When Olivia and Colin reached out to me as their NYC wedding photographer, they knew exactly what they wanted: authentic moments against the stunning Manhattan skyline. We met on a perfect October afternoon at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, where the crisp fall air and golden hour light created the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos.
Planning the Perfect LIC Engagement Session
Gantry Park has become one of my favorite locations for couples who want that iconic New York City feel. The waterfront park offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. For Olivia and Colin, this location held special meaning—it’s where they had one of their first dates.
We started planning their session about a month in advance. I always recommend scheduling engagement sessions during golden hour, which in October happens around 5:30 PM. The soft, warm light during this time is incredibly flattering and creates a romantic atmosphere that can’t be replicated any other time of day.
Capturing Natural Moments by the East River
As a documentary wedding photographer specializing in candid moments, I focus on creating images that feel genuine rather than posed. Olivia and Colin made this easy—their chemistry was undeniable from the moment they arrived. Instead of forcing stiff poses, I encouraged them to walk, talk, and interact naturally while I documented their connection.
We started at the iconic pier with the Manhattan skyline stretching behind them. The late afternoon sun cast a beautiful glow as they walked hand-in-hand along the waterfront. These are the kinds of moments that translate beautifully into wedding day photography—relaxed, authentic, and full of emotion.
From Waterfront Views to Fall Foliage
One of the best features of Gantry Park is its variety. After capturing images along the waterfront, we moved into the park’s green spaces where fall colors were in full display. The contrast between the urban skyline and natural autumn landscape gave us incredible diversity in their engagement gallery.
Olivia wore a classic black leather jacket over a white shirt, while Colin complemented her style perfectly in a brown leather jacket. Their coordinated but not overly matchy outfits photographed beautifully against both the industrial waterfront and the soft fall foliage. This is something I always advise my couples on—wearing colors and textures that complement each other while still feeling like themselves.
The Magic of October Light in NYC
October in New York City offers something truly special for photography. The weather is comfortable, the fall colors add warmth to every frame, and the light quality is exceptional. As we moved through different areas of the park, that golden October sun continued to work its magic, creating beautiful backlight and warm tones throughout their images.
Near the modern white building that houses the park’s facilities, we captured some of my favorite moments of the day. Colin lifted Olivia off the ground in a spontaneous embrace, her joy absolutely radiating. These unscripted moments are what I live for as a natural style wedding photographer—they’re the images couples treasure most because they capture real emotion and connection.
Why Engagement Sessions Matter
Many couples wonder if an engagement session is necessary. From my perspective as a professional wedding photographer, these sessions serve multiple important purposes. First, they give us a chance to get comfortable working together before your wedding day. You’ll learn how I direct and what to expect, while I learn how you interact and what angles work best for you.
Additionally, engagement photos are incredibly useful. You can use them for save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, and decor at your reception. They also make beautiful gifts for family members and look stunning framed in your home.
From Engagement to Wedding Day
Working with Olivia and Colin at Gantry Park gave me valuable insight into their dynamic as a couple. I learned that they’re naturally playful, that Olivia has a stunning smile when she’s genuinely laughing, and that Colin is always finding ways to make her laugh. These observations will be invaluable when I photograph their wedding day.
Whether you’re planning a Brooklyn wedding, a Manhattan celebration, or a Westchester wedding photography experience, starting with an engagement session helps build that important relationship between photographer and couple. It takes the pressure off and makes the wedding day photography feel effortless and natural.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Engagement Photos
For couples searching for the best documentary wedding photographer in NYC for candid moments, location matters. Gantry Park offers incredible versatility—waterfront views, urban architecture, green spaces, and those unbeatable Manhattan skyline vistas. Other couples might prefer Central Park, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or outdoor locations throughout Westchester County.
The key is choosing a location that feels meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it’s where you had your first date, got engaged, or simply a place you love spending time together, that emotional connection shows in the final images.
Ready to Capture Your Love Story?
If you’re newly engaged and searching for top-rated natural style wedding photographers in Westchester NY or NYC, I’d love to hear your story. Whether you envision a waterfront engagement session like Olivia and Colin’s or have another dream location in mind, I’m here to help capture your authentic connection.
As a professional wedding photographer for outdoor weddings in Westchester and throughout the NYC area, I specialize in creating images that feel genuine, emotional, and timeless. Every couple deserves photographs that truly reflect who they are together.
Take a look at more engagement sessions and wedding galleries in my portfolio, and when you’re ready to start planning your own session, reach out here. I can’t wait to help tell your unique love story through photographs that you’ll treasure forever.
