Springtime in Central Park always brings an undeniable sense of romance to New York City. From the blooming trees lining the pathways to the timeless architecture surrounding Central Park West, Liz and Matt’s engagement session felt effortlessly elegant and cinematic from the moment we began exploring the city together. As a New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer, documenting couples in iconic locations that hold both beauty and meaning is always such an inspiring experience.

Throughout the evening, Liz and Matt embraced the energy of the city while remaining completely immersed in one another. We wandered throughout the quintessential corners of Central Park capturing movement-filled moments, quiet embraces beneath the spring blooms, and timeless portraits framed against the classic New York architecture. Their connection felt natural, refined, and deeply authentic — the kind of love that translates beautifully both in photographs and on film.

One of the most beautiful aspects of engagement sessions in New York City is the blend of romance and motion happening simultaneously around you. From the winding pathways of the park to the skyline views surrounding the Upper West Side, every backdrop added another layer of sophistication and storytelling to their session. We focused on curating imagery that felt editorial yet emotionally grounded, documenting the in-between moments just as intentionally as the portraits themselves.

As wedding photographers and videographers, engagement sessions are such an important part of the experience we create for our couples. It allows us to build trust, connection, and comfort together before the wedding day arrives so that every moment feels effortless and natural when the celebration begins.

We are so excited to continue documenting Liz and Matt’s story this October at Liberty House with Landmark Weddings. From the breathtaking Manhattan skyline views to exploring Liberty State Park together, their upcoming wedding day is sure to be filled with timeless elegance, romantic city views, and unforgettable moments surrounded by family and friends.

Planning your engagement session in Central Park or searching for a New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer to document your celebration with an editorial and authentic approach? Michelle Behre Photography would love to tell your story.

In your engagement season of life and planning? Inquire today to check your wedding date.

Preserve your timeless memories with intention

Planning your engagement session or wedding at Liberty House or searching for a New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer to document your celebration with an editorial and authentic approach? Michelle Behre Photography would love to connect and tell your story.

View More Liberty State Park weddings with Hannah and Noah’s wedding captured at Liberty State Park’s Maritime Parc and their engagement session. Planning your wedding? View our favorite New Jersey wedding venues with Hudson River views.

After traveling to some of the most sought-after islands across the Caribbean—from St. John and St. Thomas to St. Lucia, St. Kitts, British Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas—I didn’t expect Aruba to stand apart the way it did.

But it does.

Aruba is effortlessly welcoming, incredibly safe, and visually stunning in a way that feels both elevated and relaxed. What makes it even more appealing—especially when planning ahead—is its location outside of the hurricane belt, making it a reliable escape year-round.

This small, arid island offers an unexpected contrast of landscapes. Think desert terrain meeting turquoise water, rugged national parks paired with soft white-sand beaches, and a balance of adventure and indulgence that feels thoughtfully curated.

View photographs captured by Aruba Destination Wedding Photographer, Michelle Behre Photography as she explored the One Happy Island in Spring 2026. Planning your proposal and wedding and interested in having a Photographer who is familiar with the landscape and island? Inquire for further details on our availability and destination wedding photography. 

ED Card, US Passport Getting There + Getting Around

Flying into Queen Beatrix International Airport AUA is seamless and efficient—an easy start to the trip from Newark Liberty International Airport EWR.

To enter the island as a US resident, Aruba customs requires Passport and travelers to complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card before arrival and a fee. The ED card was uploaded to the Airline Carrier upon check-in. I also recommend for you to have this information printed and on-person.

For more information on the ED Card click here, to retrieve your ED Card click here.

Prior to Traveling here is my go-to to-do:

• Check-in with Air-fare (24 hours)
• Print Itineraries (72 hours prior)
• Download What’sApp and to update your mobile carrier when you are traveling out of the US for an International Day Plan (for AT&T) (72 hours prior)
• Notify your major credit card companies as well (72 hours prior)
• Finalize Packing (72 days)

For exploring, renting a car is essential. Aruba isn’t an island you want to experience passively—you’ll want the flexibility to move.

• Sunset Car Rental — reliable for standard vehicles
• RealDeal Car Rental Aruba — ideal if you plan to explore more rugged terrain, would recommend a Jeep Wrangler if you plan to drive through the Arikok National Park

Landscapes That Feel Unexpected

One of the most surprising elements of Aruba is how diverse the terrain feels.

At Arikok National Park, you’ll find a desert-like landscape filled with cacti, rugged coastline, and expansive views that feel completely different from the typical Caribbean aesthetic.

I would skip some of the more crowded cave excursions next time and prioritize open landscapes and coastline drives—they feel more aligned with the overall experience Aruba offers. Plan time for the beauty of Boca Keto and Natural Pool, and Boca Prins.

