There is something uniquely special about photographing an engagement session when one of the people in front of the camera is usually behind it. This session featured one of our very own photographers, Kelly — and it was every bit as joyful, emotional, and full-circle as you might imagine.
Kelly has been with us since 2022 and is such an extraordinary human being! She brings a tremendous amount of joy, outward positive energy, and silliness wherever she goes. On the job, she is the definition of reliable and dependable — the person you always want by your side because you know she will have your back no matter what. Couples adore her, teammates trust her, and we feel endlessly lucky to have her as part of our team.
Her fiancé, Derrick, is her perfect counterpart. He’s an incredibly warm and calming presence, and being around him is just that — calming and wonderful. There’s a gentleness and patience to him that instantly puts everyone at ease, and the way he looks at Kelly makes it so clear how deeply he loves her. We couldn’t be happier that these two found each other; they are literally each other’s yin to yang.
Their story started back in high school, and years later, Derrick chose the most meaningful place to ask Kelly to marry him: Bradley Beach — the very same beach where they first met. It was the sweetest full-circle moment! The proposal itself was a complete surprise to Kelly, and I was lucky enough to be in on it from the beginning. We told her she would be second shooting an engagement session, when in reality it was HER proposal — and for once, she was not the one holding the camera! Watching her realize what was happening and seeing the joy on both of their faces was something I’ll never forget.
This time around, for their official engagement session at Allaire State Park, Kelly was fully in the loop — and the day felt like pure magic. It was one of those crisp, gorgeous fall days where the light is golden and the leaves feel like they’re putting on a show just for you.
We are counting down the days until their April 12th wedding and could not be more excited to be involved in such an important chapter of their story! Being asked to photograph any wedding is an honor — but being invited into the day of someone you work alongside, admire deeply, and truly care about is something else entirely.
I’m just completely enamored with Kelly! She is a magnificent, one-of-a-kind person — extraordinarily special in every way — and Derrick matches her with a quiet strength and kindness that makes them an absolutely spectacular couple. Together, they radiate warmth, joy, and authenticity.
Kelly and Derrick, thank you for trusting us with your memories, for letting us step into your world both as photographers and as friends. We are overjoyed to be part of your journey and cannot wait to celebrate you both when you say “I do.”
