Planning Our NYC Engagement Photos
We got engaged in May and moved from Evanston to NYC in June – Drew and I were torn on where to do our engagement shoot because we had no real attachment in New York yet. However after some thought, we agreed Central Park pictures would be a great way to memorialize our time in the city. We also really wanted a lush area, and not the bustle of the city for our backdrop.
Our Central Park Engagement Shoot Locations
Through a referral, I found the talented photographer Lasrisa Shorina and scheduled an early October shoot. We lucked out with a beautiful Fall morning – the trees were just starting to turn, casting a golden glow, and the weather and sunlight were absolutely perfect.
To maximize the variety of our shots, we chose a route that took us through some of Central Park’s most picturesque spots:
- The Mall: We began our shoot at The Mall, with its grand, tree-lined promenade. This location provided a classic and elegant feel.
- Bethesda Fountain: Next, we made our way to the iconic Bethesda Fountain, a stunning architectural feature with a romantic atmosphere.
- Bow Bridge: Finally, we captured some of our most memorable shots on the beautiful Bow Bridge, known for its graceful curves and scenic views.
This route allowed us to capture a range of backgrounds and moods, from the formal elegance of The Mall to the romantic charm of Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge.
What to Wear for Your Central Park Engagement Photos
For my look, I wanted to go with a timeless, classic style, and envisioned a flowing dress with an open back. I searched for months, and a couple weeks beforehand spotted a Zara dress online (no longer listed, details below) and took a chance. It was closest to the look I’d been wanting! I wore Badgley Mischka heels, which I do not recommend because they were so uncomfortable and gave me blisters. I actually returned them after the shoot.
Here are some of our favorite shots from the morning!
Wearing // Zara dress “open back satin effect dress”, Bagdley Mischa heels Ivory Satin
Shop all my Bridal looks below
PS ~ If you want more wedding content you can read the details of our destination wedding in Italy here!