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There’s something incredibly special about the season before the wedding day arrives. The anticipation, the excitement, the quiet in-between moments before you officially step into your bridal era — it deserves to be documented just as intentionally as your wedding day itself. At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe your engagement session is so much more than “just photos.” It’s an experience that allows you to connect, slow down, and preserve this chapter of your story before everything changes.
As leading New Jersey wedding photographers and videographers, our team at Michelle Behre Photography captures luxury weddings throughout New Jersey, New York, and destination locations with an editorial yet deeply emotive approach. One of the most important pieces of creating natural, authentic wedding imagery begins long before the wedding day itself — during your engagement session.
Breaking the Ice if You’ve Never Been Professionally Photographed
For many couples, their engagement session is the very first time they’ve stepped in front of a professional camera together. It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about what to do with your hands, where to stand, or how to “pose naturally.” The truth is — almost every couple feels this way at first.
Your engagement session gives us the opportunity to break down those walls in a relaxed environment without the timeline pressures of a wedding day. Instead of immediately meeting us on one of the biggest days of your life, you’re able to spend intentional time getting comfortable with our approach, direction, and energy behind the camera.
During your session, we guide you through movement-based prompts, candid interactions, and subtle posing that feels effortless and genuine. Rather than stiff or overly posed imagery, we focus on documenting the connection between you two — the laughter, the quiet touches, the way you naturally interact together. By the end of the session, most couples tell us they forgot the camera was even there.
That comfort and familiarity translates beautifully into your wedding day experience.
Building Confidence in Front of the Camera
Confidence is everything when it comes to wedding photography. When couples feel relaxed, present, and connected, their images immediately become more authentic and emotional.
Engagement sessions help you understand how we work while also allowing you to see firsthand that you do not need to be “models” to create beautiful imagery. Our role is to guide you every step of the way while creating an environment where you can simply focus on each other.
Many couples arrive at their engagement session saying:
“We’re awkward in photos.”
“We don’t know how to pose.”
“We’re nervous.”
By the end, those same couples are moving naturally, laughing together, and trusting the process completely.
That confidence carries directly into your wedding portraits. Instead of spending time feeling anxious in front of the camera on your wedding day, you already know what to expect. You know how we direct movement, how we capture emotion, and how effortlessly the experience can feel.
This allows your wedding photography experience to become more immersive, emotional, and documentary-driven rather than feeling staged or forced.
You Want Candid Wedding Images — But Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera
One of the most common things couples tell us is:
“We want candid photos.”
What many people don’t realize is that candid imagery still requires trust and comfort in front of the camera. Genuine moments happen most naturally when couples are fully present with each other rather than worrying about how they look.
Your engagement session becomes practice for letting go and entrusting the moment.
At Michelle Behre Photography, we focus heavily on movement, interaction, and creating space for authentic moments to unfold organically. We may have you walk together through a meaningful location, whisper to one another, dance slowly at sunset, or simply pause and soak in the moment together.
The result is imagery that feels cinematic, emotional, and deeply personal.
When wedding day arrives, you’ll feel so natural in front of the camera and fully lean into those moments naturally. Instead of feeling hyper-aware of the camera, you’re able to stay grounded in the experience — allowing us to capture the honest emotions, joyful reactions, and quiet in-between moments that define your story.
Capturing This Chapter Before Your Bridal Era Begins
Your engagement season deserves to be remembered for what it is — a fleeting chapter filled with anticipation, excitement, and the beginning of your forever together.
These images become more than save-the-dates or social media posts. They become timeless reminders of who you were before becoming husband and wife. The season before the dress, before the vows, before the celebration.
Whether we’re documenting your session along the New Jersey shoreline, in the streets of New York City, at a meaningful estate, or somewhere woven into your story together, engagement sessions allow us to preserve memories that feel intentional, elevated, and true to you.
At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe your photographs should feel effortless, emotional, and deeply connected to your relationship. Our goal is always to create imagery that not only looks beautiful — but feels like you.
As trusted New Jersey wedding photographers and videographers, we are honored to document love stories throughout the region while creating heirloom imagery our couples will cherish for generations to come.
Preserving your life’s greatest moments to last a lifetime
Planning your wedding in New York City or New Jersey and searching for a documentary and photojournalistic who incorporates editorial portraits? Inquire with New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer for your day to document your celebration with an editorial and authentic approach? View this 620 Loft and Garden Wedding and Maison Close Wedding Day and Studio Engagement Session inquire within to check your date.
