Engagement Session at Margate Beach | Charissa & Joe

February 28, 2024

Last year, I photographed Charissa and Joe’s Jersey Shore Engagement Session at Margate Beach. Charissa and Joe met through mutual friends. Two of Charissa’s college friends were dating two of Joe’s childhood friends. Their friends were all out one night and Joe asked Charissa’s friend if she had any single friends, he specifically said, “I need a nice girl in my life”. She gave Joe Charissa’s number and the rest is history.

Their first date was on December 23, 2020 at the Bistro in Haddonfield, NJ. Joe insisted on picking Charissa up and they both ordered penne alla vodka, the Bistro is still their favorite place to order that dish!

Engaged on 12/21/2022, the proposal: Joe had planned to propose on the anniversary of their first date at the Bistro in Haddonfield. Charissa is very difficult to surprise and guessed the plan to a T. Joe switched the plan and decided to propose in FDR park. He chose to do it at night so that their parents could all be at their apartment to celebrate when they got back. Unfortunately, the pavilion that was supposed to be lit up with Christmas lights was dark that night, so things didn’t go exactly as planned, but it is a night they will never forget.

Joe loves how thoughtful Charissa is, he says she cares more about others than herself and it’s her best quality. Charissa loves Joe’s willingness and sense of humor, she says he never fails to make her laugh and he would do anything for her without hesitating.

When Joe, a police officer and Charissa, an occupational therapist aren’t planning their Summer wedding at Scotland Run Golf Club, they love to take trips to special places such as Cape May, which is where they took their first trip together, and Ocean City, MD to visit Charissa’s family. Once married, their dreams include traveling to Italy, Greece, and Hawaii, having at least two children, and growing old together somewhere that is warm and sunny.

Their advice for couples currently planning their weddings is to have fun and remember that in the end, it is your day. Joe and Charissa agree that they are most looking forward to having everyone they love in one place to celebrate their special day.

Thank you to Charissa and Joe for choosing me to photograph your June 2024 Scotland Run Golf Club wedding and your engagement session at Corson’s Inlet!