In true NYC fashion, Allison and Kevin met online and had their first date at a restaurant in the West Village. They met for a drink at the bar, and then decided to stay for dinner. As they say, the rest is history and they were engaged this past August! I had the pleasure of meeting up with them this past October on a crisp fall day. It was the first time we were meeting in person so I really loved getting to know them as we walked around the city and hopped in and out of Ubers.
We started Allison and Kevin’s engagement session in the West Village close to where Allison used to live. The area was full of unique backdrops, gorgeous textures, and beautiful fall colors. I just loved it! We then headed over to Allison and Kevin’s current neighborhood in Battery Park City and had tree-lined walkways and views of the water to choose from. It was a perfect mix of locations that yielded plenty of variety in their images.
Allison and Kevin are planning an October wedding at Bay Head Yacht Club and I’m already counting the days. These two make such a beautiful couple, plus they’ve chosen a unique venue that I love and miss since I haven’t been there in a couple of years already. So excited to capture their day there! Here is a recap of their engagement session – enjoy it!
NYC Engagement Photography
When they knew they had found the one
Allison remembers the first time she knew Kevin was the one – it was at a Super Bowl party in 2017 when Kevin was brought to tears of joy while watching a commercial showing a veteran reunited with his dog. They giggled together through happy tears, and Allison knew a life with Kevin would always keep her smiling and laughing.
Kevin recalls a spontaneous hike upstate with Allison— far longer and rockier than anticipated. It was early in their relationship, and with each steeper climb, Kevin worried this was a dating fail. Instead, they laughed and shared stories, passing time until the picturesque summit. Forgetting how tired and sunburnt they were, Kevin suggested a longer route down. Allison not only agreed (“I’m just following you!”), but by doing so promised she’d take on any adventure by his side. That’s when Kevin knew they could spend a life together.
The proposal
The proposal took place on Allison’s 30th birthday. They planned a big birthday celebration on the roof deck of our new apartment in NYC, with dozens of friends and family expected to show up. Little did Allison know, Kevin had chartered a sailboat that morning, where he intended to propose under the Statue of Liberty. Sailing was meaningful to both– Kevin had been a sailing instructor on the Jersey Shore, and Allison assumed the role of “first mate” when sailing on vacations.
Of course, that day began with pouring rain, thunderstorms, and flooding. However, when a break in the clouds emerged, Kevin coordinated with the sailboat captain to give it a try. Allison was surprised to be getting on a boat under threatening weather, but knew something was up. Sure enough, Kevin and Allison had their dream proposal under the Statue of Liberty, and returned just in time before the skies opened up again to pour rain.
The rest of the day we celebrated– rain or shine it didn’t matter. That’s always been Kevin and Allison’s mantra. As long as we have each other, we’ll always have incredible time.
One thing they love about each other
Kevin loves Allison’s giant heart– her passion for everyone around her. Her infectious laughter. Her unapologetic bright light– both in her personal style and way she interacts with everyone in her life. And always staying true to herself and values. She’s not afraid to try new things, cry tears of joy at a Taylor Swift concert, and journey into the unknown together.
Allison loves Kevin’s unrelenting positivity and wild imagination. She loves how he celebrates the every day and the ordinary, and makes even a trip to the grocery store an adventure. (and also, he is really cute!)
All about the ring
Kevin proposed with a family heirloom, the classic and vintage engagement ring of his great Aunt Doris. Kevin wanted to give Allison the chance to make it her own while keeping it’s special meaning. Kevin and Allison went uptown to the Diamond District shortly after the engagement to try out different settings and styles together and settled on a gold band and slightly more modern setting. Needless to say, Allison loves it and loves that it is hers AND has meaning.
Their wedding day vision
We are getting married at the Bay Head Yacht Club on the Barnegat Bay. Keeping with the sailing theme- we’ll get married in the boat house followed by the reception, i.e. party (featuring our dream band, the Broadway Project), in the rustic main hall overlooking the water. We’re excited to juxtapose the main hall with black tie attire- keeping things elegant, classic, and fun.
About the Photographers
