It was a warm May evening when I met Dave & Corwin (aka Corey) for their Washington Lake Park NJ Engagement Session. Washington Lake Park is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of South Jersey. Corey and Dave shared how much they love spending weekends together here, which made the park the perfect spot for their session.

One of the most frequently asked question I receive is “where should we have our engagement session?” Whenever possible, I always recommend that couples choose a location that’s special to them, like where they had their first date or proposed, or in this case a gorgeous outdoor spot where they enjoy spending time together!

And if you’re still stumped looking for a location, check out some of the best NJ engagement photo spots here!

Washington Lake Park NJ Engagement Session | How They Met

Corey and Dave’s story began as so many stories begin today – online! As Corey puts it, “it’s the modern-day equivalent of a chance encounter” And the fact that we were matched was pure luck. Corey was at his best friend’s loft in Philly, while Dave was in his family’s home in South Jersey. And due to their close geographic locations, their profiles miraculously aligned.

Corey shared “I just couldn’t resist sending that first message”, and their connection grew from there.

Washington Lake Park NJ Engagement Session | The Imperfectly Perfect Proposal

Corey and Dave’s proposal stories may not be typical, but they’re completely & uniquely them! Dave proposed to Corey first, one evening at Cape May Beach. Dave asked a friend to come along armed with an iPhone camera to capture everything.

Dave explained, “We had to fake the pose for a few minutes while she discovered night mode on her iPhone camera, cause it was really dark. It was hilarious.”

Then Corey planned his perfect proposal in Salem, Massachusetts during a sunset sail with both of their parents. Corey shared, “I kept the ring in my pocket the whole day, searching for the perfect spot to propose. But it wasn’t until we were on that boat that I got the nerve.”

Once Corey was ready, he tried to ask Dave to pilot the boat so he could clue their parents in on the plan, but Dave was nervous about taking the helm. So it was time for Plan B: Corey then tried enlisting their parents’ help, but his mom & Dave’s parents were too enthralled listening to the captain tell a story. Finally as Corey got down on one knee, his well-meaning dad tried to take a photo… but inadvertently missed the shot!

Both proposals may have been unconventional, but in Dave & Corey’s words “they were perfect!”

Washington Lake Park NJ Engagement Session | The Upcoming Wedding

Corey and will be tying the knot this November at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom – a venue they chose for its rich, historic vibe and perhaps most importantly, the fact that the ballroom also houses a theater! Both Dave & Corey love the arts and theater, and they wanted to incorporate this unique space into their wedding day.

Washington Lake Park NJ Engagement Session | Creating Printed Art from Memories

Dave & Corey couldn’t wait to decorate their brand new home with their engagement session portraits! I loved helping them design a beautiful Portfolio Box to hold and display Fine Art Matted Prints. And we also designed a gorgeous Custom Framed Wall Art statement piece to go over their couch in their new family room.

It’s always so special to see images printed and come to life, and to know that these pieces of art will be around for Corey & Dave to pass down for generations!

Let’s Capture Your Love Story

Are you in search of a South Jersey Wedding Photographer to tell your real, authentic story? Whether it’s an engagement session or wedding, I’d love to hear from you.

Congratulations again to Corey and Dave! I can’t wait to document your wedding!!

Best of Love & Light,

Gen