Something that means the world to me when it comes to working with my couples is building a relationship. When couples inquire and send me a novel about their relationship from how they met to how he proposed, it makes me feel SO connected to them. It helps me envision their story and get to know them as people instead of just as clients. Caitlin and Chris are just that and more. From the moment she reached out, she was so open about their love story and sharing all of the sweet details with me – it made it feel like old friends when we finally connected in person at their engagement session!
We met at Deep Cut Gardens in December and explored the greenhouse (obsessed!!), and I was so excited that inside the greenhouse was still warm and lush with plants at this time of the year! This was the perfect little getaway from the cold, and it gave the best California-type vibes for this duo who recently moved to Venice Beach, CA together! So jealous!
After exploring all the little nooks of Deep Cut Gardens, we went to Asbury Park boardwalk! As you’ll see, Caitlin & Chris’ style was so perfect, and I loved the contrast of the cheetah print on Caitlin’s skirt with the artsy murals along the Asbury boardwalk! Yes, it was freezing cold on the beach, but you’d seriously never know it! These two were up for anything and everything, and were seriously SO MUCH FUN to photograph!!! They were more than willing to run along the beach, do all the wild piggyback rides, slow dance with the wind in their hair, and try every lift in the book…they crushed it all! 🙂 Can’t even lie, Caitlin and Chris are such a dream couple, and I’m so obsessed with them! They are so fun and totally in love, which makes for the absolute cutest images ever. Also, Caitlin’s twin sister came along on the shoot to help out, and, of course, she was also so wonderful! It’s always nice to have an extra set of hands on deck when we need!
Caitlin and Chris went to middle school and high school together, so they can’t really remember how they “officially met”. But they ran in similar friend groups, so they definitely knew about each other and were friendly. Their senior year, Chris came to a party at Caitlin’s house the night before their high school graduation, and she mistakenly accused him of setting fireworks off in her basement that night. The fireworks definitely happened, but Chris didn’t do it – but Caitlin had already made a scene and kicked him out of the party! Chris won’t ever let her live it down! They remained friendly and ended up commuting from their hometown to the city together right out of college for both of their first real jobs. Caitlin thought he had grown up a lot and told a mutual friend that she thought he was cute and to share her number! He did, but Chris didn’t use it! When Chris got his first apartment a few years later, Caitlin showed up to his apartment warming party with some girlfriends (uninvited) and they’ve been inseparable since. She said, “He was the host with the most the second I walked in his door, and even kissed me that night!” How cute are these two?! They have such a unique love story that they can look back on through the years – I love it!!
Caitlin told me all about the proposal: “Chris proposed in Liberty State Park with the help of my identical twin sister and our families in April. It was the most random, 80-degree, sunny day after a million recent snow storms. He threw me off for some time. I was told back in January that there would be an event we needed to take the ferry out of Liberty State Park to, so when April arrived I didn’t think twice about it. He led me into the train station area that had been roped off, to see a photographer taking our picture and my sister ready to take my purse. After a lot of ugly crying – we walked down this corridor towards the skyline and he got down on one knee with both of our families there watching. He had friends and family waiting for us at a local venue where we celebrated all night!” Major chills – go, Chris!!
I love how these two adore each other so much! Chris says, “I admire Caitlin’s strength and clarity of thought. She’s my best friend and the most fun person I know.” Caitlin says, “I love Chris’ balance between being fun and business-minded. I can trust him to plan a whole European itinerary (down to the hour) that exceeds all expectations, but he is still so much fun and super goofy.” Now that they are in California together, they like to go to the beach, try out new restaurants and hiking trails, bike around the boardwalk, hang out with family and friends, find cool farmers markets & flea markets, and dream every day about getting a dog! 🙂
Caitlin and Chris, thank you so much for being the most incredible human beings ever!!! Seriously, you make my job so enjoyable and rewarding – I am so excited that you chose me as your wedding photographer! I can’t wait to celebrate with you two again on your big day! I already know it’s going to be amazing. Congratulations, and enjoy some of that California weather for me while I’m over here in NJ!!! Love you two xoxo!
