Wedding photos are treasured for a lifetime, but let’s not forget about engagement photos! They’re just as precious and can transport you right back to that magical moment in a flash. When I do an engagement session, my ultimate goal is to create an unforgettable experience for the couples I work with. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Kristina and Justin (Jay) for their engagement session in Ogunquit, Maine. During our first consultation, we hit it off so well that we talked for over two hours straight. And that’s all it took for me to realize that their engagement session was going to be a blast! We had it all – stunning ocean views, warm sand (and mud) between our toes, and a whole lot of fun!
Kristina and Jay’s love story began during the pandemic. Jay was on the hunt for hand-held weights when he stumbled upon Kristina at the front desk of Pure Barre. Masks may have hidden their smiles, but they connected instantly – with Jay’s zest for life and Kristina’s kindness bringing them closer.
Now, their first date is something straight out of a romance movie. Jay surprised Kristina by asking her to wear comfy clothes and whisked her off to Ogunquit Beach. They embarked on a walk along the Marginal Way cliff, lost in conversation and each other’s company. But wait, there’s more! They had a spontaneous beach picnic, feasting on delicious Mexican take-out while waves serenaded them. And guess what? Jay had another surprise up his sleeve! He called Kristina to pull over on their way home and took her to an ocean-side location for a breathtaking sunset. Talk about a swoon-worthy ending to a romantic first date!
Fast forward to the proposal (cue the “awws”), on a chilly December day, Jay orchestrated a magical Christmas gathering with both their families at Sandy Hill Farm. Little did Kristina know that this was no ordinary family dinner. As they walked hand in hand, Jay found the perfect spot, looked into Kristina’s eyes, and popped the question! And as you might have guessed, Kristina said “yes”!
When they’re not busy planning their dream wedding, Jay works as a team lead at the Cliff House, while Kristina, the multitasking queen, has two jobs. She works as a remote Academic Advisor at SNHU and works at the front desk at Pure Barre, her favorite workout spot.
Their love for adventure is what keeps the flames of love burning bright. From discovering hidden beaches to conquering challenging hiking trails, these two are always on the move. They’re also self-proclaimed foodies, exploring local eateries and sharing a love for mouthwatering açai bowls. Jay adores Kristina for knowing every single word to EVERY Taylor Swift song that has ever been recorded.
With brilliant outdoor lighting and the beautiful Ogunquit Beach in the backdrop, Jay and Kristina’s engagement photos turned out so lovely. Ogunquit Beach is famous for being incredibly picturesque, so, of course, I took advantage of all the spots as Kristina and Jay soaked in the joy of starting this new journey together.
I couldn’t get enough of the couple’s adorable chemistry. They were definitely not the “okay, now pose and smile” kind of couple, so I decided to let their love shine naturally – and boy, did they deliver! They were effortlessly romantic as they walked along the sandy shore, holding hands and dancing. I LOVED documenting every second of their engagement photo shoot.
The couple didn’t hold back when it came to having a blast! We got a little muddy and ended up a lot wetter than I anticipated, but you know what? It only made the experience more memorable and fun! Jay fully embraced his fun side and didn’t shy away from splashing in the water or getting a little messy – he was in his element. These two were seriously the most kind and thoughtful people, and I’m so honored to call them friends.
Kristina and Jay are absolutely thrilled about their upcoming wedding! They’re most excited about their first look at the ceremony and they can’t wait to exchange vows and officially be husband and wife.
When asked for tips on wedding planning, Kristina and Jay had some valuable insights. “Hire Kris Lenox as your wedding photographer right now (awww, thank you!)!! Don’t stress about the little details of the wedding day and remember it will all come together just the way it is supposed to be. Remember that throughout wedding planning, you become very aware of what you really like as a couple, and it strengthens your relationship because you get to become a better teammate with your fiancé as you make these decisions together. Always remember that at the end of the day, you are marrying the love of your life. All the wedding details are fun, but seeing your love and your forever start with your husband or wife is really what your guest will remember,” shared the to-be bride and groom.
Kristina and Jay, thank you for choosing me as your engagement photographer. It was seriously one of the most fun engagement sessions I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you for all the good memories! Congratulations once again and happy wedding planning! I am sure you guys will ace it!
Looking for an engagement or wedding photographer? Get in touch with me by just dropping me an email. If you want to see more of my engagement session photography, you can check out Vanessa And Evan’s Boston Engagement Session, and Mary And Chad’s Engagement Session In Hilton Head. You can also head to my Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see more of my work.