VIEW THE POST
There’s something incredibly special about the season before the wedding day arrives. The anticipation, the excitement, the quiet in-between moments before you officially step into your bridal era — it deserves to be documented just as intentionally as your wedding day itself. At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe your engagement session is so much more than “just photos.” It’s an experience that allows you to connect, slow down, and preserve this chapter of your story before everything changes.
As leading New Jersey wedding photographers and videographers, our team at Michelle Behre Photography captures luxury weddings throughout New Jersey, New York, and destination locations with an editorial yet deeply emotive approach. One of the most important pieces of creating natural, authentic wedding imagery begins long before the wedding day itself — during your engagement session.
Breaking the Ice if You’ve Never Been Professionally Photographed
For many couples, their engagement session is the very first time they’ve stepped in front of a professional camera together. It’s completely normal to feel nervous or unsure about what to do with your hands, where to stand, or how to “pose naturally.” The truth is — almost every couple feels this way at first.
Your engagement session gives us the opportunity to break down those walls in a relaxed environment without the timeline pressures of a wedding day. Instead of immediately meeting us on one of the biggest days of your life, you’re able to spend intentional time getting comfortable with our approach, direction, and energy behind the camera.
During your session, we guide you through movement-based prompts, candid interactions, and subtle posing that feels effortless and genuine. Rather than stiff or overly posed imagery, we focus on documenting the connection between you two — the laughter, the quiet touches, the way you naturally interact together. By the end of the session, most couples tell us they forgot the camera was even there.
That comfort and familiarity translates beautifully into your wedding day experience.
Building Confidence in Front of the Camera
Confidence is everything when it comes to wedding photography. When couples feel relaxed, present, and connected, their images immediately become more authentic and emotional.
Engagement sessions help you understand how we work while also allowing you to see firsthand that you do not need to be “models” to create beautiful imagery. Our role is to guide you every step of the way while creating an environment where you can simply focus on each other.
Many couples arrive at their engagement session saying:
“We’re awkward in photos.”
“We don’t know how to pose.”
“We’re nervous.”
By the end, those same couples are moving naturally, laughing together, and trusting the process completely.
That confidence carries directly into your wedding portraits. Instead of spending time feeling anxious in front of the camera on your wedding day, you already know what to expect. You know how we direct movement, how we capture emotion, and how effortlessly the experience can feel.
This allows your wedding photography experience to become more immersive, emotional, and documentary-driven rather than feeling staged or forced.
You Want Candid Wedding Images — But Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera
One of the most common things couples tell us is:
“We want candid photos.”
What many people don’t realize is that candid imagery still requires trust and comfort in front of the camera. Genuine moments happen most naturally when couples are fully present with each other rather than worrying about how they look.
Your engagement session becomes practice for letting go and entrusting the moment.
At Michelle Behre Photography, we focus heavily on movement, interaction, and creating space for authentic moments to unfold organically. We may have you walk together through a meaningful location, whisper to one another, dance slowly at sunset, or simply pause and soak in the moment together.
The result is imagery that feels cinematic, emotional, and deeply personal.
When wedding day arrives, you’ll feel so natural in front of the camera and fully lean into those moments naturally. Instead of feeling hyper-aware of the camera, you’re able to stay grounded in the experience — allowing us to capture the honest emotions, joyful reactions, and quiet in-between moments that define your story.
Capturing This Chapter Before Your Bridal Era Begins
Your engagement season deserves to be remembered for what it is — a fleeting chapter filled with anticipation, excitement, and the beginning of your forever together.
These images become more than save-the-dates or social media posts. They become timeless reminders of who you were before becoming husband and wife. The season before the dress, before the vows, before the celebration.
Whether we’re documenting your session along the New Jersey shoreline, in the streets of New York City, at a meaningful estate, or somewhere woven into your story together, engagement sessions allow us to preserve memories that feel intentional, elevated, and true to you.
At Michelle Behre Photography, we believe your photographs should feel effortless, emotional, and deeply connected to your relationship. Our goal is always to create imagery that not only looks beautiful — but feels like you.
As trusted New Jersey wedding photographers and videographers, we are honored to document love stories throughout the region while creating heirloom imagery our couples will cherish for generations to come.
Preserving your life’s greatest moments to last a lifetime
Planning your wedding in New York City or New Jersey and searching for a documentary and photojournalistic who incorporates editorial portraits? Inquire with New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer for your day to document your celebration with an editorial and authentic approach? View this 620 Loft and Garden Wedding and Maison Close Wedding Day and Studio Engagement Session inquire within to check your date.
