It may have been projected to be one of the hottest days of the year, but we decided to go through with our summer evening engagement shoot in NJ anyways, not too fearful of the heat. We were so glad we did because as the sun began to set on the charming streets of Hoboken, it created that beautiful, creamy summer light we all crave throughout the year.

We retraced one of their first date spots and beyond as we walked through the little neighborhood streets and shopping areas. We began in front of Augustino’s Restaurant, an Italian neighborhood staple, where they love to have dinner. 

As I walked through Hoboken before they arrived, I was stopped twice by friendly locals telling me some of the neighborhood’s history. When we were shooting in front of Augustino’s, a man came out of the restaurant and grabbed a photo with the couple, then began chatting and congratulating them. It might seem silly to say, but it’s rare strangers engage in convo anymore and seeing how friendly and conversational these locals were was really refreshing.

Melissa and James first met on Bumble and had their first date at Antique in Hoboken. James proposed while they were on vacation in Montana. They went there for snowmobiling through Yellowstone, dog sledding, and snowboarding. It was literally -30 degrees and James was holding the ring on him through all of these adventures waiting for the perfect moment to propose. 

(I wonder if he got to enjoy himself or if he was nervous this whole time!)

On their last night, they went to Lone Mountain Ranch for a horse drawn sleigh ride to dinner. They got there a little early for a drink at the bar and then walked to the firepit to warm up – near the fire pit (so they weren’t freezing to death), James proposed to Melissa.

They will be married November 2024 at Candlewood Inn in Connecticut. They love this venue because they love the lake views and upscale but casual vibes rather than a big formal ballroom. Melissa is from CT so she had heard great things about the venue from friends. They’re most excited to just have fun with friends and family and being able to celebrate with their closest people. 

They live in Jersey City, so they love going out to dinner at great local spots in Hoboken or Jersey City and love traveling together. They cannot wait for their honeymoon in Anguilla. 

These two love making each other laugh – I can’t wait to be a part of their day because you can tell they are looking forward to genuinely enjoying it and having a good time, which is what your wedding day should be all about.

Melissa said “we really love making each other laugh, I know it sounds cheesy but I don’t know who the funnier one is haha…he reminds me not to take life too seriously”