A playful fall engagement photo shoot for a creative, adventure-loving lesbian couple

Kelly (she/her) and Jess (she/her) celebrated their engagement with a playful fall engagement photoshoot, spanning the course of a day and stopping at their favorite locations around New York City. The lesbian couple, a creative team now based in Princeton, New Jersey, fell in love with documentary filmmaking on a trip to Zion National Park. They combined Jess’ technical camera skills with Kelly’s film production experience to become a wedding videography team, capturing romantic moments throughout the tri-state area and beyond.

Jess proposed to Kelly first, making reservations at a fancy restaurant where she planned to pop the question. They stopped at a casual LGBTQ+ bar before dinner, having so much fun that Kelly decided they should skip dinner and just get bar food, and Jess had to scramble for a new plan. When they left the bar, it was pouring rain, and Jess told Kelly to check the tires of their car. Kelly checked, finding nothing, but turned around to find Jess kneeling with a ring!

Kelly proposed back to Jess at the end of their fall photo session, when the couple had made their way into town and were enjoying the seasonal fall decor and street art. Once it was dark out, their photographer led them to a spot with string lights in the background. Kelly got down on one knee and asked Jess to marry her as well. The photo session ended with tears of joy, and the next day, they announced their engagement on social media with one of their favorite quotes from author Elizabeth Gilbert: “I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death, I will still protect you. I am stronger than depression and I am braver than loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.”

We caught up with the nearlyweds to hear more about their love story.

How did you meet?

Kelly swiped right on OkCupid. Jess was visiting her parents in Atlanta when she got the notification. Needless to say, she matched back immediately, sending her a message: “Hi, you’re gorgeous. I would love to take you out for coffee.” Of course, Kelly said yes!

What do you love most about each other?

Jess: Kelly is my best friend, business partner, adventure partner and fitness partner. I love how she’s willing to jump into new things and try things out, even when the outcome may be unknown. I tend to be a spontaneous person, so I love that she is always game for anything.

Kelly: I love everything about Jess, from her smile to her infectious laugh, the way her brilliant mind works and the inner determination that drives her. I love her love of travel and her love of animals. She’s the peanut butter to my jelly, and one of the most patient, kind and loving people I know. She is an incredible businesswoman and cinematographer, and she brings her heart and soul into everything she does. I can’t wait to marry her!

What are you most looking forward to in your marriage?

We’re looking forward to going on more adventures and experiencing the world together. Building a life with her, a family, a home and just growing old with each other.