A Summer, Wissahickon Valley Park Engagement Session | Maura + Zachary
6/28/20
Normally, I am the one who puts people at ease and makes them feel comfortable at the start of a session but, I have to be honest, it was Zach and Maura who did that for ME this time around. If you have been following me for any length of time, you know I almost ALWAYS walk my locations before a session, especially if it is new to me. Well, with several spots to check out around Philadelphia before deciding on the Kitchen’s Lane entrance to Wissahickon Valley Park, I only had 30 minutes to walk it before the session start time.
I walked pretty far before turning around to go back to meet them at the trail-head. And, as I trekked farther and farther back, I found myself still walking and seeing…new things. Oh no. I must have missed a turn….and I was lost. Yes, I was LOST in the woods in Philadelphia and I didn’t have much time to find my way back. I stopped a biker and asked if he knew how to get to the Kitchen’s Lane parking area. Now, I’m a smart girl and I pride myself on my ability to keep my sense of direction and visualize a map and my place on it so I knew I had to cross back over the stream on a bridge….but which way was the bridge and how the heck did I miss it? Palm to forehead. I was so embarrassed. My cheeks were as flushed from blushing as they were from walking in the 90-degree heat. The nice bike guy told me to “go a while further down and you’ll find the bridge.” I started following his advice and then something told me he was wrong. It couldn’t be that far. He must have thought I was trying to get somewhere else. So, against his advice I turned back around and headed back the other way, swallowed my pride and texted Maura to let her know the situation trying to ignore the knot in my stomach. I had NEVER been late for a session before….ever.
My phone started vibrating in my hand. I looked. It was Maura. As I answered the phone with a laugh…because I definitely do a nervous laughter kind of thing…I heard a man’s voice. It was kind and calm. It said, “Hi Megan. It’s Zach calling on Maura’s phone.” Just the sound of the calm in his voice told me everything was going to be fine and I took a deep breath. He asked a few questions about what I was seeing and we figured out that I was right down the path from the bridge and I must have missed a turn-off while eyeing up a bathroom just past it. He also, kindly, told me they were running a few minutes behind anyway so we would all probably get to the trail-head at the same time. What a nice guy. In person, he was just as kind but even more fun. Maura is going to be so well taken care of her whole life. Zach has one of those amazing personalities that makes a person feel seen and at ease. After helping me through that, he helped Marua laugh and feel confident and seen on their session. They laughed together and encouraged each other. My favorite part was when they would high-five after every successful set of photos…and for good reason. WOW. They were on fire.
After all the times I have driven to Philadelphia for sessions, this was my first time actually shooting in this popular spot. With tall luscious trees lining every walkway and the expanse of the river running through it, it was tough to find openings for lighting….but when we did….MAGIC. Zach and I coaxed Maura into the coolest of places as I pushed my “flip flop rules” to the absolute limits. Their ADORABLE puppy Body was delighted to get a little wet and go play with uncle Patrick after her time in the spotlight was over. We didn’t need to go very far to find gorgeous places to shoot, though the other park inhabitants proved a bit of a challenge on the bridge and by the water as families flitted in and out of the frame all evening.
I am smitten with these two adorable love-birds. It was the first time we had met in person and I already CANNOT wait for their wedding just under a year from now at Aldie Masion in Doylestown, PA to meet the rest of their families. I’m excited to shoot at a venue with such a great foundation and purpose as well. Weddings at Aldie Mansion benefit Heritage Conservancy’s mission to preserve and protect our natural and historic heritage, which protects open spaces and historic places. Yes, please!
Maura and Zach, thank you for being so adventurous with your location and enduring the humidity and heat of the day. Thank you for helping ME feel so welcome and comfortable after embarrassing myself in front of you. Thank you for putting your trust in me with this incredibly special time in your lives. I can’t wait to see you two become man and wife. I hope you enjoy this sample of my favorite photos from your, oh so fun, session and because I know how hard it is to wait, there are a few surprises waiting for you in your inbox RIGHT NOW, so go check! XO - Megan
