Gabi & Jarred | South Mountain Reservation

Ashley and I were so happy that Gabi and Jarred had a personally significant place in mind for their engagement session. When this happens, it immediately fills a space with warmth and meaning. We were, however, blown away when we showed up at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, NJ. It was absolutely stunning and the perfect place for a lovely, snowy landscaped, lovers adventure.

Ash and I both live outside of Philadelphia, so we weren’t too familiar with the area of and surrounding the South Mountain Reservation. We always like to start our sessions off with a little catching up so, Gabi suggested McLoone’s Boathouse for a quick bite and matrimony planning chats. Their September wedding is going to knock us off our feet. I can already feel it. Listening to their ideas, general excitement, and learning more about their friends and family is such a great reminder of why we do this. We are so grateful to have “clients” who just easily become friends… opening up their next life chapter to us with ease.

We left the restaurant already inspired… and what was to come definitely felt like a treat for us. New surroundings, landscapes, and venues bring out a sense of pure creativity within us. Having to think/create on your feet is invigorating. A new gorgeous location to explore, that includes a waterfall, surely just felt like a gift from these two. It was the perfect backdrop for the dynamic between them; it only highlighted the adoring looks and beautiful belly laughs.

Last week Gabi said, in an instagram post, that she was dreading this session, yet it wound up being one of her most favorite memories. Honestly, I wish we could take full credit for that (because COME ON, that is the biggest compliment) but we can’t. These things happen when there’s a real trust at the base of the photographer/couple relationship. Gabi and Jarred have confidence in us, our process, and love our art. That collaboration (their love as the subject of our creativity) is how beautiful images are made. That  is how you turn what could be an awkward experience into a fun adventure… a fun adventure with two artists who can’t stop saying things like “you two are magic!”

<3