Packing Tip: I highly recommend packing hat, sunscreen, swim-shoes, swimwear, SPF rash guard, towels, change of clothes if planning on swimming, sneakers, and water to stay hydrated. Also, the mud will stain your rash guards, so I would recommend to possibly wear a rash guard that is “newer” or a potential favorite that you can part with as it may get stained with the mud of the park pending the terrain.

For planning your route, the lanes are one way to the Boca Keto and Natural Pool, one way to Boca Prins, one way to the caves and exiting SE towards Baby Beach or exiting NW towards Natural Bridge and Baby Bridge towards the Lighthouse. Plan your route thoroughly to make the most of your day.

The Beaches Worth Planning Your Days Around

Aruba’s beaches are where the island really defines itself—each one offering a slightly different experience all worth exploring. 

Avid snorkelers and free-divers? See this list for the best snorkeling in Aruba and a list of the top beautiful beaches visited and photos below:

West Coast

• Arashi Beach — calm, clear, ideal for snorkeling
• Palm Beach — lively, polished, and resort-forward
• Surfside Beach — relaxed and understated, beneath the airport runway, ideal if you like watching the planes take off 
• Baby Beach — shallow, warm water that feels almost unreal, diving spot
• Mangel Halto — one of the most unique spots on the island, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking through mangroves, diving spot

East Coast  

• Boca Grandi – ideal for kite-surfing, high winds and currents, diving spot
• Bachelor’s Beach – high winds and currents 

If I were refining the itinerary, I would skip stops like Boca Grandi and Bachelor’s Beach and go straight to Baby Beach—it’s simply more worth your time.

Experiences Beyond the Beach

Aruba isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about layering experiences.

• Swim in Conchi Natural Pool and hot baths, tucked within the national park
• Explore shipwreck diving sites (even if just by snorkel)
• Visit Aruba Aloe for a more local, wellness-focused stop learning about Aruba’s history of their economy and leading global exports with Royal Aruba Aloe pioneering modern cosmetic, sun care, and skincare exports .. my personal favorite and purest form if Aloe is Alyhydran, reducing new and existing scars healing skin.

And for a more elevated reset, book a treatment at Mandara Spa at Marriott Ocean Club.

I began the morning with an organic breakfast, followed by a morning walk and outdoor activity and transitioned into spa treatments. Including thermal and cryotherapy experiences followed by Coconut Poultice Massage followed by some time spent beachside prior to concluding the day with further activities and a sunset dinner nearby.

Where to Dine on the Island  

Dining in Aruba is less about spontaneity and more about intention.

For the best experiences, reserve beachside tables at least one week in advance.

Favorites include:

• Marea at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
• Elements Aruba at Bucuti & Tara
• Passions on the Beach
• Barefoot Restaurant

For something more elevated, I would plan a dinner at Akira Back Aruba—especially after a spa day.

For a more casual lunch and evening:

• Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant or The Grand Fish for shopping and exploring downtown along the Royal Plaza Mall, Renaissance Mall, And Cruise Terminal 
• Surfside Bar for casual sunset views

If you’re aiming for a good spot—timing matters here especially in season.

A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference

For beach days, renting chairs and essentials ahead of time through Travel Light Aruba makes everything feel effortless—one of those small decisions that elevates the entire experience.

And if I were returning, I would further plan to design each day with flow—movement, reset, and experience continuing to explore each area of the Island intentionally, leaving space to simply enjoy the natural beauty and prioritize fewer locations now that I have explored the majority of the spaces.

View a curated collection of photographs captured in Aruba by luxury destination wedding photographer Michelle Behre. With a deep understanding of the island’s most scenic locations, we specialize in elevated wedding photography experiences. If you’re planning a destination wedding or engagement in Aruba, inquire for availability and tailored coverage.

Spring is one of the most magical seasons for engagement photography, especially in locations from Philadelphia to New York City. As engagement photographers in New Jersey, it’s truly one of our favorite times of year to capture couples. The landscape transforms almost overnight—trees begin to bloom, gardens fill with soft color, and golden sunlight lingers just a little longer in the evenings.

There’s also an unmistakable energy that arrives with spring. After the quiet of winter, the season brings warmth, movement, and excitement. For our couples, it often coincides with the most joyful part of wedding planning—the moment when everything begins to feel real. Engagement sessions during this time beautifully reflect that excitement and anticipation as our brides and grooms prepare for their New Jersey wedding days and the new chapter ahead.

Below are a few spring engagement sessions and celebrations that perfectly highlight the elegance and romance of the season.

