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Autumn in New York City is magical. It is so beautiful and romantic, the perfect place for engagement photos! I met Jenn and Chris in Central Park to capture all the color and beauty, and their incredible love.

Jenn shares, “Chris and I met in 2007 after college when we both joined the same firm in Richmond, VA. We both worked really long hours, and therefore spent a lot of time together in the office. My friend saw a picture of him and told me she thought he was really cute – but my initial reaction was “no way!” However, the more time we spent together, the closer we became. Long hours at work together turned into weekend adventures outside the office and soon we were (secretly!) dating.”

In 2010, they moved to Connecticut and NYC.

She continues, “We both like to travel, and for the first time we didn’t have to worry about our vacation time overlap looking suspicious! On a trip to Paris in June, Chris proposed in the gardens outside Versailles. It was a perfect day.”

Chris adds, “I thought that Paris would be the most romantic place in the world to propose. We went exploring the city, and towards the end of the second day made it to the Eiffel Tower. It would have been a great time to propose but, unfortunately, I didn’t have the ring – I had thought we were just seeing museums all day. We waited until dark and enjoyed the light show on the tower while I thought about another place to propose. The next day we were planning to go to Versailles and I thought that would be romantic, intimate and more secluded.

I nervously carried the ring in my backpack all day. We walked through the gardens, enjoyed a nice picnic with wine, cheese and bread, and rode bicycles together. We got some ice cream and then once we found a nice quiet spot in the garden I asked her to marry me.”

“We chose Central Park for our engagement pictures,” Jenn shares, “because when we first moved to New York one of our favorite weekend activities was walking around the park in the summer and laying out on the Great Lawn and Sheep’s Meadow. The fall colors in the park are so beautiful when the leaves are changing.”

They are getting married next July at Musket Ridge in Maryland, near Jenn’s hometown.

Happy engagement Jenn and Chris!

Mallory and Dale were married on a warm October day in Georgetown, Washington D.C.

The day began with preparations in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown.

Mallory’s mom and sister helped her get ready. Mallory, your dress is GORGEOUS!

Mallory and Dale shared a first look––seeing each other before the ceremony. It was so sweet! Then we went straight into portraits all around the beautiful, historic Grace Church.

Mallory shares, “You can’t take a wedding too seriously, so to complement our formal attire, I wore bright green heels and Dale sported funky socks.”

Mallory tells me, “Our wedding was perfect. To have all of our friends and family in one place, many traveling thousands of miles to be with us, was incredibly special. It meant the world to us to have everyone there.”

Dale’s brother, Ben, played the cello during the ceremony and Tim, his youngest brother, joined the band at the reception and playing the bass.

This might be my favorite photo from the day! Immediately following the ceremony Mallory and Dale recessed down the aisle and exited the church through the big red front doors. There is no denying, they were so happy to be married!

I also love the emotion in this photo of Dale picking up his bride and spinning her around!

Mallory shares, “My favorite moment from the wedding was after the ceremony, after the photos, when Dale and I snuck up to the reception room during the cocktail hour to check out the decor and have a cocktail before heading down to cocktails with everyone else. We had ten minutes to stop, take it all in, practice our first dance, and realize how incredibly lucky we are. It was the perfect moment.”

The reception was held in the ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton.

Bemcha, a Latin jazz ensemble, played throughout the reception. They were fantastic and added a unique and fun flair to the dance floor.

Mallory’s mom made these adorable owl cake toppers, that commemorated their college mascot.

Congratulations Mallory and Dale!

For more photos check out the slideshow:

Victoria and James were married on an October afternoon in Central Park.

James wrote this to be read during the ceremony, “I’ve loved you every day of my life.  I loved you even before I’d met you. I knew that you were out there somewhere and that my heart would eventually lead me to you. I knew that you would be sharing with others your wonderful sense of humor, your warm and engaging personality, your incredible sense of the world and most importantly, your kindness of spirit. I knew that your relationships with your family and friends would be a source of great strength for you and that they in turn, would feel the same way for you.  I knew deep in my heart that you would be making others feel as blessed as I feel everyday to have you in my life. I didn’t know you but I knew you were out there and I have loved you every day of my life.  Thank you for wanting to share your life with me as my wife and as your husband, I will love you for every day of the rest of my life.”

James shares, “Victoria and I have jobs that require us to be out of New York for extended periods of time on a frequent basis. Missing events in the city, exhibitions at a museum or even dinner with friends, is never as hard for us as missing time in our wonderful city simply enjoying a picnic dinner in Central Park on a warm summer evening. Her favorite, and after many years of persuasion, my favorite part of the entire five boroughs is a small meadow at the base of the entrance at west 77th street. Its quiet seclusion allows us to block out all of the turmoil of our daily lives, relax and enjoy each other’s company. So it was perfect to be married here on a lovely autumn day in October.”

Congratulations Victoria and James!

Special thank to all the Vendors:
Flowers by: Posies, On the Upper West Side
Bride’s Necklace: Kate Spade
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Wellies: Hunter 
Ties: Countess Mara
Banner: Paper Source
Restaurant: Isabella’s
Photography: Jessica Schmitt

Stephanie and Tom were married on a beautiful October day at the Waterside Restaurant.

This dress is soooo gorgeous! The Pronovias gown has an organza and tulle skirt with feathered sweetheart neckline.

Stephanie, you looked stunning!

Stephanie continues, “My sister, my maid of honor, is dating the best man. It was great that she caught the bouquet and he caught the garter, although some people think it was fixed.  ; )

I loved the heartfelt speeches that everyone gave.  lt was such a fun crowd and the dance floor was packed all night.  I couldn’t have asked for a better day and am so excited to be married to the love of my life.”

They shared their first dance to Oh My Love by John Lennon.

Congratulations Stephanie and Tom!

Check out more photos in the slideshow:

Special thanks to all the vendors:
Venue: Waterside Restaurant
Officiant: Father Kenneth Riehl
Florist: Perla & Company
DJ: DDM Entertainment, Violinist: Melissa Macy, DDM Entertainment
Video: NST Pictures
Dress Designer: Pronovias
Hair and Makeup: Ore Makeup
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jordan
Bridesmaid Necklaces: J Crew

Slideshow song: All About Your Heart by Mindy Gledhill
Photography: Jessica Schmitt Photography with Eric Swartz and Brandi Toole

Allie and Matt came all the way from China for their engagement photos at Columbia University on the Upper West Side of New York City.

Allie went to school at Columbia, earning her graduate degree in the school of engineering and applied science. While they were taking a trip throughout the U.S. they stopped in New York to visit her Alma Mater and take engagement portraits.

Allie and Matt met in 2008. Matt told me he can still remember the first time he saw her. She came into his office for an interview and answered every question quickly. He liked her from the beginning.

They sustained a long-distance relationship from across the ocean and are now planning their wedding and future together.

Matt shares, “I think Allie is a gift to me, no matter what happens, she always supports me. I will love her forever.”

Columbia University has some of my favorite things to photograph: beautiful street lights, historic brick buildings, ivy, iron gates, fountains and gorgeous landscaping. It is such a lovely location for portraits!

Allie and Matt are holding their wedding ceremony in Eastern China’s Hefei on February 28, 2014, and in YiWu on March1, 2014. Congratulations to you two!