Perfect day. Perfect couple. Perfect planning. Perfect shoot. Need I say more about Vanessa and Nathan’s Governors Island engagement photos?
Let me first introduce you to Vanessa and Nathan, who met years ago in college at the University of Maryland. Nathan asked Vanessa to marry him with a very suspicious story about bringing home some ‘old meatballs leftover from work’ that he wanted to have for dinner. While she was in the kitchen trying to salvage said meatballs, Nathan was in the living room with a full presentation of sushi from Vanessa’s favorite restaurant….and a ring. She said yes, and that brings us to Governors Island.
The shoot really began a month ago when I made two trips to Governors Island on venue checks. During these visits, I learned what not to do — namely, don’t arrive too late as the southern end of the island closes early and don’t miss the last ferry. With these lessons in mind, Vanessa, Nathan, and I hoofed it to Picnic Point and started the shoot with the best view of the Statue of Liberty outside of a trip on the Staten Island ferry. While Vanessa and Nathan are regular visitors to Governors Island, this part of the island was completely new to them.
In particular, Vanessa and Nathan were intrigued by the slides area. In case you haven’t been, the slides have about six metal slides of varying lengths and widths set into some natural rocks. It’s like a playground set inside a resort area. Due to wardrobe malfunctions, Vanessa and Nathan only made one venture downhill. One word of warning to all adults out there: as I mentioned in my previous post, the slides are quite popular, especially with children. Kids were literally pushing Vanessa and Nathan out of the way in order to get down the slides. Those little kids may look cute, but they can get rough if you come between them and their playground equipment.
A much more relaxing time was had on the Play Lawn. Here we set up a picnic and practiced a few dance moves. I have to take a moment here to give a shout out to both Vanessa and Nathan who brought along some fantastic props for our photo shoot. The ‘#HappilyEverHopper’ sign you might note is handmade. Yes, you read that correctly. I knew I had found my long lost sister in crafting when Vanessa mentioned non-nonchalantly, ‘Oh, I made this. I finally got to use my edging scissors.’ She, like I, have a crafting closet where she keeps all of her supplies. I can’t tell is that is too Martha Stewart-y of us or not, but there it is. We are now, literally, out of the closet with our crafting addiction.
Nathan needs to also get a special mention because he was tasked with bringing the edible props for the shoot. Nathan proved his love by lugging a large watermelon, knife, napkin, tons of sodas, and two boxes of macarons on the subway. Not only that, but he also MacGyver-ed the coke bottles open with an empty Red Bull can and picked out some very photogenic flavors of macarons. (Note, however, that cotton candy and watermelon macarons, while pretty, are taste-wise not for the faint of heart.)
The final shots of the day were along the waterfront with the New York City skyline in the background. Of course, just as Vanessa and Nathan got into place after their outfit changes, a steamboat named the ‘Queen of Hearts’ casually drifts by. (NYC has steamboats???? – Ed.) Like I said, the day turned out to be perfect. I’m taking these photos to be positive proof that Vanessa and Nathan’s wedding is going to be equally perfect. But you’ll have to wait until next June for those photos. Have a great week!
If you would like to see more images from my portfolio, such as these Governors Island engagement photos, please visit my website — www.KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com
1 comment
Thank you Kelly for making it so easy for us to have such beautiful pictures! You’re the best. Can’t wait to work with you again soon!