BRIANNA AND DANNY

Brianna and Danny wanted to have a spring engagement session prior to their June wedding at The Reeds At Shelter Haven. When discussing locations for their engagement session, I mentioned a few that I thought may have some liviness to them in the month of April. As many of you know, April weather in New Jersey can be hit or miss and there are not many types of trees and flowers in bloom just yet

One of the first locations that came to mind was Branch Brook Park in Newark because the park is known across the country for it’s annual cherry blossom festival that typically takes place in the first three weeks of April give or take based on when the weather starts warming up. The trick to this location is scheduling the portrait session during the 2-3 week window when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

This was my very first visit to the park. I was told to expect it to be busy as crowds come from all over to walk the paths of the park and bask in the beauty of the blooms but luckily, we found a few spots that were just perfect for their session. Take a peek at some of my favorite images from their engagement session below!

BRANCH BROOK PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSION

HOW THEY MET

BRI: We met on Bumble! I almost swiped left, because Danny’s profile said, “looking for something casual,” and I was well past wanting a casual relationship. But, his love for dogs and his good jawline made the cut!

Our first date was at a local bar, The Shepherd and the Knucklehead, where we both were super comfortable off the bat. I was definitely more forward and upfront – didn’t hold anything back, and Danny serenaded me, song after song!

I actually invited myself to a wedding that Danny said he had in the following month, clearly indicating that I was into him! He probably said “yeaaa for sure” out of obligation, but after a few more dates, he formally asked me to be his date to the wedding. Not sure who had better dance skills, him or me, but from there on, he was hooked.

WHEN THEY KNEW THEY HAD FOUND THE ONE

BRI: I knew I found the one when my intense passion for getting married and starting a family didn’t scare him away.

DANNY: I knew that Bri was the one when she made the first move and kissed me goodbye on our first date.

THE PROPOSAL

BRI: Yes, I was 100% surprised!

THE BACKSTORY – Danny reached out to me last summer about proposing to his girlfriend on the beach in Seaside Park. Danny planned an elaborate proposal for Brianna on the beach at sunset. It was simply beautiful and I am so grateful to have been such a special part of their story. Both of their families were present but blended into the beachfront as Danny brought Brianna to the beach after a dinner date that summer night.

ALL ABOUT THE RING

BRI: My ring is GORGEOUS. My fiance is classy and generous! My jeweler is amazing! It all just works :).

I sent my cousin one ring, back in the day, telling her what I liked “if / when” Danny were to propose. That was used as inspiration! But, Danny really deserves the credit here… he created it and chose the perfect diamond!

ONE THING THEY LOVE ABOUT EACH OTHER

BRI: I love that Danny is not shy about his love for me. He is a very real person, so when he loves, he makes it known.

DANNY: I love how much Bri truly cares for me; I can see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice.

WHY THEY PICKED THEIR WEDDING VENUE

We both love the beach and warm weather. The shore has good vibes, and the fresh air is relaxing. We loved how The Reeds offered beach ceremonies! Our wedding date, June 18, was just a lucky Friday that was available!! However, it is Danny’s Abuela’s (Grandmother’s) birthday, so it holds meaning there. We are most excited to tear up the dance floor!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Baby Davenport is due in November!

WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?

Get a photographer who is awesome and you can be friendly with! Our engagement shoot (both really!) went so well. I believe that Marianne totally captured the moment, while making sure that we were being candid and not too robotic!

DO YOU LOVE PINTEREST?

Pin these images or any from the post above!