Their Session: Crossed Keys Estate, Andover, NJ

Tina and Dan have truly been such a joy and light in my life since the moment they reached out! I’m sure any of their friends and family can attest to the fact that when you’re with them, you just feel so GOOD. They are the most attentive, thoughtful, and sweet couple, and together, they’re just a dream team! They took an hour out of their relaxing morning down by the shore to FaceTime me and tell me more about their story, their wedding, and all the fun details in between. It meant so much that they truly valued getting to know me as their photographer and friend instead of just getting some details and carrying on with their day.

Tina and Dan wanted to check out what their beautiful venue, Crossed Keys Estate, was going to look like around the time of their wedding next fall, so we planning their engagement session there! Crossed Keys is such a beautiful property with so much to explore, and I loved that we couple spend a few hours just roaming around and finding some awesome hidden gem spots! We’ll definitely be popping back to them for their wedding day! These two were SO fun to photograph – their love and focus on one another was so beautiful to watch. I truly was in awe of their connection!

Their Love Story

Dan and Tina met at Ithaca College where they had always crossed paths during her track practices! Tina ran cross country and indoor/outdoor track while Dan was a rower! The rowing team practiced upstairs in their athletic center and Tina would be running circles around the track. Tina was a junior at the time and had 3 years left of Physical Therapy school. Dan was a senior and actually worked with Tina’s sister as a tour guide! They officially met through her sister!

Dan and Tina love fall and the outdoors, so it was very fitting that they got engaged last November when they were hiking on the Appalachian trail with their dog, Luna. This was a hike that she hadn’t done before and Dan was acting kind of “lovey dovey” that day, but she didn’t think much of it! When they got to the summit, he started playing their song ‘Should I Fall Behind’ by Bruce Springsteen – and that’s when she knew something was about to happen!! Their good friend who is also a photographer was hiding in the bushes to capture the moment. They hiked down together and back to their lake house, their family was there for a little surprise engagement party that Dan organized!! The photos they shared with me from the proposal are SO incredibly sweet! I’m so glad Dan thought to ask his friend to capture it!

Something special to note is that Dan had been carrying the ring with him for a year before that! He knew how much it would mean to Tina and her family to have him ask for her pop pop’s blessing. He, sadly, passed away, and after Dan proposed, he was able to share with her that he had asked her pop pop a year or so prior. I love how Dan made it such a point to ask both her pop pop and father before proposing! <3

Tina and Dan,

You two truly radiate a love and happiness that is so rare. I’m beyond grateful that you chose me as your wedding photographer, and I’m so excited to go through this exciting journey of wedding planning with you! Can’t wait to be back at Crossed Keys Estate in the fall! I already feel like close friends, and that means the world when it comes to creating magical images! Love you both bunches! Let’s celebrate!!! xo

Loving these fall engagement session vibes? Come check out another sweet fall session here!