Cherry Blossoms & Garden Romance: Spring Engagement Photos

Spring engagement photos in NJ are known for their breathtaking florals. Cherry blossoms, magnolias, and lush gardens create a naturally romantic setting that feels almost editorial in style.

Couples often choose locations like historic gardens, estates, or scenic parks where the blooming trees create a soft pastel backdrop. Flowing dresses, light neutral tones, and elegant styling complement the setting beautifully. The result is a collection of images that feel timeless, refined, and full of life. One of our favorite Philadelphia wedding venues and engagement session destinations will forever be Longwood Gardens at Kennett Square PA.

Spring gardens also allow us to capture movement and texture—petals falling, soft breezes through the trees, and golden light filtering through branches. These colorful, natural elements bring a sense of effortless, timeless and classic romance to every image I capture. The light glittering across the petals. The way he looks at you.

Editorial City Elegance: New York and Philadelphia Engagement Photography

For couples who love a more sophisticated city atmosphere, NYC engagement photography in the spring offers an entirely different but equally stunning aesthetic.

Iconic locations throughout Manhattan and Philadelphia come alive as the weather warms. Tree-lined streets, brownstones, and classic architecture create a refined backdrop that pairs beautifully with elevated wardrobe choices. Spring in the city has a chic, editorial energy—perfect for couples who want their engagement photos to feel like they belong in the pages of a magazine.

Some of our favorite NYC spring sessions incorporate:

• Elegant walks through Central Park during peak bloom
• Taking a stroll through fine art galleries
• Sunset portraits along the West Side waterfront
• Classic architecture and cobblestone streets in SoHo or Tribeca
• Quintessential Philadelphia historical sites

The combination of soft spring light and timeless city scenery creates images that feel modern, romantic, and effortlessly stylish.

View Despina and Jack’s Old City Philadelphia Engagement Session

View Amy and Nick’s Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia Engagement Session

Visit Kirstin and Cameron’s Central Park Engagement Session for inspiration.

Estate & Waterfront Sessions: Luxury Engagement Photographer New Jersey

Many of our couples also choose waterfront estates, private gardens, or elegant historic properties for their engagement sessions. As a luxury engagement photographer in New Jersey, we love curating sessions that feel personal while still capturing an elevated editorial look.

Spring is ideal for these locations because everything feels fresh and alive. Hydrangeas begin to bloom, greenery returns to the landscape, and the soft evening light creates a glow that is simply unmatched.

These settings are perfect for couples who want their engagement session to mirror the aesthetic of their wedding day—refined, romantic, and timeless.

Spring Celebrations Leading Up to the Wedding

Spring is also a beautiful season for bridal showers and pre-wedding celebrations. Garden parties, elegant brunches, and floral-inspired events perfectly complement the season’s aesthetic.

From delicate table settings to outdoor celebrations surrounded by blooms, these moments offer another opportunity to document the joy leading up to the wedding day. Capturing these events alongside engagement sessions helps tell the full story of a couple’s journey toward their wedding.

View more of Giavanna’s garden-inspired Afternoon High Tea captured at The Madison Hotel, we are so excited for her Hamilton Farm Golf Club wedding.

Capturing the Beauty of the Season

What makes spring engagement sessions so special is how naturally the season reflects the emotions couples are experiencing—joy, excitement, and anticipation for the future.

As New Jersey wedding photographers, it’s an honor to document this time for our couples. From blooming gardens in New Jersey to elegant city streets in New York, spring offers endless opportunities to create photographs that feel both romantic and timeless.

If you’re planning your wedding and dreaming of spring engagement photos in NJ or NYC engagement photography, this season provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the beginning of your story together.

Capturing Your Spring Garden Engagement Session

Spring engagement sessions are truly one of the most romantic ways to celebrate this season of anticipation before your wedding day. From the soft pastel blooms to the golden evening light, the beauty of spring creates the perfect backdrop for timeless, elegant portraits.

If you’re dreaming of a garden-inspired engagement session, our team would love to help you curate something truly special. As New Jersey wedding photographers, Michelle Behre and Associates, we specialize in designing refined engagement experiences for our couples. From the breathtaking blooms at Longwood Gardens to the romantic landscapes of New Jersey Botanical Garden, and the elegant charm of historic Dupont mansions and estates, we help couples select locations that feel both editorial and deeply personal.

Our approach goes beyond simply photographing your engagement session. We guide our couples through location selection, styling inspiration, and timing so that every detail complements the natural beauty of the season. The result is a collection of photographs that feel effortless, sophisticated, and reflective of your love story.

If you’re planning your wedding and envision a romantic spring engagement session in New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania, we would be honored to document this chapter for you.

Inquire within for availability with Michelle Behre and Associates to begin planning your curated spring garden engagement session with New Jersey Wedding Photographers.