Nathan and I spent a few weeks secretly planning the perfect proposal for his girlfriend, Nicole.
Boston held a special place in their hearts. Over the past five years of dating, they had shared countless memories in the city&mdash;wandering through its streets on cozy date nights and cheering for the Celtics at TD Garden.
Nathan wanted the proposal to reflect everything Nicole loved: a touch of nature, but also the energy and charm of the city they&rsquo;d grown to love together.

The weather was rainy, but that only made the special surprise more memorable on this spring morning by the pond in the Public Garden. The soft drizzle added a quiet kind of magic to the city, casting gentle ripples across the water and making the blossoms feel even more alive.
After exchanging countless texts and sharing our locations in real time, I found the perfect place to lay low&mdash;heart racing&mdash;as I waited for them to arrive. Nathan, cool and collected, led Nicole toward the iconic bridge that crossed over the pond.
From my tucked-away vantage point, I watched the scene unfold&mdash;Nicole, unaware, walking hand-in-hand with the person she loved most, completely unsuspecting of what was about to happen next. (Or was she?)

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As Nathan and Nicole approached the center of the bridge, Nicole suddenly dropped her umbrella and did a little tap dance right there on the wooden planks. I knew in that instant&mdash;she had figured it out.
From my hidden spot behind one of the bridge piers, I started snapping as fast as I could, heart pounding right along with theirs.
Nathan dropped to one knee, and Nicole&rsquo;s reaction was everything&mdash;laughter, disbelief, and the kind of joy that bubbles up and spills over. She was overwhelmed in the most beautiful way, and the moment unfolded like a scene straight out of a movie&mdash;real, raw, and unforgettable. The crowd cheered as they embraced!

Nicole spotted me and let out a big smile, waving me over. As I stepped out from behind the pier, camera still in hand, I could see the excitement glowing on both of their faces. I captured a few more close-up shots of the moment&mdash;speckled in rain, love, and pure joy.
I gently reminded them of the next part of the plan: a relaxed walk through the park, followed by a visit to Acorn Street, which Nathan and I had secretly arranged ahead of time. Nicole was still trying to wrap her head around it all, peppering Nathan with questions about how he pulled it off without her knowing.
As we wandered through the garden paths, they couldn&rsquo;t stop smiling. Nicole talked about how she&rsquo;d been going back and forth all week, trying to figure out if this would be&nbsp;the&nbsp;weekend&mdash;but still, the surprise of it all left her completely elated. It was one of those rare mornings where everything feels exactly as it&rsquo;s meant to be.

We made our way down Charles Street, weaving through the soft drizzle and city buzz, headed for Acorn Street&mdash;one of the most iconic photo spots in all of Boston. The cobblestone charm and brick facades gave us the perfect, timeless backdrop.
We snapped a few quick photos, mindful not to disturb the quiet rhythm of the neighborhood. It was peaceful there, the kind of place that feels frozen in time, and the rain only added to the atmosphere.
As we strolled a few more blocks, the mood shifted from high emotion to cozy adventure. We ducked into a local market, then into a little nut shop, where Nicole couldn&rsquo;t resist grabbing a massive chocolate bar that had been trending online. It was such a fun, lighthearted moment&mdash;a little window into who they are together.
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Proposals are hands down my absolute favorite moments to photograph. There&rsquo;s this unique mix of adrenaline and emotion&mdash;being trusted to capture one of the most important, life-changing moments in someone&rsquo;s story. And when that moment arrives, there&rsquo;s nothing quite like witnessing the joy unfold in real time.
Being part of Nicole and Nathan&rsquo;s proposal was something special. Watching them interact, laugh, and process what had just happened&mdash;it was pure magic. Their connection felt effortless and rare, like two people who just&nbsp;get&nbsp;each other on a deeper level.
For that hour or so, I got to be wrapped up in the joy, the surprise, and the sheer beauty of it all. Truly immaculate vibes&mdash;and an honor I&rsquo;ll never forget.
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Nicole & Nathan: Surprise Proposal at Boston Public Garden

