Their Session: Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ

The start of spring surrounded by dreamy cherry blossoms is one of my favorite ways to ring in the new season. It was so special to reconnect with Christina and Ryan for their Branch Brook Park cherry blossom maternity session! I’ve had the honor of capturing these two a few times throughout their love story, and this time around, it was all about their growing family!

Picture this: a perfect April day, flowers in full bloom, and these two radiating joy as we captured the magic of their maternity session. Baby on the way, and these two were GLOWING! We adventured through the blooms and explored the lakeside pathways as love, laughter, and baby bumps stole the show against one of New Jersey’s best spots in the spring!

Their Love Story

Christina and Ryan met during their freshman year of college at Monmouth University. Her good friend Rachel (who lived in the dorm next to hers) was in a class with Ryan and they studied together. Ryan would make it a point to stop by Christina’s dorm room to say hello and chat a bit. After a few months of spending time together (trying to deny that they really liked each other), they started dating in May 2010. The last ten years together have been so much fun for them from living in four apartments together, traveling to amazing spots around the world, and buying their first house together!

Here’s how Ryan proposed to Christina! “When we were in college down in Long Branch, N.J., a typical date night for us was driving to McDonald’s, getting ice-cream, and going to the beach down at Pier Village. We’d hang out in the sand, or even just in the car when it was wintery and cold – and it was so much fun. In May 2017, we packed lunches and went down to the beach for the day – somehow the car ended up at Pier Village. Little did I know that Ryan had hired a photographer and was planning on proposing. I was TOTALLY shocked, but of course, I said yes!”

Then, they had the dreamiest wedding day at Crystal Springs Resort! She said, “Oh, it was the best day! All of our closest friends and family spent the day (and weekend) at Crystal Springs Resort. We had the perfect July day – complete with a dance party, an ice-cream bar, sparklers, smiles and lots of love. We will always be so thankful to have that memory.”

Christina’s favorite quality about Ryan is his sense of humor and his drive. No matter what, he always puts a smile on her face! Ryan adores how sweet and compassionate Christina is. He loves that she would do anything to help someone out. She’s also extremely playful which Ryan can’t get enough of! 🙂

Christina & Ryan,

It’s always such a dream getting you two in front of my camera! Your connection is so special to witness, and I know you’re going to be the most amazing parents! Wishing you all the best as you welcome your little one into the world! Congratulations!!! xo