Ultimate Engagement Giveaway - Alyssa & Al

This year for the first time ever we collaborated with some of the best N.J. wedding vendors on an Ultimate Engagement Giveaway. Even though it was only our first go, we were able to pull off the best surprises for our winning couple. Keep reading to hear all about how Alyssa and Al had the best engagement photo shoot ever!

It all started in Napa.

To tell this story properly we have to begin with how Alyssa and Al got engaged. Al was turning thirty and he allowed Alyssa to plan a trip with all of their friends and family to Napa to celebrate. She handled all of the logistics, activities, and mapped out the vineyards they would visit. Little did she know this was just to keep her distracted while he planned the perfect proposal.

After one of their tours at Silver Oak Cellars where Al's favorite wine is made, he took Alyssa outside for a walk through the vines where he got down on one knee. Al successfully surprised Alyssa with a dream proposal on a dream vacation. She of course said yes! It was even more special for the two of them to be surrounded by friends and family as they celebrated such a sweet milestone together.

The ultimate giveaway.

As part of the Ultimate Engagement Giveaway Alyssa won the chance to work with some of the best NJ wedding vendors. The engagement photo shoot with Jaye Kogut Photography featured Hair and Makeup from The Pinup Girl, Bouquets and a wedding consultation from Magnolia West, and Save the Dates from Lace and Belle. What could be better as a bride to be?!

In typical Danielle fashion, I thought we could do a little better. I mean it was our first giveaway and all! And so I began calling some more of my favorite vendors. Luckily, they all agreed and we were able to bring the entire giveaway to a whole new level.

Suprises, surprises, surprises!

Castle Couture jumped right on board to surprise Alyssa with her choice of the most incredible dresses. Poor Gionna dragged a rack of beautifully beaded designer gowns through the streets of Hoboken and showed up right at Alyssa and Al's door. Can you imagine?! What a dream!

The dress Alyssa selected was an impeccably beaded ivory cocktail dress by Scala. Naturally, she looked amazing it in.

Does anyone else wish they could wear dresses like this every day or is it just me?

The best part about this surprise was that Spinners Entertainment provided cinematography for this shoot and we had her reaction on video. TO make it even more special my favorite acoustic wedding trio Owls and Lions added their perfect original song to the video.

Great locations!

We began Alyssa and Al's photo shoot at the location they had their very first date, Onieal's. If you are ever in Hoboken and looking for a great pub stop in! The food is great, drinks are cold, and the environment is quaint and casual. The hostess even told us it is a hot spot for Hoboken engagements in case you are planning to pop the question.

Shortly after we got started Meghan from Lace and Belle stopped by with another sweet surprise, an adorable sign for the couple. She actually hand painted this calligraphy onto the wood. Can you believe it!

Not only do Alyssa and Al get to use the sign on their wedding day also but can keep it forever as part of their home decor. If you have engagement photos coming up give Lace and Belle a call and have your perfect sign made.

If you're wondering how you look this good at your engagement photoshoot call The Pinup Girl! Allison and Lauren are amazing. Just look at Alyssa's hair and makeup!

It was clear throughout the shoot how in love they were. The more locations we moved to the more excited we all got. I can only imagine what their wedding day will be like. If they aren't the definition of couple goals I don't know who is.

Pretty little details.

Pretty little details always make an engagement shoot. We loved these sweet save the date balloons Alyssa had made by Write Pretty For Me right in Hoboken. Jaye was able to get such great photos with them that they are using them on their Lace and Belle save the dates!

Throughout the shoot we visited all of the quintessential Hoboken locations. We began at the restaurant that they had their first date, followed that with photos on the cobblestone streets, visited the hoboken mural right near Sinatra Park, and finished at Pier A with incredible skyline views.

Each location not only featured the Hoboken engagement in the best light but also the couple. As a result they got a variety of backdrops to choose from when selecting the perfect photos for their save the dates.

We finished up the evening's shoot at the waterfront but the surprises weren't quite over! To finish the ultimate giveaway in the best way possible Encore Catering provided a beautiful picnic for the couple to enjoy. Coupled with the sunset and the skyline views it was the perfect romantic touch.