Hoboken Rooftop Engagement Session | Jillian & Gene

I love shooting in new places, and I was SO excited when Jillian and Gene shared their Hoboken engagement session ideas with me and it included a rooftop overlooking the city! Count me IN! ; ) These two live together in Hoboken, so exploring the area and seeing some of their favorite spots was so much fun, and a meaningful way to choose locations for their photos! These two are carefree and joyful, and so perfect for each other. They crushed it at their session, and were such a BLAST to photograph!!

They first met during Jillian’s sophomore year of college (Gene’s senior year) at NYU. They both lived in the “International House” themed dorm, and they would host a lot of international themed events to get into the themed house spirit. Gene would throw a movie night each Wednesday, and Jillian said, “For some reason, the event wasn’t popular, so he and I would be the only attendees. Gene and I were just friends at this time, and he went to law school after graduating. Cut to two years later, I am starting my senior year of college and thinking about law school myself. Coincidentally, I bumped into Gene on the sidewalk – turns out, he had transferred back to NYU for his second year of law school. We started chatting online, I mentioned I was considering becoming a paralegal, and he suggested we meet up for coffee. We ended up spending nine hours together catching up, and the rest is history!” How sweet is that!? It sounds like a movie the way these two reconnected at the perfect time! I seriously love a good love story, and these two have one for sure.

Jillian & Gene love to spend date nights finding a new type of cuisine or restaurant, and try a bunch of unknown dishes since they’re adventurous eaters and enjoy having new experiences together! If their not out trying new foods, they love to see a movie or show, or go with friends to museums, parties, and markets! These two also love to travel together and have been to over 8 different countries together (and counting)! So naturally their Scotland proposal story was absolutely perfect for them! 🙂

When I asked Jillian about the proposal, she told me, “Gene and I planned a big trip to Scotland to visit my little brother (who goes to St Andrews), see my dad’s mom’s hometown, and generally explore. I was not expecting a proposal because Gene specifically told me he wouldn’t propose to me on a vacation. (He was smart to do this – I love figuring out surprises, and had he not said anything I probably would have discovered the surprise). We made our way to the Isle of Skye for the last leg of our journey and decided to hike up to the Fairy Pools to have a picnic – something we did on our last vacation and really enjoyed. We got to the top of the Fairy Pool area and had a picnic on a rock in the middle of the stream. After eating, we watched the sun come out from behind the clouds. Gene turned to me and said “you know, I really think we should get married.” I started to cry and he pulled out the ring. It was so sweet and perfect for us!”

Jillian & Gene, you guys are so awesome, and I loved photographing you two! I can’t wait to celebrate with you guys at The Art Factory in Paterson, on your wedding day this Fall!! Enjoy this season of being fiances in the meantime! xoxo