To be perfectly honest, I’ve probably dreamt of this moment since I became a wedding photographer: to photograph my own sister’s engagement portraits. As you may know, my siblings are two of the most important things in my life, so photographing Johnny and Elizabeth’s Gallaher Mansion Engagement in Cranbury Park Engagement was UNREAL! We decided to do the shoot with less than 48 hours of planning, and boy, did we work hard to nail the details of this one. A special thanks to Makeup Artist Essie Cohen, who showed up on a Saturday in the middle of wedding season before sunrise in Stamford with zero notice to help make sure everything was perfect.
The story of Johnny and Elizabeth is one for the books. Johnny was in love with Elizabeth probably from the moment he met her. But with patience, good timing, and an undeniable connection, they finally ended up together when she realized she loved him back. The two of them celebrate each other’s quirks, appetite for all things nerdy, and focus on having fun and laughing together. They compliment each other beautifully and bring out the best in the other person. I feel proud to stand alongside them in 2019 as they become husband and wife.
When it came time to propose, Johnny planned out the ultimate surprise engagement in Brigantine, NJ, a place we’ve all called home since we were little. Elizabeth and I arrived at the beach to “try out one of my lenses” for an evening shoot, but little did she know that Johnny had decorated the entire walkway to the beach and the famous Brigantine lifeguard boat. He basically popped out from behind a sand dune and completely shocked Elizabeth. Saying yes to Johnny came so naturally, as she had waited for him her entire life. After their proposal, our families were waiting to surprise Elizabeth. I have to mention also that our dear friend, Mike, came down to Brigantine to celebrate Johnny and Elizabeth that night. It was the last time we got to see him in this lifetime, making the memory of Elizabeth’s and Johnny’s engagement that much more special for all of us. I am so thankful for everyone who was there that day.
Johnny and Elizabeth, thank you for letting me photograph your engagement portraits. I hope you love them!
In case you didn’t know, Elizabeth and Johnny love my dog, Pancake, like their own pup!
Details:
Photography: Tesora Photography
MUA: Essie Cohen
Location: Gallaher Mansion at Cranbury Park, Norwalk
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Carolyn of Tesora Photography is a New York & CT Wedding, Engagement and Portrait Photographer. Booking for 2018.
