As spring flowers come into full bloom and we shake the remaining cold from our bones, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on this incredibly special winter engagement session in South Boston.

couple holding hands and standing in front of the restaurant in an editorial fashion - the woman wears a pink veil and vintage, chich accessories for this engagement photoshoot in Boston.

Alicia + Pat met in NYC after being set up by a mutual friend — and have been inseparable ever since. She described it as "instant best friends," and said they knew right off the bat that they shared the same zest for life. So yeah, I knew immediately these were my people!

couple embracing in a Boston bar, photographed with direct flash, wearing vintage, retro outfits

When asked what they love most about each other, Alicia said she loves his grounded, calm, and silly nature — and his ability to befriend just about anyone and make them feel at home. Pat loves her joyful nature and her ability to make any experience the most fun it could possibly be.

And honestly? After working with these two, I can say those descriptions are so true about each of them. One of the places they had in mind for their shoot was Petula's in Southie, near where they currently live. So I went to scope it out and see if we could shoot there before opening — and luckily, they were all for it!

couple reads the newspaper together announcing their engagement — shot on 35mm analog film.

Alicia is a part time stylist and has such a beautiful way of expressing herself, and that really showed in how she dressed for this shoot. The pink veil and boots were everything, and the pink complemented the green at Petula's so well. The vintage look came together beautifully — you couldn't tell if these photos were snapped in 1980 or 2026, especially on the film!

engaged couple kissing in front of petula's in south boston in vintage clothing

On the day of the shoot, the streets of Southie were buried in snow and parking wars were in full effect. But in our little café? We sipped coffee and chatted all about their wedding plans. While inside, we made the most of every corner. Every detail of this shoot was so well thought out, and honestly, the results were proof of that. I knew we had to get some flash shots at the bar and some natural light shots by the window as well.

woman holding a newspaper announcing her engagement - she looks off to the side while he looks at her — The newspaper was such a good prop! And her makeup artist, Deanna (@deannaelysemua on IG), did an amazing job - she looked flawless.

We braved the cold for a bit — grabbing some shots outside the restaurant and on the crosswalk (on both digital and film!)

couple holds hands and crosses the crosswalk together in Boston on a snowy day - she wears a veil and boots and they are both wearing sunglasses — Cross walk + motion blur = feels like a real memory

I am so excited to see what these two have dreamt up for their retro Christmas wedding this December, and can't wait to celebrate with them! If these images resonated with you and you’re looking to do something similarly exciting for your engagement photos, I’d love for you to reach out here.