Kisses in Central Park

Belvedere Castle, Central Park

Image found here.

We had our *free* (I still can't get over that fact!) engagement photo shoot with Christina Gressianu today. I have to say, I was nervous leading up to it. I've seen a whole lot of engagement photos but who knows what the shoot is actually like until you do one? What do the couples actually do during the photo shoots? Does the photographer guide them through poses? Or do they just act naturally and the photographer just snaps away? And, since our photo shoot was free, I wondered how many pics she would even take. Would we get any say in what photos she took?

I also was going to be coming straight from work so I was nervous about stupid little things, like whether I'd be able to change at the end of the day, put make-up on and get to Central Park on time. But that part went smoothly. I left work on time and took the train to 81st street and Central Park west so I could walk to the Belvedere Castle mid-park.

Buuut, once I entered the park, I got lost. Not just a little lost. REALLY lost. Like, I ended up in this section of the park that I later found out is called the "Ramble," which is a "wild garden" totally surrounded by trees and big rocks and winding trails. I had NO idea where I was in relation to the castle. Luckily Steve had a better sense of direction and met with Christina on time. He then had to direct me back to them and when all was said and done, I had made a huge circle around the park and was a half an hour late.

Nice.

I was sweaty and feeling gross but I just had to air myself out and suck it up. Christina was very sweet from the start and I soon became excited again. She gave us guidance when we were initially just standing there awkwardly looking at each other because we didn't know how to act in front of the camera. Ha. But once we got over that and realized we just had to act like ourselves--the part of ourselves that's overly affectionate and smiley--it got a lot easier. There was a lot of smooching. Her project is called "100 kisses in NYC" after all! It was a gorgeous afternoon, 80 degrees and sunny. Christina took a TON of pics and allowed us to suggest poses, which was great. We started at the castle, then went down toward Shakespeare Garden, then next to the Swedish cottage, and finally out to Central Park West.

Shakespeare Garden, Central Park
Image found here.

In the end, I think we got some really great shots and I'm psyched to see them. I really can't believe that we're even at the point to be taking engagement photos! It's nice though, especially because we have so many months to go before the Big Day. Now we have photos to document this transitional time in our relationship. :o)