Your wedding day is filled with love, excitement, and unforgettable moments. But when it comes to photos, many couples worry about feeling awkward, looking stiff, or missing out on key moments. As a wedding photographer, I&rsquo;ve helped countless couples relax and enjoy their day while capturing images that feel natural, timeless, and full of emotion. In this guide, I&rsquo;m sharing five essential secrets to ensuring stress-free wedding photos that you&rsquo;ll cherish forever.
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Secret #1: Trust Your Photographer&nbsp;One of the biggest stressors couples face is worrying about how they&rsquo;ll look in photos. The key? Work with a photographer you trust. When you feel comfortable with your photographer&rsquo;s vision, you&rsquo;ll naturally relax, and that will reflect in your images.
Tips:
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Choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision.
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Have an engagement session to build rapport before the big day.
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Let go of perfection and embrace the moment.
</li>
</ul>
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Secret #2: Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera&nbsp;Authentic moments happen when you&rsquo;re fully present with your partner. Instead of worrying about posing, focus on the emotions and connection between you two.
Tips:
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Whisper something funny to each other to create natural laughter.
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Hold hands, dance, or share a quiet moment together.
</li>
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Forget about the camera&mdash;it&rsquo;s there to document, not dictate your day.
</li>
</ul>
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Secret #3: Plan for Great Lighting&nbsp;Lighting plays a huge role in the quality of your wedding photos. The best light is often during golden hour (just before sunset), but your photographer will know how to work with any lighting scenario.
Tips:
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Schedule portraits during golden hour for the most flattering light.
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If you&rsquo;re having an indoor wedding, consider soft, warm lighting for a romantic feel.
</li>
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Ask your photographer for guidance on the best times for photos.
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</ul>
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Secret #4: Embrace Imperfection&nbsp;Some of the best wedding photos happen in unscripted moments. A gust of wind catching your veil, a spontaneous tear, or a big laugh&mdash;these are the memories that make your wedding unique.
Tips:
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Don&rsquo;t stress over small details&mdash;focus on the experience.
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Let emotions flow naturally; they make for the best candid shots.
</li>
<li>
Trust that your photographer is capturing all the beautiful in-between moments.
</li>
</ul>
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Secret #5: Be Present and Enjoy Your Day&nbsp;The most important tip of all&mdash;be fully present. Your wedding is about celebrating love, not about perfect poses. The more you immerse yourself in the joy of the moment, the more beautiful and authentic your photos will be.
Tips:
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Take deep breaths and soak in every moment.
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Surround yourself with positive energy&mdash;your partner, family, and friends.
</li>
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Let your photographer take the reins so you can focus on the celebration.
</li>
</ul>
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Your wedding photos should feel like a true reflection of your love story&mdash;raw, beautiful, and full of life. By trusting your photographer, focusing on your connection, embracing the unexpected, and staying present, you&rsquo;ll end up with images that transport you back to the magic of your wedding day.
Want to make sure your wedding photos are effortless and stunning?
&nbsp;

5 Secrets to Stress-Free Wedding Photos (That Most Couples Don’t Know!)

Capture Timeless Wedding Memories with a Photographer You Can Trust

Have you ever wondered about the dilemma of budget vs quality when hiring your photographer? In this video I discuss the reality of what that means for you when you are thinking about hiring your photographer. Click to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/kQPqunrhp1Y

