Winter Engagement Session on a New Jersey Farm

When Hannah contacted me to schedule an engagement session at her family’s farm I was so excited! I love changing up shoot locations and I just knew that this one would be special.

During our first phone call, we realized that we have so much in common! Hannah and Max live in Hoboken, 5 blocks from where my boyfriend and I live! If you live in Hoboken, you know this is common considering the city is one square mile, but nonetheless it’s still cool! We also realized that both of our families have summer houses in Long Beach Island (LBI) close to each other as well! We chatted about our love for the local restaurant, Daymark, and coffee at How Ya Brewin. From our first call, I knew that Hannah and Max’s engagement session was going to be so much fun!

Featuring The Fuller Dogs

After a quick 30-minute drive from Hoboken, I arrived at Hannah’s family farm in Morristown NJ for their farm engagement session. As I drove up the driveway I was greeted by 3 of her adorable dogs. Most notably Monster, a Black German shepherd, ran right up to me and required lots of rubs immediately after I got out of my car. He was adorable and this interaction set the tone for us for the evening. Monster and co. followed Hannah, Max, and I around the farm for their engagement session. They were amazing spectators and special guests- knowing exactly when to get into the frame. These dogs were always smiling making sure we were well protected and laughing. I’d hire them for my next shoot!

The Farm

Gazing around the farm our location options were endless! We started the shoot under a shade of trees and then made our way out to a pond surrounded by phragmites. Hannah and Max ran into the field where the dogs chased after them creating the most jaw-dropping scene. Seriously I thought we were in The Sound of Music.

After Max entertained my idea to pick Hannah up in a Blades of Glory style sprint, sorry Max! We walked over to the horses (!!!!) and fed them some hay for being the best background prop ever! I mean seriously look at how gorgeous he was! Hannah mentioned that he was her sister’s horse. Hannah and her sister were both competitive equestrians growing up!

We moved to the front of the house after spending time with the horses. The sun was setting and a beautiful orange glow peaked through the trees behind Hannah and Max as they sat on the front steps. A sunset in the midst of Winter! How lucky were we!? We took advantage of the sunset and admired it from adarondecks chair overlooking the pond. If it weren’t 40 degrees out I would have thought it was Summer!

Hannah and Max you were so much fun to photograph! I can’t wait to bump into you around Hoboken and LBI soon!

Photographer: Maggie DiVirgilio Photography