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

There is something about being pregnant, that sets you aside from reality. You are in your own world. You feel this overwhelming joy for love. To fall in love with someone you have never met, is the best feeling in the world. I had the honor of capturing the beginning of their legacy, the start of their journey, the little life that is growing inside that is going to bring more joy than they could have ever imagined. It was peaceful and quiet. It was romantic and beautiful. It was real. It was a beautiful day filled with purple flowers, horse farms, wide open roads and fun. They were themselves and totally wrapped up in the moment. This is exactly how a maternity session should be.

Brandon and Alaina are not just regular clients, but my family. Brandon, my nephew is so excited and I am so overjoyed that he chose Alaina to create a beautiful baby boy with. Baby Brandon will be here very soon and I can’t wait to welcome him to this new world! They’re going to be amazing parents!

Take a look at this amazing journey we went on yesterday, and if you’re pregnant and looking for maternity portraits, please contact me and let’s set your session up!!!

Today I had the honor of photographing a beautiful girl who is very near and dear to my heart; my niece Gabrielle. This is a very special occasion for her. Not every girl gets to wear the dress of her dreams, but she does. She went to an event at Rissy Roo’s where her and her mother had a winning ticket! That’s right. They won the door prize. That door prize was to pick out the prom dress of her choice! So, this beautiful dress, is the dress that Gabrielle decided that she would like to wear, and she wears it very well! She is absolutly beautiful, perfectly perfect, and everything I could ever imagine her to be and more. I am so happy for her, and so proud and honored that she allowed me to drive her around, run in the woods, stand in the dirt, smile, and pose. She understands my logic, and just goes with the flow. For that, I thank her and I am so excited to present her and her (our) family with beautiful photos that will help her remember this wonderful event. I hope you had an amazing time at prom sweet Gabi

Gabi getting her hair & makeup done her her mother, seriously, what a treat!


A beautiful section of the woods that had beautiful ivy climbing up the trees!

Seriously, this treelined road was more than perfect!

And then this happened.



Gabi and her Mom, (My Niece and My sister in Law)