I could not have asked for a more beautiful evening with Lauren and Louis to capture their Monmouth University engagement photos! The gardens were in full bloom, the golden hour light was pouring through the stone arches, and these two were absolute naturals in front of the camera.
Their Session at Monmouth University Gardens
We spent the entire session on the Monmouth University campus in West Long Branch, New Jersey, and honestly we could have stayed all night. Every corner of this place is stunning. The Erlanger Gardens were our main backdrop, and the vibrant pink and magenta flower beds surrounding the fountain were in peak summer bloom. The stone colonnade behind the gardens gave us the most beautiful European-feeling frames. It honestly looks like you’re somewhere in Italy, not the Jersey Shore.
Lauren wore the most gorgeous white floral appliqué maxi dress with delicate straps. It moved beautifully and was perfect for this location. Louis wore a light grey suit with brown leather shoes and an open collar. They complemented each other so well and the soft, neutral tones looked incredible against all the vibrant color in the gardens.
We started with portraits in front of the colonnade and worked our way through the gardens as the sun dropped lower. Some of my favorites are the wide shots where you can see the full scope of the Erlanger Gardens with the fountain, the flower beds, and the stone arches all in one frame. But the close-ups of these two are just as beautiful. The way Louis looks at Lauren. You can just feel it!
We also used the ornate stone archways around Wilson Hall for some gorgeous architectural shots. The carved stone detailing and the scale of those arches created such a dramatic and elegant backdrop. And then we finished up with some portraits near the main campus buildings at golden hour. The light was absolutely perfect.
About the Location: Monmouth University Engagement Photos
Monmouth University is located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, just minutes from the Jersey Shore. The campus is known for its stunning architecture and manicured grounds, making it one of the most beautiful engagement session locations in New Jersey. Looking to schedule your engagement photos here? Here are some details!
- The Erlanger Gardens feature a formal layout with a central fountain, vibrant seasonal flower beds, manicured hedges, and a dramatic stone colonnade that feels like a European estate
- Wilson Hall, originally built as the Hubert T. Parsons estate, is a Beaux-Arts mansion that was also used as the filming location for the 1982 movie Annie
- The campus features ornate stone archways, grand staircases, and ivy-covered buildings that provide endless variety for a one-hour session
- A photo permit is required for all engagement and wedding sessions on campus. Sessions are available after 4 p.m. on Fridays and on Saturdays and Sundays only
- Sessions must be booked at least two weeks in advance and can be reserved up to six months ahead. Each session is one hour in length
- Monmouth University alumni receive a one-time waiver of the reservation fee. Local residents of Long Branch, West Long Branch, and Ocean Township receive a discounted rate
- The campus is just minutes from the beach, so couples can easily add a beach session at the end of their Monmouth University photos
Thank You
Lauren and Louis, I had the best time with you two. You made this session so easy and so fun, and these photos are some of my favorites. I cannot wait to photograph your wedding at The Estate at Florentine Gardens this June. It is going to be incredible.
See More: The Estate at Florentine Gardens Weddings
Looking for more engagement session inspiration? Check out my guide to the Best Photoshoot Locations in NYC and NJ!
Looking for a New Jersey engagement and wedding photographer? I would love to hear about your plans. Get in touch here to learn more about my photography packages. — Karina Mekel, New Jersey engagement and wedding photographer.
