Mary and Matt’s North Shore Summer Engagement session was magical. While planning their session, Mary shared that she dreamt of a unique coastal location with tall grass and a pretty view. My mind immediately went to one of my favorite picnic date spots in Essex, Massachusetts. It is a perennial favorite of Dillon and I, and just a few minutes from our beloved J.T. Farnham’s (where you’ll find the best fish tacos in the world, hands down). The location has sweeping coastal views of the picturesque New England salt marshes. As if that wasn’t enough, the tall grass made it feel as though we’d been transported to a sun-soaked lavender field in the South of France. It’s one of those special places that feels as though the distractions of the world fall away and time stands still – the perfect setting for a storybook engagement session!

Mary and Matt are sweet as can be and their session felt like I was sharing a comfortable evening with friends from the moment they arrived. They are incredibly easy to talk to and have a love story that can make anyone swoon. Their history is long and sweet, but of all the details they’ve shared with me, Matt’s proposal to Mary is my favorite of all. Turning 25 is a special milestone to begin with, but Matt made it all the more special for Mary last December. In the midst of the magic of the holiday season, in the home they bought together earlier that year, he asked her the biggest question of them all by the twinkling lights of their Christmas tree. They’ve been making memories in their home and planning what will be an incredibly joyful wedding day ever since.

To Mary and Matt:

Thank you for sharing such a magical evening with me! I am counting down the days to your wedding next year and am so excited to celebrate your big day with you! Cheers to making the most of your sweet season of engagement between now and then, as well as a triple date in the city with us and Liz and Tim (and fingers crossed for yet another Fantasy Football championship win for you, Matt!).

View more recent portrait sessions HERE