Cross Estate Gardens Engagement Session | Alisa & Erik

June 30, 2022

Last Summer, I photographed Alisa and Erik’s Cross Estate Gardens Engagement Session in Bernardsville, NJ. We chose Cross Estate Gardens for their engagement session as Alisa and Erik wanted a romantic location with great backdrops and we certainly achieved that with their engagement session!

Alisa and Erik met when Erik’s friend from college and Alisa’s sister got married five years ago, they were both in the bridal party together and magic happened! Their first date was at a sushi restaurant in their hometown of Long Valley, NJ in June of 2016. Alisa always knew Erik was the one because from day one they were always very compatible. They spent a lot of time together even though they both still lived with their parents at the time. Erik eventually got an apartment and soon after Alisa moved in. They quickly learned that they were excellent life partners and it was just a matter of time (and a ring) to make it official!

Engaged on 05/01/2021, the proposal from Alisa: “We went hiking in Morristown National Park. Erik had lots of help from Alisa’s sister and brother-in-law, they set up a tepee and blanket with flowers, champagne and snacks along a trail, then hid among the trees and waited for us to come along. So when we hit this spot, Erik started the proposal!”

Some of the reasons that Erik loves Alisa is because she can get cases of the sillies! She sings songs and just acts kinda zany which makes Erik laugh and smile all the time. When Erik is stressed out, this will make him feel a lot better. And some of the reasons Alisa loves Erik is because he always knows when she needs to be cheered up and will go out of his way to bring her home flowers or will attempt to cook dinner for her! This is a big deal to her because he is normally the sous chef.

Erik, a real estate appraiser and Alisa, a trial prep representative at an insurance carrier are currently planning their wedding at The Mill Lakeside Manor in Spring Lake, NJ. They love that their venue is on a lake close to the shore, they say it has somewhat of a beachy feel, but also has a mellow, laid-back feel. They love that it is very romantic and classic!

When these two are not planning their wedding, they love to cook together, whether it’s their meals or something new and special. Even though the pandemic has put a damper on this, they also love to take trips to places they haven’t been to before so they can explore the restaurant and bar scenes. And they love to spend time outdoors, especially at the shore, hiking, or lounging on a deck or patio with a beverage!

Once married, their dreams include traveling, buying a house, getting a puppy, and eventually starting a family together.

Any advice for future couple’s planning?

Do not procrastinate planning and get the major things done as soon as possible. i.e. finding a venue, picking your photographer/band/DJ, florist, scheduling a wedding block, etc.

And finally, what are you most looking forward to about your wedding day?

Spending the day surrounded by family and friends while celebrating our love! And, the sushi 🙂