Whenever I get to shoot at what I like to call my ‘home beaches’ I always feel like I own the place. This would be false (I do not own any of these places). Fun fact about this particular spot in Lavallette, is that I shot my first ever engagement session right on this sand, over 10 years ago. It sounds crazy to even write that. But 10 years ago I had a point and shoot camera, and a dream. I grabbed my cousin (who had just gotten engaged) and insisted I do her engagement photos. We had started in Ortley Beach, and then drove over to nearby Centennial Park in Lavallette.

I remember being so jazzed about the photos I had taken on that day. Looking back I cringe – but at that point, I was so excited that I had taken them and thought they were the best thing ever. I am forever thankful to Michelle and Tim for letting me take those, because it was truly the first time I ever took photos of humans and I knew once I had taken those I was hooked. I don’t think any of us imagined as that session was happening that I would one day be a full time photographer. Life is crazy.

Fast forward to this session a full 10+ years later. I was so excited to be able to shoot at Centennial Park and really redeem myself. Nicole and Chris brought the fire, and this session did not disappoint. We got a perfect evening, perfect light, and I ended up loving this location even more the second time around (and adding it to my list of favorite places to shoot – because for real, can you beat this glow?!).

Location: Lavallette, New Jersey