VIDEO: Budget Vs Quality Dilemma

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This January, I had the incredible privilege of collaborating with Sofia to help her plan and capture a magical proposal for her partner, Riley, at the iconic Portland Head Light. As a wedding photographer, moments like these are why I love what I do. They remind me of the beauty of love and the power of storytelling through imagery.
&nbsp;
For months, Sofia and I meticulously planned every detail to ensure the proposal would be unforgettable. She wanted the moment to feel intimate yet extraordinary, and Portland Head Light provided the perfect backdrop. With its rugged coastline, historic charm, and breathtaking views, it&rsquo;s no wonder this spot is a dream destination for proposals.
The day couldn&rsquo;t have been more perfect. The golden hour light was pure magic, casting a warm, glowing embrace over the rocky cliffs and the iconic lighthouse. As Sofia and Riley arrived at the pre-planned location, I posed as just another photographer capturing the stunning scenery. Sofia&rsquo;s excitement was palpable, but she kept her composure flawlessly.
When the moment came, Sofia dropped to one knee, and Riley&rsquo;s expression of joy and surprise was everything we had envisioned. Tears flowed freely, and their love radiated through every frame. What stood out most was how natural they were on camera. Riley&rsquo;s infectious laughter and Sofia&rsquo;s tender gazes made every shot feel authentic and deeply personal. Their connection was undeniable, and I felt so honored to be the one capturing it.
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If you&rsquo;re considering a proposal destination that offers both natural beauty and historic charm, Portland Head Light is a gem. Its stunning vistas and serene atmosphere make it an ideal setting to pop the question. For Sofia and Riley, it was the beginning of their next chapter together, and I couldn&rsquo;t be more thrilled to have been part of their journey.
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To Sofia and Riley: Thank you for trusting me to document such a meaningful moment. Your love is an inspiration, and I can&rsquo;t wait to see what the future holds for you both.
&nbsp;
Looking to plan your own unforgettable proposal? Let&rsquo;s make it happen together!

A Picture-Perfect LGBTQ Proposal at Portland Head Light

The state of Maine, known for its rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes, boasts of some of the most romantic and idyllic locations for engagement sessions. Let's explore the top 5 spots that have won the hearts of lovebirds planning for their pre-wedding shoot.
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First on our list is the Portland Head Light. This historic lighthouse, located in Cape Elizabeth, provides a striking backdrop with its classic beauty and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rocky coastline, the sprawling fields, and the charming lightkeeper's house add a whimsical charm to your pictures.
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Next, we move inland to the breathtaking Acadia National Park. This location is perfect for nature-loving couples, offering a variety of backdrops from its majestic mountains, serene lakes, to the lush green forests. Capture your love amidst the stunning landscapes that change with each season, giving you vibrant colors in fall, a serene white blanket in winter, a floral spectacle in spring, and lush greenery in summer.
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Downtown Augusta, the state capital, offers an urban vibe for your engagement session. Its charming streets, historic buildings, and the scenic Kennebec River create a mix of modern and vintage ambiance. This location is perfect for couples who want to incorporate the city's charm and sophistication into their photos.
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Our fourth pick takes us back to the coast, this time to Downtown Portland. Known for its vibrant arts scene, cobblestone streets, and historic maritime charm, this location offers a unique blend of urban and coastal elements. The Old Port with its 19th-century brick buildings and the picturesque harbor adds a romantic allure to your engagement session.
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Last but not least, Willard Beach in South Portland is a must-consider for beach-loving couples. The sandy beach, the views of Spring Point Ledge Light, and the calming sound of waves crashing against the shore make it an ideal setting for capturing intimate moments.
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While these locations are undoubtedly beautiful, remember that the best engagement session location is one that is meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it's where you first met, shared your first kiss, or simply a place you both love, the location should resonate with your personal love story. Maine, with its stunning locations, is sure to provide a perfect setting for your engagement session.

Top 5 Engagement Session Locations in Maine

We would like to thank you for capturing all the precious memories of our wedding day. Our wedding pictures are amazing and we are delighted with them! We can’t put into words how grateful we are for your professionalism and artistic eye.

Chris &  Merrey

We proudly support the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, race, or ethnicity. Our lens is focused on capturing genuine moments of love and joy, ensuring that every couple feels seen, respected, and celebrated.

Jennifer captured all of our favorite moments at our wedding! The final products were amazing, thank you again Jennifer. We would highly recommend anyone looking for a wedding photographer to choose Jennifer.

Emilie & Jack

A joy to work with. I loved her low maintenance, calm demeanor. She brought such creativity and positive energy. It was a magical day that she captured seamlessly. I had so much fun. I am not photogenic and was genuinely concerned I would hate all my wedding pictures. The stakes are high you want to look your best, and I was so delighted with the results.

Nicole & Casey

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Photography for love stories of all kinds.

Here you can watch me talk about my process and vision of the day and a little bit about my personality.