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Central Park Engagement in New York City

Central Park Engagement New York in Autumn

During the last week of October, Lindsey and I flew out to New York for a week of birthday celebrations and to photograph a Central Park engagement. We had been planning the details of our trip and brainstorming ideas back and forth with the team of local artists we were collaborating with the month leading up to the trip.

The trees in Central Park were already changing their colors. Deep shades of orange and yellow the trees. Sprinkled throughout, you could find hints of greens.

Everyone met at the apartment we were staying at in the morning to get hair and makeup started. While glam was in full effect, I photographed the details of the day. One of my favorite parts of any styled shoot or wedding is by far the details. One of the most important characteristics that distinguish a shoot from others and make it truly unique. There were large windows in our living room, where I set up my little studio.

FLWR Studio created the most beautiful floral arrangements for us, and Scribbles & Swirls Calligraphy crafted the most elegant invitation suite. To top it off, Trumpet & Horn loaned us a handful of antique jewelry that I flew out.

Once hair and makeup concluded, the model slip into the first dress of the day, then we headed out. It was a brisk day in the middle of Fall, but the weather was perfect — and the crowds of New York were fortunately at a lull for the day. We were staying on the Upper West Side, just blocks from the park. We made our way over to the first location of the day we stopped to capture a few frames along the way.

The day before our shoot, I went on a bike ride with Lindsey around the park to find the best locations for us to shoot. There were a few iconic shots that were absolute must-haves for me, so we visited those spots first. Bethesda Fountain is by far one of the most popular places for tourists to go, but under the bridge just next to it is the most beautiful tile work and classic architecture.

I knew I had to get some shots there, and it turned out to be my favorite location, and I captured my favorite photo of the day there. Afterward, we walked over to the stairs overlooking the park. We were on a bustling path, so Lindsey and Emily from FLWR Studio positioned themselves as human roadblocks, which allowed us to capture unobstructed portraits.

Because skyscrapers surround the park, we were shooting in, “sunset” actually happens about an hour and a half earlier than everywhere else. We quickly hurried back to the apartment for an outfit change and then headed back for our last locations of the evening.

We walked down to the lake that had the most picturesque view of the multicolored trees. There was a great rock formation that we hopped and enjoyed the most beautiful view of the park. We wrapped up at dusk and quickly got back to the apartment to avoid the rapidly dropping temperatures.

The shoot was an absolute success, and I can’t wait to return for another Central Park bridal editorial!

As seen in Magnolia Rouge.