Winery Engagement Session | South Jersey Wedding Photographer | Renault Winery | Tabitha and Anthony

South Jersey Wedding Photography. A Renault Winery engagement session. This is the perfect location for any couple looking for a rustic and romantic engagement session. The Renault Winery is in Egg Harbor Township, South New Jersey. This winery is over 100 years old and was known for its delicious Champagne. It is now a highly sought-after wedding venue for bridal couples.

Tabitha and Anthony are getting married at the winery on March 28th. They wanted to have their engagement session at the same location. I love photographing at this location, so I was excited to do their session. We had to reschedule several times before we finally had a day that wasn’t snowing or raining. The weather was a bit chilly but was about 30 degrees warmer than the temperatures we had for the last month. Tabitha and Anthony couldn’t wait for their session, so I am going to say the day was perfect!

Their Love Story

Anthony and Tabitha gave up on trying to find their soulmate themselves and decided to allow God’s will to be done. They surrendered to His timing and trusted that through faith , God would hear their prayers and would intervene.

Tabitha lived in Ohio at the time and Anthony in New Jersey, the odds seemed stacked against them . The two didn’t have any mutual friends on social media, but somehow Anthony came up on Tabitha’s list. Tabitha was drawn to Anthony and his kind smile and stepped out of her comfort zone and friend requested him. He messaged her and the connection and communication were built as a strong foundation before even meeting in person a little over a month later. The two have been inseparable ever sense.

Heartache and tremendous joy

They have faced many struggles in the year and a half since they’ve been engaged, that would have torn most couples apart . The loss of their son 4 days before his due date was the most heart wrenching. Transitioning Tabitha’s two sons from Ohio to New Jersey wasn’t easy, especially in a pandemic. But despite all the change, the boys along with Anthony’s daughter, who just started kindergarten, love one another and are bonding as siblings. Anthony’s faith mixed with his love and connection with his daughter was a major factor in Tabitha falling in love with him. She knew he would be a great spiritual leader for the family and a wonderful father to her boys. Anthony knew that Tabitha would be a good example of a loving and godly mother to his little girl, which was especially important to him . They ALL have found such joy together.

When you know you know….

Anthony proposed to Tabitha less than 5 months after they began talking with her. When you know you know. Anthony proposed in Columbus Ohio. He flew in to visit her and they went to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. He knew she loves flowers and growing things and thought this was the perfect place to ask her to marry him. Tabitha said “Of Course” and she can’t wait to say it again on March 28th when she walks down the aisle. God has brought these two together, there is really no other explanation. They both complete each other and are there for each other while they all continue to grow closer and build their bond as a family.

South Jersey Wedding Photography

An engagement session is an important part of the wedding experience Memories by Maria Photography offers to wedding couples. I love being able to capture this special time in a couple’s life. The couples are so in love and have so much anticipation of their big day that it shows in the photos I take. It also gives us a chance to practice posing before the wedding day, which is important to help in my couples relaxing on their wedding day. The best part is that we get to know each other better. We laugh and have fun! I love that part the best!

We started Tabitha and Anthony’s session in the vines at the winery. This time of year doesn’t offer the greenery and grapes but it does offer a rustic, romantic vibe. Tabitha and Anthony are amazingly easy to photograph. And they are so in love with each other that posing and snuggling came naturally. I said many times…”ohhh, perfect! Don’t stop!” ha-ha They are also super playful with each other which made some great photos.

We ventured to some other parts of the venue when the wind started to pick up. It was getting a bit chilly but these two didn’t let it bother them. Once we got to the area where their ceremony and reception will be, we practiced some dancing and dipping. Those poses will be super dreamy on the wedding day. I can’t wait!