“I just REALLY want a good picture of us kissing!” Alexia and I text quite often. The week before I flew out for her engagement session in Bedford NY, I opened my phone to find this text. “Don’t worry,” I said. “I got you.”
Alexia (Lex) and I met in college and have remained close friends. Since our graduation (7 years ago!) I’ve found a great comfort in being able to talk to Lex. We chat about life, love, and what I should order next from Madewell. I remember when she first starting dating Dan, her partner. The two were both living in NYC when Lex + Dan swiped right. “We met through Tinder, which is wild now because it doesn’t even feel as if we met that way!” Lex says. “Dan was the first person I’ve been with who I felt like truly wanted to get to know who I was. He was super inquisitive, thoughtful, sweet- and still is. He asked tons of questions! Dan solidly wooed me and took me on dates that were thoughtfully arranged. We did things that tapped into our mutual shared interests or things I had mentioned in passing.
“The date where I knew I wanted to be exclusive was a dinner to a beautiful restaurant in NYC where we ate bone marrow (which I had never tried) and roast chicken. At the end of the meal, Dan revealed that he also had wine and cheese that he had chosen for us to try back at his home while we watched a movie. He made me feel so so special and he still does! He’s the smartest guy I know. Dan is silly, charming, and unbelievably driven- when he wants something he goes for it whole heartedly. He supports me in everything I do and truly inspires me to be the best version of myself.
We’ve supported each other at our highs and lows and both encourage each other to be better. We’ve traveled abroad together to places like Japan and Israel, moved cross country together and back, eaten our way through NYC and every place we visit. One might think a car ride across the country in 5 days with a geriatric cat would be miserable, but with Dan, trips like this are a blast. We are a pair of adventurers/explorers with our sights set on seeing the world and building a vibrant life together!”
Their engagement session began at Lex’s childhood home in Bedford after breakfast. Although it was an overcast day, the Spring forsythia in the garden made for a gorgeous background. Growing up on a quiet street meant that we were able to take some fun shots in the road and around the property. As we were wrapping up at the house, Lex + Dan agreed to do a double champagne spray in the driveway while Lex’s parents watched (from a distance, of course). Although they weren’t able to open the bottles at the same time, we were all in absolute stitches watching them try! Let me tell you– photographing people that are excited yet terrified to open champagne bottles for photos is hilarious. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time!
After some rest and an outfit change, we headed down to the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to take some portraits. This city girl was very excited to run around in a big field! Lex was familiar with the grounds and recommended some great spots, including a cute little wooden bridge at the end of a tunnel of trees. The session ended with big laughs and grumbling bellies. A home-cooked meal by Lex’s gracious parents Kirstin and Dean was the PERFECT way to end our day. After dinner we connected my computer to their family TV and looked through the unedited photos. Some of the outtakes were HYSTERICAL! We could barely breathe we were laughing so hard. I honestly can’t imagine a better day. Alexia + Dan’s engagement session is Bedford was absolutely perfect. I had such a fun time hanging out with them on the East Coast.
As for the kissing picture– I definitely think I snagged some good ones! ;)