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

I love that I live so close to the ocean. Growing up this close has definitly spoiled me. I will probably never live anywhere else. There is just something about the way it smells, how great it is to put your toes in the sand, and breath the fresh sea air! It’s just perfect. So why not take your portraits right here on the beach? It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up and enjoy the ocean with your family! The Santoto family came out and had an amazing summer day right here in Margate! I have never met such a happy family and look at their outfits! I am loving the blue and white!

So take a look and if you’d like to book your family portrait session on the beach, send me an email and we’ll make it happen!

It’s not everyday you get to take pictures in a place that you grew up! I love Patiot Park, however it wasn’t always called that. When I was a kid, we called it the “The Municipal Complex” or, as us kids referred to it as – “The Pit”. Thats right. It was a giant hole. We were told it would be an ice skating rink one day. That idea obviouslly fell through, but today its beautiful. There is a gorgeous lake that is stocked with fish for families to come together and do some relaxing, kick back and teach your kids how to fish. It’s a beautiful place with benches to honor your loved ones who have passed. They even have a K9 memorial, which always takes my breath away. Not only that, but the playground is right there, and back in my day (dusts the shoulder off) it was a WOOD playground. Now it’s really awesome, has super bright colors, it’s just a greay place for family!

So on this particular day, I got to photo a beautiful family, (with a super smart Mom!) Yep, she was the winner in my “Guess what is it contest!”. I shot a ring on something that noone could guess! I had guesses like an ice cube, a water filled zip lock bag. Nope – all wrong. She was the ONLY one who guessed a gazing ball! So, she got a free session!

So here it is! She has SUCH a perfect family! Enjoy!

I love engagement session. Especially when they include a gorgeous couple and my green couch. This engagement session started on a beautiful lake in a campground and ended on a river. I always tell my clients that the background in your images doesn’t matter, because it’s about you two. You are both the stars and that is what I will focus on. In this case, it’s like everyones dream. To be outside, with the one you love. There is nothing around but nature and what a beautiful setting it is! Serenity at it’s finest!

Amy and Sean, thank you so much for spending time with me and being so patient as I made these beautiful images for you. I hope you cherish them and smile everytime you look at them!

xoxo,
Lauren
Bokeh Love Photography