Obsessed is an understatement when it comes to describing how I felt about M&D’s rom-com vibey engagement session in Astoria, Queens last October. I always love mixing my documentary-first style with a creative theme or concept, and am so excited when a couple is eager to collaborate on something that tells a story and feels unique and outside the box.
For their session, M&D wanted it to be fun, adventurous and cuddly – capturing a sense of play. They wanted the photos to feel like real people who delight in each other. We decided to retrace the steps of their love story at all their favorite spots in New York City’s Astoria neighborhood, located in Queens. Luckily for us, these spots all had whimsy and play built right into them!
First, we went to Bel- Aire Diner, which is like a portal back to the 1950s and 1960s. Booths with plush red couches make up the seating area while jukeboxes and vintage car decals line the walls. We of course had to get a milkshake for them to split! The outside of the diner is also a sight to behold as the restaurant takes up an entire block!
From the diner we walked towards Socrates Sculpture Park, but not before M&D stopped to show me one of the most unexpected and coolest parts of Astoria: a parking lot filled with all the ice cream trucks that serve the city! With bright pops of color lining the outsides of each van, we thought it was the perfect backdrop that fit with their theme, so we turned the lot into a playground of our own and had fun playing and taking silly impromptu photos.
Socrates Sculpture Park was our third stop. It is a gorgeous free park overlooking the water that houses a rotation of large art installations. It’s basically an outdoor museum in Queens! Just before sunset we frolicked around the green pastures and snapped some shots as M&D admired the art.
Lastly, we ended the evening with pizza at Hallett’s Cove, a man-made beach. It was also M’s birthday, so D presented her with a heartfelt card which they read together as the sun set with the most delicious pink sky! What a perfect afternoon!
Photographer: Emily Louick Photography
Location 1: Bel- Aire Diner
Location 2: Socrates Sculpture Park
Location 3: Hallett’s Cove
