Some photo sessions happen easily. Others take a few detours—and Brigitte and Julian’s Central Park engagement session was definitely the second kind.

But it ended up blooming into one of the most heartfelt and magical shoots I’ve ever done.

From Puerto Rico to New York City

Brigitte and Julian were planning to get married in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico—their homeland—and we had originally scheduled their engagement photos there, too. But life kept getting in the way. Between reschedules and a fast-approaching move to New York, the window was closing quickly.

On their very last day in Puerto Rico, we gave it one last shot… and got rained out by a full-blown storm.

I remember sitting in my car, phone to my ear, watching the rain fall as I said, “Well, I guess I can visit you and have the photos done in New York City!”

And just like that, we flipped the narrative.

A Bloom-Filled Central Park Engagement Session

We planned their shoot for the only weekend I had available before their wedding—serendipitously, it aligned with the spring bloom in Central Park. I kept telling B&J I wanted to do something extra special for them. And we did.

What felt like bad luck turned into golden-hour light, cherry blossoms in full swing, and even a Venetian gondola photobomb that made us all laugh.

Our session focused around Bethesda Fountain, one of the most iconic and romantic spots in Central Park for engagement and proposals. Nestled between the stone staircases of Bethesda Terrace and surrounded by intricate carvings, this fountain is known as the “Angel of the Waters” and has long been a symbol of love and healing in New York.

Its serenity made it the perfect setting to highlight the connection between Brigitte and Julian.

From Bethesda Fountain to the Cherry Trees

We wandered around the park, stopping to capture quiet moments along The Mall and the tree-lined paths that looked like something out of a movie. The cherry blossoms framed their portraits with delicate pinks and whites, matching the softness of their chemistry. I remember being so moved by how relaxed and connected they were, soaking in every second of this long-awaited session.

Why Central Park Engagement Sessions Are Always Worth It

I love photographing engagement sessions in Central Park because there’s beauty around every turn—especially at landmarks like Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and The Mall. Whether you’re a New Yorker or just visiting, it’s one of the most iconic locations for a pre-wedding photoshoot in New York. And when spring hits? Pure magic.

xo,

Cami