You’ve seen the polished engagement session galleries: the golden light, the perfectly timed kiss, the city looking like it was styled just for two people in love. But you might not see the smaller moments that happen before all of that. The early-morning quiet of Central Park before the crowds wake up. A puppy stealing the entire show. A couple bouncing ideas off each other like they’ve been planning this their whole lives.
That was exactly the energy of Dominique and Ethan’s engagement session, and I am so excited to tell you about it!
This one is especially special because it was shot by one of my talented associates, Alana!
An Engagement Session Made for Them
Dominique and Ethan live right in the heart of New York City, and Central Park is just minutes from their front door. So when it came time to plan their engagement session, the location practically chose itself. There’s something so right about photographing a couple in the place where they actually live their life. Not a backdrop borrowed for the day, but the streets and green spaces that are already theirs.
They started early, and that was on purpose. Central Park in the early morning is a completely different world from Central Park at noon. The light is soft and golden, the paths are quiet, and you can actually breathe. By the time the rest of the city is reaching for its coffee, you’ve already captured an hour of romantic, uninterrupted New York summer magic. (More on the early-morning thing in a minute, because it’s one of my favorite tips.)
The vision Dominique and Ethan came in with was romantic, warm, and unmistakably New York, really leaning into the environment instead of fighting it. And the whole session was collaborative in the best way. They were bouncing ideas back and forth, the energy was easy, and it all just felt like everyone was on the same frequency. That’s the sweet spot. That’s when the photos get good.
Rosie Steals the Show
Now. We need to talk about Rosie.
Dominique and Ethan have a Goldendoodle puppy named Rosalita, Rosie for short, and yes, she’s named after the Bruce Springsteen song. A little homage to her New Jersey roots. (As a Jersey girl photographing a couple about to get married down the Shore, I felt that in my soul.) Rosie joined for the second half of the session, brought in by Dominique’s twin sister, and from the moment she arrived, she ran the place.
Honestly, even the walk from one location to the next turned into a photo op, because watching the two of them stroll through the park with their puppy was its own little love story. Rosie didn’t just make an appearance. She stole the show, exactly the way the very best dogs do.
Two Looks, One Clear Vision
Because Dominique and Ethan live so close, we even had time to swing by their apartment for an outfit change, and Dominique’s taste is impeccable. The first look was more formal and elevated. The second was relaxed and casual. What stood out to me is that Dominique knew exactly which shots she wanted for each outfit. Her vision was completely dialed in, and it shows in every frame of the gallery.
We wrapped the morning at their favorite café, a true staple of the day-to-day life they’re building together in the city. Ending a session somewhere that actually means something to the couple is always my favorite kind of finish. It’s not a prop. It’s their life.
How They Found Each Other (and Where They’re Headed)
Dominique and Ethan met the old-fashioned, very-New-York way: in person, at a party, through mutual friends. From there they built a life in the city, added one very famous puppy, and are now counting down to their wedding day at the Monmouth Beach Club on the Jersey Shore.
This is exactly why I love engagement sessions so much. They give the couple a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day, but they also give us, as photographers, a sneak peek of what’s to come. After a morning like this one, I already know their wedding is going to be something special. Dominique and Ethan are, through and through, an Ashley Mac couple.
Planning Your Own Central Park (or Anywhere) Engagement Session
If Dominique and Ethan’s morning has you dreaming about your own session, here are a few things their shoot reminded me to pass along.
Go early, especially in Central Park. Early morning is the move. The locations are less crowded, the light is gorgeous, and you’ll get far more freedom to actually move around and play. A 7 a.m. start sounds painful until you see the photos.
Pre-plan your outfits. Dominique nailed this. Decide your looks ahead of time, think about which one suits the more formal moments versus the relaxed ones, and you’ll feel confident instead of scrambling. If you’re doing two looks, choose a location with an easy place to change. (Their apartment was minutes away: convenient, and very on-brand for them.)
Trust your photographer on timing. I say this with love: it really is all about the light. When your photographer suggests a start time or wants to chase a certain window, lean in. We’re not being difficult. We’re protecting your gallery.
Bring what makes you you. A dog. A favorite café. The neighborhood you actually live in. The personal details are what turn a pretty photo session into your photo session.
A Quick Thank-You
This gorgeous session was photographed by our associate photographer Alana Roolaart, and her warmth and eye are all over these images. I’m so grateful to have her on the team, and even more grateful that couples like Dominique and Ethan trust us with these moments.
Dominique and Ethan, thank you for an unforgettable morning. We cannot wait for your wedding at the Monmouth Beach Club.
Newly engaged and dreaming about your own session in New York, on the Jersey Shore, or somewhere in between? Get in touch and I’d love to hear about your wedding plans.