May 12, 2026
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When it comes to combining classic New York City elegance with a romantic and luxurious vibe, few wedding venues can match the picturesque charm of 620 Loft and Gardens. Perched above the Rockefeller Center and bustling Fifth Avenue, this stunning rooftop venue offers breathtaking views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the iconic Manhattan skyline captured by NYC Wedding Photographers. This beautiful wedding was a perfect example of how to embrace the chic city aesthetic with a touch of romantic charm, making it a dream event for this couple and 620 Loft and Gardens NYC Wedding Photographers, Michelle Behre Photography.
As top NYC wedding photographers, we love capturing every unique detail of our couples’ big days. The combination of the urban rooftop elegance at 620 Loft & Gardens and the sophisticated rehearsal dinner at Maison Close in SoHo provided us with endless inspiration for timeless and luxurious wedding photography.
A Stunning Portraits at 620 Loft & Gardens
620 Loft & Gardens, located at 620 Fifth Avenue, is an enchanting venue that offers an oasis in the heart of the city. The venue features a manicured rooftop garden, stunning city views, and a classic pool that adds an elegant touch to any wedding. This couple chose the location for its unparalleled ambiance and breathtaking backdrop of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The bride stunned in a minimalist and chic gown that perfectly complemented the urban surroundings. Her sleek updo and pearl drop earrings added a touch of sophistication to her look. The groom opted for a classic navy suit, a modern twist on traditional wedding attire that stood out beautifully against the rooftop’s natural greenery and the architectural marvels of the surrounding buildings.
The couple’s first look was captured against the iconic backdrop of the cathedral, a moment filled with emotion and elegance. This setting is one of the many reasons why New York City wedding photographers and 620 Loft and Gardens NYC Wedding Photographers love shooting weddings at 620 Loft & Gardens.
The Night Before at Maison Close
Prior to their wedding day and romantic ceremony, the couple hosted an intimate and stylish rehearsal dinner at Maison Close, one of SoHo’s trendiest restaurants. Maison Close is known for its Parisian-inspired interiors and elegant dining experience, making it the perfect spot for a chic pre-wedding celebration.
The couple and their guests enjoyed an evening filled with delicious cuisine, laughter, and heartfelt toasts. The cozy yet luxurious ambiance of Maison Close made for stunning photos. The bar area, with its vintage mirrors and art-deco vibes, added an additional layer of elegance to the photos.
For their rehearsal dinner look, the bride changed into a playful white cocktail dress with feather detailing and paired it with white platform heels. The groom embraced a relaxed and polished look with an unbuttoned shirt and tuxedo pants, perfect for a celebratory night out in New York City.
Capturing Iconic Moments in NYC
As top NY wedding photographers, capturing weddings at iconic locations like 620 Loft & Gardens and Maison Close is always a highlight of our portfolio. The juxtaposition of the natural elements of the rooftop garden with the bustling urban landscape of Fifth Avenue creates a setting that is both timeless and contemporary.
We also loved capturing candid moments as the couple celebrated with their friends and family, toasting to their future surrounded by the dazzling lights of New York City.
Why We Love Shooting Weddings at 620 Loft & Gardens
For New York City wedding photography professionals, 620 Loft & Gardens is a dream venue. Its unique combination of greenery, water features, and skyline views offers endless opportunities for creative shots. The venue is perfect for couples looking for a mix of urban sophistication and natural charm.
Final Thoughts on This Luxury NYC Wedding
This wedding at 620 Loft & Gardens and rehearsal dinner at Maison Close was the perfect blend of elegance, romance, and urban charm. As top NYC wedding photographers, we were honored to capture these special moments for such a beautiful couple.
If you’re planning a wedding in New York City and looking for timeless and luxurious wedding photography, we would love to be part of your big day. At Michelle Behre Photography, we specialize in creating stunning visual stories that capture your love and the essence of your wedding day.
Interested in booking us for your New York City or South Hamptons wedding? Get in touch today to discuss your wedding photography needs!
Vendors
Stylists The Style Duo Twins | Hair and Makeup MJ Bridal Artistry | Bridal Gowns Theia Couture, Schutz Official Kleinfeld Bridal | New York City Wedding Photographers Michelle Behre Photography
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January 4, 2025
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Why the engagement session is so special
The engagement session is a celebration of this moment in time. This moment your proposal is so special. As you grow in life, it is so special to document and capture the essence of the moment. It is so important for us to document stunning photos of you today so years from now you can look back from our photos and be so proud, so humble. Capturing the essence of this moment, your lives and this chapter in life together. Below are just a few tips to kickstart your engagement session planning!
