Love is a Downpour: An Unforgettable Engagement Shoot in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights

I’m back in the city, and it feels so good!

I love coming to New York for any reason really, but was extra extra excited when Matt and Eliza suggested Prospect Park as the location for their session. Even though I’ve spent so much of my time wandering NYC, Prospect Park was a place I never managed to visit and I was really pumped to do it with these two.

We started at one of their favorite bars, The Branded Saloon on Vanderbilt and Bergen, which just so happens to be a gay bar. YAY ME! We ordered and downed a few Piña Coladas before heading out to the Prospect Park.

Even though Grand Army Plaza was completely fenced and scaffolded in (dang it!) that didn’t get us down. There are so many iconic locations in Prospect Park to choose from, so we started with the tunnels and bridges! I loved playing with shadow, light, and shapes here.

We kept on wandering past the field that showed glimpses of their neighborhood in the distance. The park was eerily quiet for a Friday afternoon. We wanted to head to the boathouse so we began to wander deeper into the park, crossing over bridges and walking down wooded paths. It was enchanting and I almost forget I was in New York City! The mix of wood, wrought iron, and forest was so inspiring. The bridge shots are some of my favorite!

From one direction, all you could see was mossy, algae laden water, and in the other was the stunning Prospect Park boathouse. The sky was beginning to darken with the sense of impending rain, and the lights were on, making it an extra dreamy view. As we wandered closer to the boathouse and the water just to the back of the building, we began to feel raindrops.

Once the rain began to fall, already smack dab in the middle of the park, we said to heck with it! Let’s just keep going! So we did and got some super romantic shots as the water started to pour down on us.

At some point we realized that this wasn’t just a quick shower, we were getting completely dumped on. The rain was coming down so hard it was difficult to open my eyes. I stowed away my cameras and we ducked for cover under a pavilion to wait out the rest of the storm.

We were SOAKED, but couldn’t resist a few more shots on the way back to Prospect Heights. There is something about the freshly drenched look that’s both sultry and silly, especially in this context. And that wasn’t lost on us!

Thanks for taking a chance and getting caught in the rain with me, Eliza and Matt. The resulting photos are unforgettable and one of a kind.

If you’re looking for unique, personality-driven engagement photos, reach out to us today! We can’t wait to make magic with you, rain or shine!

About Branded Saloon

Branded Saloon is a popular bar and performance space located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The establishment is known for its quirky Western theme, friendly atmosphere, and diverse range of events, including live music, comedy shows, and drag performances. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Founding and Early Years

• Opening: Branded Saloon opened its doors in 2010, at 603 Vanderbilt Avenue. The bar was founded by Annie and her husband, who were inspired to create a space that combined their love for Western saloons and their desire to support local artists and performers. The couple wanted to bring a bit of the Old West to Brooklyn, but with a modern, inclusive twist.

• Name and Theme: The name "Branded Saloon" reflects the Western theme of the bar, which is evident in its rustic decor, with elements like wooden bar tops, old-fashioned saloon doors, and vintage signs. The theme was intended to evoke the feel of a traditional American saloon, but with a Brooklyn edge.

Community and Cultural Impact

• LGBTQ+ Friendly: From the beginning, Branded Saloon has been known as an inclusive and welcoming space, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. It hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ events, including drag shows, queer dance parties, and fundraisers for LGBTQ+ causes. The bar has earned a reputation as a safe and supportive venue for people of all backgrounds.

• Live Entertainment: One of the key features of Branded Saloon is its commitment to live entertainment. The bar regularly hosts live music performances, featuring both local and touring bands across a range of genres, from country and folk to rock and blues. Comedy nights, trivia, and karaoke are also staples of the venue's event calendar.

• Neighborhood Staple: Over the years, Branded Saloon has become a beloved fixture in the Prospect Heights neighborhood. It's known for its laid-back vibe, friendly staff, and sense of community. The bar attracts a diverse crowd, from longtime Brooklyn residents to newcomers exploring the borough.