I have to applaud Brianna & Ray as this day they did their Jersey City engagement photos was frigid! They live very close to here, as they work in the City. The views from Jersey City are stunning and it was a beautiful clear day.
Out of all my many years and photographing 100s of couples, I don’t think there was another couple that was together longer and knows each other like they do. Brianna met Ray (I call him Ray Ray) in middle school. I repeat middle school, not high school or college… You can tell there is a level of love and comfort very evident when you see them talk and interact. He makes her laugh and smile and she can take whatever he dishes out joke wise.
About Jersey City’s Waterfront: Jersey City’s Exchange Place waterfront sits directly across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, giving you the Freedom Tower and the full NYC skyline as your backdrop without ever stepping into New York. The area has been a favorite for engagement sessions because the fall light along the river in late afternoon is some of the best you will find in the region. The converted warehouse buildings, cobblestone side streets, and open waterfront plazas give you three completely different looks in the same location. For couples who live and work in the city but want something that feels a little more relaxed and open, the Jersey City waterfront delivers every time.
This is a pure business portrait for Ray! haha..
Jersey City Engagement Photos in the fall
We explored quite a bit of the space in Jersey City along the waterfront. There were absolutely spectacular views of the Freedom Tower from across the river. In one area they have tree stumps that are used as seats but they have such a wonderful texture and dark color to them.
One issue we had for their engagement session was that I wanted to do a sunset photo with them but we started a bit early! Brianna and her scarf were troopers. Kelly my assistant was completely frozen. I remember us almost pouring the burning hot tea on our faces to warm up from Starbucks after the session.
Unfortunately, they did not bring their cute poodle puppy with them for their session but he will make a presence on the wedding day coming down the aisle with the rings! They will have an unforgeable wedding at Mallard Island Yacht Club in Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
There is a spot along the waterfront where these old tree stumps are left in place as seating, and the texture and color on them are incredible. We used them for a couple different compositions and they ended up being some of the most striking frames from the whole session. The architecture from the converted industrial buildings across the water added depth to the background in ways that a clean white studio backdrop never could. Jersey City as a location keeps surprising me every time I shoot there.
Brianna’s scarf was a lifesaver. When you are shooting fall and early winter sessions outside, you always want your couples to think about layering and accessories because they add movement and visual interest to the frames. Her scarf ended up being in some of the best images of the day, catching the wind off the Hudson and giving the photographs a little extra energy.
Their Wedding at Mallard Island Yacht Club
Brianna and Ray are getting married at Mallard Island Yacht Club in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, one of the most unique waterfront wedding venues on the Jersey Shore. The island setting, the dock access, and the water views make it a genuinely special location for a wedding day. If you are looking for inspiration for Jersey Shore wedding venues, check out our guide to the best Jersey Shore wedding venues.