




There is something incredibly peaceful about engagement photos that feel like a reflection of real life. Alex and Dan’s engagement session in a Sussex County, NJ nature preserve was exactly that—quiet, earthy, and full of connection. Surrounded by winding trails, open fields, and the kind of scenery that invites you to slow down, their session felt less like a photoshoot and more like a long walk together, which is exactly what they love most.
Alex and Dan are both outdoor-loving, down-to-earth people who truly enjoy being together in nature. Long walks after dinner, weekend hikes, kayaking in the summer, and simply spending time outside are a big part of their relationship. Choosing a nature preserve in Sussex County for their engagement photos felt natural and meaningful, especially as they prepare for their wedding at Waterloo Village in Stanhope, NJ, a venue that beautifully blends history and the outdoors.


One of the most common questions couples ask is where to take their engagement photos. The answer is always simple—your location can be deeply personal, or it can just be somewhere beautiful nearby. Some couples choose a favorite park, a place they hike together, or even a downtown area they love visiting. Others opt for restaurants, lakes, or spots that don’t hold a specific memory but simply feel like them.
For Alex and Dan, being outdoors is part of their everyday life. A quiet Sussex County nature preserve gave them space to walk, talk, laugh, and just be themselves. That sense of comfort always leads to more candid, natural engagement photos—especially for couples who may feel a little nervous stepping in front of the camera for the first time.



Alex and Dan chose to incorporate two outfits during their engagement session, which is something I always recommend when possible. Changing outfits adds variety to your gallery and allows your photos to feel both relaxed and elevated without needing multiple locations.
Starting with a more casual look felt perfect for walking the trails and leaning into the natural setting. Their second outfit added a slightly dressier feel, ideal for portraits that will work beautifully for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and framed prints at home. The transition between outfits also gave them a moment to reset and relax even more into the session.




To add a playful touch, Alex and Dan brought champagne and toasting glasses. Props like this are not about posing—they give you something to do together. Pouring champagne, clinking glasses, and sharing a laugh instantly breaks any stiffness and creates genuine interaction.
This is especially helpful for couples who describe themselves as “not overly posed” or who might feel awkward at first. Doing something familiar together leads to movement, laughter, and connection, which always translates into more natural engagement photos.



Alex is more silly, Dan is a jokester, and together they balance each other perfectly. Their session was peaceful, earthy, and full of subtle humor—the kind of dynamic that doesn’t need much direction, just space to unfold naturally. Walking side by side, sharing quiet moments, and celebrating this season of their lives felt true to who they are.
As they count down to their Waterloo Village wedding, these engagement photos serve as a reminder of their story—how it started, what they love, and how far they’ve come together.
If you’re planning engagement photos in Sussex County NJ or anywhere in Northern New Jersey, remember this: choose a location that feels like you, consider two outfits for variety, and bring something that lets you interact together. The most beautiful images always come from real connection.

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