This is a really special session for me and what a way to end a crazy two weeks! Last week I got to FINALLY meet up with Shannon and Tim for their Asbury Park, NJ engagement session with their dogs Coco and Spanky and I knew going into it it was going to be awesome.

Funny story. Shannon inquired with me about their weddings MONTHS ago and when I saw her last name on my inquiry form I thought it sounded familiar. I ask my mom, and as it turned out, Shannon was my third cousin! We met when we were born but that was the last of it. Our grandmothers are first cousins, and still pen pals, and Sonya (her grandmother) told Shannon I was a wedding photographer! So funny how life turns out some times and I love that we got reconnected 25 years later!!

Shannon and Tim met in middle school, reconnected in high school and have been best friends in love ever since. When Shannon went out to Ohio State for college, Tim followed her out there and showed his dedication to their relationship. They had only been dating a few months at the time but he knew that she was the one and he wasn’t about to let her go.  I love the way Tim can make Shannon smile no matter what and how he constantly breaks through her quiet nature. They are perfectly in sync with one another and their compliments are endless.

Fast forward a few years later from high school and college and these two have started a little family together with their two dogs, Coco and Spanky, and their cat, Cali.  The dogs joined us for the session and I had to pretend to be a duck a time or two to get their attention!

We started out on the Asbury Park boardwalk where we got yelled at for having the dogs with us. We didn’t know they weren’t allowed so they kindly directed us to the dog beach at the end of the boardwalk! We finished the session up on the beach where Spanky and Coco enjoyed playing with the dozens of other dogs while Shannon and Tim strolled along the beach and ran through the water.  After getting their feet wet, we all thought it would be insanely cool to take pictures on the jetty so after slowing crawling along the slippery rocks we made it out to the end and watched the sky turn colors. The session ended with the most perfect family portrait of them with the pups and I am just so excited I finally got to meet them!!

After the session we went out in true Asbury Park fashion to Johnny Mac’s for a beer and free pizza (seriously, if you buy ANY DRINK- even water- you get a free pizza. So insane!!).

Love finding cool local art that matches their outfits. <3

As many kisses as you can.

Love these signs!!

Love a couple who isn’t afraid to get their feet wet!

Um, SO dreamy.

LOVE. THIS.

My favorite. A little colder than we thought!

The constant ability to make each other laugh! <3

Looks like an album cover, don’t cha think?

Comfort.

Um. Unreallllll. Stoppp. SO freakin cute. Miss Coco!! Love this ring!!! Spanky!! The PERFECT family portrait!!!

Shannon and Tim, I loved meeting you guys, laughing with you both, making funny noises at the dogs and reconnecting after 25 years.  I love that you love Asbury and that we got to tell a little piece of your story together! I can’t wait to celebrate with you at your Perona Farms Wedding next year so we can meet again!! Enjoy!!