With that being said, your engagement session planning process deserves so much attention to detail and
So much love
We’ll want to bring so much attention to detail to ensure that your engagement photography session is planned beautifully and goes off with a hitch. Below I have just a few details and helpful hints on how to plan that dream engagement photography session that you have been dreaming of.
When to photograph the engagement session
You’ll want to plan and execute your engagement session surrounding when you send your save the dates out. The basic rule of thumb is to send save the dates out approximately six months prior to the wedding. It is always best to give your guests plenty of notice for your day so they can of course, be with you to celebrate your best day ever! If you are planning for a destination wedding, it is customary to ship save the dates 10-15 months in advance. For a local affair, 9-12 months will suffice.
With that being said, it takes a little while to review your images and choose your selects so from your engagement session. Plan on two months to finalize your images. Once your images are finalized, you’ll then want to narrow down your selects. Selects are your top choices from your session that you could use for your save the date and your wedding website.
bride-to-be it is
Your time to shine
I highly recommend to choose your save the date in advance and communicate/share this link to your save the date. As I process your images, you can work out the kinks of the save the date such as narrowing down your typography on your save the date. You’ll also want to iron out details like guest addresses uploaded into the Minted spreadsheet. Once I have the engagement session complete, you can simply place photos in there and purchase your save the dates. My favorite part of all, they are shipped direct to your guests with Minted.
Planning your session
So if your day is scheduled for September of next year and you are hosting a destination wedding, you may want to think about hosting your engagement session during the summer, fall or earlier winter of this year pending the session aesthetic you desire.
The season chosen and venue(s) will further influence the mood and aesthetic of your images.
Questions about your upcoming New York City engagement session and photographing your romantic engagement session? Comments? Drop me a line in the comments.
Engagement Session Venue
While dreaming and choosing of your engagement session venue(s) envision you both. You may want to sit with a few questions:
What inspires you together?
Where do you find yourselves?
What kind of story do you want to tell with your images?
The engagement session is a nod to your relationship and your love story. How do you want to share the very beginning of your love story?
Engagement Session Vendors
Once you have your engagement session venue chosen, you’ll then want to plan and prepare the details of your session. From styling outfits and accessories to hair and makeup. All details are crucial. Let’s not forget about his details and grooming, too! Executing your vision is key.
More things to think about
It’s always great to have more than not enough when it comes images. Go the extra mile. It’ll be worth it, I promise.
Read more about planning Engagement Sessions here: Top 5 Tips on Engagement Session Planning.
What engagement session tips questions are you thinking about right now? Let me know in the comments below!
Vendors
Couple: Jennifer DeCillis & Joe MacLellan
Hair: MJ Bridal Artistry
Makeup: MJ Bridal Artistry
Stylist: The Style Duo
Venue: 620 Loft & Garden, Rockefeller Center & Maison Close Restaurant
NEW JERSEY ENGAGEMENT SESSION PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michelle Behre is based in Northern New Jersey Wedding Photographer and specializes in romantic, timeless, and sophisticated weddings. Michelle services New York City engagement sessions, New Jersey engagement session and beyond for your destination engagement session. Her fine art photography style is the perfect blend of editorial and documentary photography. Michelle Behre Photography captures all beautiful moments unfolding throughout your session and wedding day including the excitement as the champagne pours to your picture-perfect bridal details. Are you planning your dream engagement session? Are you planning your wedding? We accept a limited amount of proposals, engagement sessions and weddings per year. Inquire to learn about our New Jersey Wedding Photography services and availability today.
We can assist you in photographing and engagement session planning for your romantic New Jersey and New York engagement session and your wedding day! Inquire with Michelle for availability and further details, today!
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Questions? Contact us to learn more about our wedding photography services.
December 30, 2022
MICHELLE BEHRE, THE PHOTOGRAPHER
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xoxo,
Michelle
With cheerful energy, a contagious smile, and an intentional eye, award-winning celebrity New Jersey wedding and commercial photographer, Michelle Behre, captures love stories to stand the test of time.
She uses her refined fine art photography skills to expertly capture the wedding day. From the excitement as the champagne pours to your picture-perfect portraits, Michelle expertly blends editorial documentary, and photojournalism photography in fine art curation of your special wedding events and day.
She confidently empowers each client who steps in front of her lens. During your time together, she illuminates your personalities, genuine compassion, and captures the joy that you and your families bring to one another in an unobtrusive fashion.
