Fall in North Jersey hits different. When Shannon and Aidan reached out about their engagement session, we lucked into one of those perfect overcast afternoons. You know the kind – soft light, fall colors popping, crisp air that feels like October should feel.

As a New Jersey engagement photographer who’s been shooting in this area for over 30 years, I can tell you that Verona Park consistently delivers. You get variety, architecture, and natural beauty all in one spot. And when you’ve got a couple like these two who just naturally click? That’s when the real magic happens.

The Right Couple, The Right Energy

First things first – Shannon and Aidan showed up ready. They wore perfectly coordinated camel and brown coats. Not overly matchy, just thoughtful. But honestly, what really stood out was how comfortable they were with each other.

No awkwardness. No stiff poses. They just gravitate toward each other naturally. The kind of couple who makes each other laugh without trying. Who can be quiet together and it doesn’t feel weird.

That’s exactly what makes great engagement photos. Real emotion, genuine connection, moments that actually matter.

Working With Natural Light

The overcast sky was a gift. It gave us soft, even light that makes everyone look great. No harsh shadows to work around. No squinting. Just clean, flattering light from start to finish.

I positioned them on the stone steps to use the leading lines of the architecture. Simple composition that lets the connection speak for itself. Then we moved around the park – the archways, the fall foliage, different stone structures.

I kept them moving. Walking, sitting, embracing – whatever felt natural. The goal is always to create space where couples forget about the camera. When that happens, they just focus on each other. That’s when you get the good stuff.

Finding The In-Between Moments

One of my favorite shots from the session is when they were walking hand-in-hand between locations. I wasn’t directing them. They were just being themselves. Shannon looked up at Aidan and said something that made him crack up.

That split-second? That’s what documentary photography is about. Not the posed moment. The real one that happens when you’re not thinking about it.

After 30 years, I’ve learned to always keep shooting between the “official” poses. That’s usually where the best images live.

Why Verona Park Works For Engagement Photos

Let me break down why Verona Park in Verona, NJ is one of my go-to spots.

This 54-acre Essex County park has been around since the early 1900s. It features stunning Beaux-Arts architecture – those iconic stone colonnades and arches you see in these photos. The variety is unbeatable. You get formal stone structures, naturalistic wooded areas, lakeside settings, and tree-lined paths. All within a few minutes’ walk.

Location matters too. Right off Bloomfield Avenue, it’s easily accessible for couples throughout North Jersey. You’re not driving an hour to some remote location.

The historic stonework photographs beautifully year-round. Fall is my personal favorite here – that contrast between gray stone and warm autumn colors is hard to beat. But spring with the cherry blossoms? Also gorgeous. Winter with snow on the arches? Stunning. Even summer’s green canopy works. The architecture is timeless enough that it adapts to any season.

Personal Touches That Tell Your Story

Shannon and Aidan brought books along for a few shots. Not because someone told them to. Because they’re both readers and it felt authentic to who they are.

This is exactly what documentary photography is about. Capturing who you actually are, not who you think you should be for photos.

When couples incorporate things that actually reflect their lives, the photos feel real. These personal touches separate your engagement session from generic stock imagery. You’re not just another couple on stone steps. You’re YOU – with your interests, your style, your story.

Years from now, you’ll look back at these photos. You’ll remember exactly who you were in this moment. What you loved. What mattered to you. That’s the whole point.

Planning Your Verona Park Engagement Session

Shannon and Aidan’s session is exactly what I’m after. Real people being themselves, captured honestly. No forced poses. No fake smiles. Just authentic moments between two people who genuinely enjoy each other.

If you’re planning your engagement session in North Jersey, Verona Park should be on your shortlist. The variety of settings means your photos won’t all look the same. The architecture gives you timeless backdrops. The natural areas provide softer, more organic shots.

After 30 years photographing couples throughout the tri-state area, I know what works. Good locations with variety. Natural light. And couples who are comfortable being themselves.

That’s really what it comes down to. The rest is just execution.

Ready to book your Verona Park engagement session? Let’s talk about your vision and create photos you’ll actually want to look at for the next 50 years. Contact me here to get started.