Princeton engagement photos: Emily and DJ at Jasna Polana

When you think of Princeton engagement photos, most likely you’ll envision photos of a couple strolling down the green in front of Nassau Hall at Princeton University, posing among flowers at Prospect Gardens, or kissing under the arches in a long stone colonnade.  But the university campus isn’t the only gorgeous spot for engagement pictures in Princeton. One of our favorite hidden gems in Princeton is TPC Jasna Polana, the 256-acre golf course that was the former home of John Seward Johnson and his wife Barbara Piasecka.

Emily and DJ are getting married at Jasna Polana next year. Originally, they wanted to do their engagement pictures at one of the riding stables near Princeton, but the logistics proved difficult. After spending a lot of time researching various possibilities, Emily realized that it would be simple and stress-free to have their engagement session at the same venue where they are getting married — and it would give them a chance to explore the whole estate without having the time pressures of a wedding celebration.

And then, on the day we planned for the engagement pictures, we woke up to a cold, grey and rainy weather forecast. We conferred with Emily and DJ, and they said, “let’s just do it!”

That’s the spirit that makes a photographer very happy.

As it turns out, grey and drizzly weather can produce extremely nice photographs. The overcast sky turns into a gigantic soft box, diffusing the light and imbuing skin with a flattering glow.

What was most important to Emily and DJ was that Kyo capture how much they make each other smile. “I’m sure it can be hard at a schedule photo shot to capture ‘candid’ moments,” Emily told us, “but I hope that we can produce photos where we are genuinely laughing and smiling.”

Take a look at the pictures. It’s actually not that hard to get genuine laughter and smiles when you’re spending time with a couple who are totally in love. Especially when you pair that with an easy-going attitude and a willingness to go with the flow (even when it is steadily raining during the photo shoot).

Congratulations, Emily and DJ!

Here is a proposal and engagement portraits gallery. And also take a look at their wedding pictures!