I have been photographing Lauren and Justin since their engagement session! They took me off roading, and it was AMAZING! I have NEVER to this day, met a couple more in love than the two of them. To say they are one of my favorite people in this world is an understatement! I photographed Lauren’s boudoir session, a wedding gift for Justin, which was a beautiful testament to their love! You can see in her eyes the dedication and admiration she has toward him. Their wedding was so emotional. Justin cried during their first look, real tears, his heart was 500% into it, and I was bawling behind my camera. One year later, they took me off roading AGAIN for their trash the dress, at the same location as their engagement session, but this time, in wedding attire, and they went swimming together in the river. Their life is a fairytale, but fairytales sometimes have bumpy roads. Things don’t always go as planned, but we get back up and we keep moving forward, with love, with passion, with guidance, with hope, but most of all, together. In this situation, the sun is shining and there is a rainbow. Hand in hand. I am so happy, and excited to share these images with you all, Lauren and Justin’s Pregnancy Announcement at Smithville Inn, where they were married. The memories we have captured up to this date, are a beautiful legacy of their love, of their growing family, and I am so humbled and honored to have been by their side where it all began. Thank you Lauren and Justin, for allowing me to once again capture one of the most amazing moments in your life. I am forever grateful you have chosen me to document your life, and to be a part of it makes me just so happy.

Smithville is known for it’s beautiful, well maintained grounds, but having a Pregnancy Announcement at Smithville Inn is just so meaningful, especially if you were married here, or if you grew up coming here as a child (I know I did). If you are looking for a beautiful way to document this special moment in your lives, please reach out to me so we can plan your Pregnancy Announcement at Smithville Inn.

We adore winter weddings, and snow in general. Egg Harbor City is my home away from home. We love to shoot all over this town, including their very own wedding venue, Blue Heron Pines! In fact, we are on their preferred vendors list! Their weeping willow is one of our favorite aspects to their venue, among other things their staff is absolutely priceless! They’re kind and always accommodating! If you are looking for an Egg Harbor City photographer for your upcoming wedding, please reach out to me today at lauren@bokehlovephotography.net 

I wanted to do a styled shoot in the snow, and when I heard we would be getting some snow, I ran to my closet to check the size of the dress I had purchased earlier this year. It was a thrift store find. A lot of beautiful dresses are worn once, and either tossed to the side of a closet, given away or sold to regain some money back after its use. Being a resourceful photographer, I often find myself looking into thrift stores to find some hidden treasures. Months ago, as I was skipping down the dress aisle (yes, I’m serious) I saw this dusty rose gown staring at me. It wasn’t just a prom dress, or an evening gown. This was a pink, taffeta wedding dress! I couldn’t believe my eyes. The size said 16, but there was no way it could be a 16. Whoever had this dress obviously had it fitted to their body. So, as you know how difficult it is to find someone to fit a dress that has been taken in, it just sat in my closet. I began imagining all of the different styled shoots I could come up with centered around this dress. Would it be a trash the dress? Would it be a bunch of roses? Never did I think of snow!

In two days, I was able to find a bride for the dress, a florist to make a bouquet (Karen Fowler Floral Design), and scout out some amazing locations. Believe it or not, finding a tree lined road, AND Christmas tree’s is a bit tricky. Thankfully, I’ve got some secret locations up my sleeve! Of course I had to add some personal touches as well (my wedding shoes that survived my house fire, my crystal champagne flutes that I bought for boudoir sessions, and the Bride even brought along her Grandmothers fur coat!)

This was going to be EPIC! Not only did it snow, but also it was a perfect day to shoot. We had nice, even lighting and of course my amazing assistant, my hubbs helped drive us around in his truck, and toss some snow on the Bride! Special thanks to him, and Theresa from Forever Sunshine Photography (Yes, she’s a photographer!) and Karen of Karen Fowler Floral Design!!! Check them both out and show them some love! Thanks Ladies!!!

Oh, and PS – As it turned out, the dress was a size 8!!!!!

I can’t wait to chat with you about your upcoming special day, and be your Egg Harbor City Photographer!

Dress: Good Will
Flowers: Karen Fowler Floral Design
Model: Theresa Michele of Forever Sunshine Photography
Shoes: Blue by Betsey Jognson Wish Platform Pumps
Champagne Flutes: Waterford Crystal
Fur under shoes/Champagne flutes: Nicole Miller Home Faux Fur Throw
Fur Coat: Model’s Grandmothers
Hair & Makeup: Model