You’ll be left with stunning portraits that encapsulate the love and joy of your family, ready to be cherished for years to come.

Book your Extended family portraits at the beach today!

Click this link to book your session now: https://bokehlovephotography.net/2023/07/13/extended-family-beach-session/

Capturing Memories in Avalon is a dream. It’s a dream location and I am pretty sure Avalon, New Jersey is my absolute favorite beach in all of Jersey Shore. Avalon, New Jersey, is a treasure trove of picturesque beaches, providing the perfect backdrop for family beach photography. The soft, golden sands and gentle waves create an idyllic setting where families can relax, explore, and make lifelong memories. As a family photographer, Avalon’s beauty never ceases to amaze me, but what truly fills my heart with joy is photographing the same families year after year and witnessing how the children grow and change over time.

The Beauty of Avalon Beaches

Avalon beaches are renowned for their serene and natural beauty. The expansive shoreline, the soothing sound of the ocean, and the breathtaking sunsets make it a perfect location for family portraits. Whether it’s the early morning light or the golden hour just before sunset, Avalon’s beaches offer a stunning canvas for capturing the essence of family life. The dunes, the sea grass, and the pristine sands provide a variety of backdrops that add depth and character to every photo session.

The Joy of Seeing Families Grow

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a family photographer in Avalon is the opportunity to document the same families year after year in these beautiful spots I find throughout Avalon. Watching children grow and change, capturing their milestones, and seeing their personalities blossom is a just wonderful. Each session tells a story – a story of growth, love, and connection. The children who were once toddlers learning to walk are now confident kids running along the beach, and I feel honored to be part of their journey.

Creating Lifelong Memories

Family outings to Avalon’s beaches are more than just photo sessions; they areexperiences filled with wonder and exploration. I love being a fly on the wall, capturing those candid moments when Dad discovers something amazing to share with the kids, or when mom and children share a laugh. These moments of discovery, learning, and pure joy are what make family portraits so special. In just one hour, countless memories are made, and it’s those memories that will last a lifetime.

Bringing Happiness Through Photography

Becoming a family photographer has brought immense happiness to my life. The joy I see in the families I photograph, the smiles, the laughter, and the shared moments of love are incredibly fulfilling. I am passionate about what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world. Each session is an opportunity to bring happiness to families, to document their unique stories, and to create beautiful images that they will cherish forever.

Looking Forward to New Adventures

I am always excited to meet new families and to continue documenting the lives of those I’ve photographed before. Avalon’s beaches provide a timeless setting for these moments, and I look forward to many more sessions filled with wonder, exploration, and joy. Being able to capture these special times for families is not just a job – it’s a calling, and I am grateful for every opportunity to be part of these cherished memories.

Thank you for trusting me to capture your family’s story. I can’t wait to see you on Avalon’s beautiful beaches, ready to create new memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your family portrait session below:

Click this link to book your family portrait session: https://bokehlovephotography.net/2023/07/13/extended-family-beach-session/