A natural, beachy engagement for two easy-going high-school sweethearts…

Zac and Allison reached out to me about photographing their wedding because they had received outstanding recommendations from family members (thanks, guys!).  They also liked the way I take time to get to know my clients and capture their interests and personalities in camera.
I am happy to share that their unique, custom-tailored engagement session is here :).

Their relationship has already faced challenges and stood the test of time and distance.  I think the ring balanced precariously on a bit of wire fits that dynamic well.
Alli and Zac initially met in high school (they even went to prom together): following school, they spent several years living across continents with Zac working in Ecuador.  They spent much of their time apart and with limited communication.
They would take short “vacations” to visit each other, but they learned to love and trust each other more deeply through those times– they used the distance to make them stronger.

We met in Sandy Hook for their engagement session and it really was the perfect location for them.  In some ways it looked like a jungle and in other ways it looked like a beach.
It reminded them of the summers that they spent together on the beaches of Ecuador. 🙂

Their relationship is very natural and easy-going.  They take simple pleasure in spending time together and came into the engagement session with an open mind, up for anything.
The weather on their drive in had them both a little nervous– high winds, mist, grey clouds, but they went with the flow and I think all of those elements worked beautifully in the photographs.

It was a little chilly, too.  You might be able to see Zac’s goosebumps in the next photo, haha.

I really like this next photograph.  You almost get an “American Gothic” feel as well as a sense for their unity and trust.  They almost appear to be one here, and it looks both effortless and intense all at once.

I have never been to Ecuador, but I can almost imagine it looking like this in its less developed areas– clear water, mist and vibrant green foliage.

Getting a close portrait with the high winds was a little challenging.  In some photos Alli’s hair blew completely in front of her face, but in this one the wind is blowing behind her and I think it works well.
I also love how the sunlight is catching their eyes here.  Allison said that Zac’s eyes are her favorite.  😉

Zac is head over heels in love with Alli, he is incredibly thoughtful and kind.
Alli mentioned that when they were apart, he would send her letters, poems and gifts.  One time he really surprised her by walking into her room when she thought he was 3000 miles away.
I think this peninsula is such an interesting space and enjoyed exploring it’s beaches and jungles with these two.

While Allison tends to be more organized, goal oriented and the introvert of the two, Zac is the more personable, care-free one.
I wanted to capture that as well as their fun-loving sides and draw all the attention to their amazing eyes here.

Here Zac is pulling Alli out of her shell a little…

… to chase seagulls!  🙂

From playful to more serious, here you can see their strong, steady nature.

And their trust in each other

I love a good silhouette and love how perfectly placed this boat was– serendipity 😉

I know I opened with a photo of Allison’s engagement ring, but I really couldn’t help myself, especially with this blue theme throughout the second half of the session, it just fit.

Allison and Zac thanks for being so amazing to work with and go with the flow!  Thank you also for your note about how comfortable I made you both feel in front of the camera, that means a lot to me!
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