Chelsea & Tim’s engagement session at Skylands Manor Botanical Gardens.

All these two really wanted was a snowy engagement session in February. We kept trying to time things around snowfall, but this February was relentless. For a snowy session, ideally it’s preferred to just have a light dusting. However, for a while it felt like everything was just blizzard after blizzard. Finally we looked ahead at the forecast after all the big storms had passed. We saw 50 degrees and sunshine and knew it would be way more comfortable! With lots of snow still on the ground, we definitely still had the winter vibes they wanted at Skylands Manor. But it was a million times more comfortable than it would have been in the blizzards!

Steve even tossed some snow into the frame while I was shooting to fake some “snowfall”!

Sometimes Rules are Meant to be Broken

Engagement sessions are always scheduled about 2 hours before sunset to get the most of the golden hour light. Normally, we only suggest two outfit changes; one casual and one dressy. Chelsea had two outfits planned but brought a couple of extra things as options. This couple has had to change their wedding day plans around a few times thanks to covid, so she brought a back-up BHLDN dress she had bought a while back but never had the chance to wear. When Chelsea showed it to me, with an enthusiastic head-nod I practically forced her to put the dress on! It was the perfect way to end the session and we raced against the setting sun. We ended up with a gorgeous sunset with purple-orange hues throughout the sky. It all worked out so perfectly and we’re so glad we let the third outfit change happen!

About the Couple

“We met because we lived in the same apartment building while we lived in Jersey City (different towers and met at one of the parties thrown by the building).

We love craft beer and do a lot of day trips visiting breweries. We also love the mountains and nature, in general. Timmy is huge into fishing and I usually tag along and watch, when it’s not freezing. We both are huge snowboarders and like to take trips to Vermont when possible. We have a love for dogs and dog sit often and are hoping to get our own once we sign the lease for our new apartment. [Spoiler alert before you scroll down – they DID get a dog!]

I hate the word “foodie” but we love eating out and trying new food. We road trip a lot – my sister lives in North Carolina so we always try to add a new location or stop when visiting and listen to a lot of murder podcasts.”