When Ali and Nik reached out to us about their wedding, we immediately knew they were exactly the kind of couple we love to work with. Right from their initial message, we loved that 1) they are madly in love, 2) they expressed why they had connected with our work, 3) they put a high value on their wedding photography and 4) they are planning what is sure to be a wonderfully romantic wedding focused on their love, their family, and friends. We’re so excited to introduce you to them today!
Ali and Nik met just last year at a work happy hour after spending years trying to find “the one” and not having much luck. Nik is from Australia and Ali grew up in North Jersey, so the fact that these two found each other is proof that only fate can determine what’s meant to be. These two have the most amazing proposal story. They got engaged last August less than six months from the day they met! When you know, you know!! Their proposal was pretttty epic, too – it involves a hot-air balloon (!!) and I can’t wait for you to read about it in their own words below. But first, let me tell you about the wedding these two are planning! Ali and Nik will be tying the knot in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a reception at the brand new Legacy Castle and we already know it is going to be amazing. The castle is located in a beautiful setting surrounded by 17 acres of a fresh water lake and the building is reminiscent of neo-classical French beaux-arts style architecture. As a former French teacher, my francophile heart is already looking forward to capturing Ali and Nik in such a one-of-a-kind location.
For Ali and Nik’s engagement session, they chose Central Park with a short stop at the bar where they met just about a year ago! I always love going into NYC for shoots and this day was no exception, even if it meant battling morning traffic! There’s nothing like a morning Central Park engagement session – I don’t think I’ll ever tire of shooting them! The park is the perfect backdrop for the timeless images we love to create. Take a peek at Ali and Nik’s session below and get excited for their August wedding!
Central Park Engagement Photos
“We met at a bar called ‘The Australian’ in New York City. Nik had recently returned from Australia and was meeting his account manager at the company I worked for who invited the whole company out for a work happy hour. The account manager was actually trying to set us up but Nik didn’t know! After some food and drinks at The Australian (including real Kangaroo!) our night continued at a Korean Karaoke Bar singing duets together, even though we are both terrible at singing!”
“First impressions count and Nik remembers me being 2 hours late, although I say it was only an hour and a half! However, because I was so late the restaurant Nik booked for brunch was closing for the day so we had to find somewhere else. We ended up at East L.A. Mexican restaurant in Hoboken eating Quesadillas and drinking frozen Margaritas! Afterwards we went for a walk by the Hudson River to freeze our butts off (middle of winter!) then to a local Hoboken bar to play darts – where I kicked Nik’s butt of course!”
“We were in Australia for a holiday for Nik’s mum’s 70th birthday and to visit/meet his family and friends. It was my first time out of the country! We had been there about 4 days and Nik had a surprise planned. It was not out of the ordinary as Nik has loved to surprise me with little dates. We had to wake up early to be somewhere by 6:30am. I honestly had no idea where we were going or what we were doing. When we arrived to out destination, we went into a hotel lobby. There, I found out that we were going on a hot air balloon ride! Something that I have ALWAYS wanted to do! (The Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie!) I was so ecstatic to be going in a hot air balloon. Little did I know, that was not only to be a great ride, but the best balloon ride of my life! The balloon ride was a little over an hour, when the pilot announced that we would be landing in about 10 minutes. Shortly after that, Nik looked at me, and put his arm around me. We had always joked around, so when he looked at me and said, ‘This would be a good place for someone to get engaged.’ I just looked at him and giggled! Then, (after some hesitation!) Nik, (trying to get down on one knee, with a red box and a shiny beautiful ring, in a hot air balloon while being 6’5”), said, ‘Will you marry me?’ I immediately started to giggle and (after what probably seemed like forever to Nik) said ‘YES!’ “
“I love that Nik and I continuously make each other laugh. We easily enjoy our time alone together. I love how he makes me feel so comfortable and happy. I love that he is the person I can just look at and connect with automatically.”
“I love that Allison relaxes me and makes me comfortable in any situation. For example after a bad day at work I will travel home stressing and then as soon as I see her I instantly feel relaxed and grounded again. Oh, and her wrinkled nose when she smiles!”
“OMG!!! This ring! I would not be able to pick out such a nice ring! Nik told me that he spent 5 1/2 hours on the phone with a specialist showing him everything through the Internet. I cannot believe how shiny and sparkly my diamond is! I never though that I would be wearing something so beautiful on my finger everyday for the rest of my life! I seriously could not want for anything more! It is so beautiful, feminine, delicate and perfect!”
“For our second date Nik wanted to do something “touristy” that I have never done. He booked a Horse and Carriage Ride in Central Park, and it brought us to Tavern on the Green restaurant in the middle of Central Park. From the moment I saw the horse and carriage until we said goodnight that night, I felt like such a princess. From then on, every time I was with Nik, I felt nothing less than princess-like. I knew he was the one because of how he treated me and made me feel. Whenever I am with him I am my best self.”
“Seeing my future husband at the end of the aisle at the church and being a Prince and Princess for the day!”
Love this NYC engagement session? Pin this image or any from the post above!
If we haven't met yet, I'm Alex! I'm passionate about discovering beautiful stories, documenting genuine moments, and capturing timeless images along the way. Here I share my latest work, a peek at the heirlooms we create, and helpful resources. Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
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