New York City
Brownstone streets, bridges and waterfronts, rooftops, parks and quiet corners of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Early mornings are quieter, and the hour before sunset gives warmer light. See engagement photography in New York City.
Engagement Photographer in NYC, Long Island and New Jersey
Engagement and pre-wedding shoots across NYC, Long Island and New Jersey, from a relaxed walk in the city to a pre-wedding session with several outfits.
An engagement session is the first time many couples work with their wedding photographer, and it sets the tone for everything after. Verma Photography photographs engagement and pre-wedding shoots across New York City, Long Island and New Jersey, from our studio in New York. Some couples want a relaxed hour walking through the city. Others want a full pre-wedding shoot with several outfits and locations for a save-the-date, a wedding website or a slideshow at the Sangeet.
What an engagement session looks like
We start by asking how you want the pictures to feel and where you will use them. Then we suggest locations and a time of day that suit. On the day, we keep direction light and natural: walking, talking, laughing at each other’s jokes. Most couples are nervous for the first ten minutes and comfortable after that, which is part of the point. By your wedding day, you already know how we work.
Locations we suggest
Long Island
Beaches on the South Shore, North Shore gardens and estates, and harbors and marinas, all close to our New York studio. Out east, the Hamptons offer dunes and open fields.
New Jersey and beyond
Waterfront views across to Manhattan from Jersey City, parks and historic towns across New Jersey, and orchards and farmland in the Hudson Valley.
Some locations require a permit or limit professional shoots. We check before we book a spot.
Pre-wedding shoots for Indian and South Asian couples
Many of our Indian and South Asian couples plan a pre-wedding shoot with more than one look: a lehenga or silk saree and sherwani or veshti for a traditional set, then something modern for the city. We help you plan outfit changes, the order of locations and the light, so you are not changing in a car at sunset. The photos often appear on invitations, wedding websites and on screen at the Sangeet or reception. If you want drone shots or a short video, we can add them where location rules allow.
Planning outfits and timing
Most of the questions couples ask us before an engagement session are about clothes. A few things help. Choose outfits that suit each other without matching exactly. Solid colors and textures usually photograph better than small, busy patterns. Bring a change if you want a second look, and plan comfortable shoes for walking between spots.
Timing matters as much as location. In the city, early morning means quieter streets and soft light. The hour before sunset gives warmer light but more people. On Long Island beaches, wind and tide can change the plan, so we keep a backup nearby. Season changes the look too: spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn color and winter light all give different results. We will suggest what works best for the feel you want.
Family engagement ceremonies
A Roka, Sagai, Chunni, Nichayathartham or Nikah engagement is a family event rather than a portrait session. We cover those with event coverage: the rings, the blessings, the families and the food. See event photography.
What you receive
Edited digital photos
from your session, ready for save-the-dates, websites and social media.Prints and canvas
, or an engagement album, if you want something to keep.Video
of your session if you add a videographer.
Sessions can be added to a wedding package or booked on their own, and every package can be customized.
How planning works
- 01
Tell us what you have in mind
the feel, the season and how you will use the photos. - 02
We suggest locations and timing
and help you plan outfits. - 03
The session,
with gentle direction and plenty of time for you to settle in. - 04
Editing and delivery
by our in-house editors.
Why it helps on the wedding day
When you have already worked with your photographer, the wedding day is easier. You know how we give direction, we know your best angles and how you like to be photographed, and your portraits on the day go faster. Couples who review us often mention a friendly team and an effortless experience, and the engagement session is where that starts.
Still planning to ask? See proposal photography. Ready to book? Get in touch.
Autumn leaves, garden paths and lavender
Ideas to make your session feel like you
The place you met
A campus, a street corner, the office car park. It does not have to be pretty for the pictures to mean something.
Your dog
Pets are welcome where the location allows them. Bring a friend to hold the lead between shots.
A favorite café or bookshop
Somewhere you actually go. Ask the owner first, and we will keep it short.
Something from home
A dupatta from your mother’s wedding, a family heirloom, the jacket from your first date. Small things carry a story.
Something to do
Cooking, a picnic, a walk with coffee. Doing something gives your hands a job and your faces something real to react to.
Wedding films that follow every event
Our Wedding Photography Portfolio
What to bring in your bag
The small things that save a session.
- A second outfit, on a hanger
- Comfortable shoes for walking between spots
- The shoes you want in the photos
- Water and a small snack
- Blotting papers or powder
- Lip color for touch-ups
- Safety pins and a lint roller
- A hair tie and a small brush
- Pins for a dupatta or saree pleats
- A light jacket for after sunset
- The ring, cleaned the night before
What Couples Say About Working With Jay’s Team
In their own words on Google: four-day weddings, Diwali parties, anniversaries and more.
A Virk
From start to finish, Jay and his entire team made our wedding experience effortless, joyful, and incredibly special. We had a four-day wedding celebration with a mix of Indian and American events, and somehow they captured everything, every emotion, every ritual, every candid moment, without ever feeling intrusive or stressful. Jay is not only an insanely talented photographer, but also a calm, organized, and reassuring presence. His team kept everything running smoothly, helped guide us when needed, and truly understood the flow and importance of both cultures. From Punjabi ceremonies to the American wedding events, they knew exactly what moments mattered and how to document them beautifully. What stood out most was how easy they made the entire process. During a long, multi-day wedding, that peace of mind is priceless. If you are looking for a photography team that is professional, culturally fluent, incredibly hardworking, and genuinely invested in your experience, I cannot recommend Verma Photography enough. We would choose them again in a heartbeat and recommend them to anyone and everyone.
Naresh Kumar
We recently had the pleasure of booking Verma Photography for our anniversary, and we couldn't be happier with the results! From start to finish, the team was professional, friendly, and attentive to every detail. They captured every moment beautifully, from the candid smiles to the emotional vows, with a perfect mix of traditional and creative angles. We highly recommend Verma Photography & Videography for anyone looking to capture their wedding day in a truly stunning way and look forward to working with them again soon!
Rahual Kumar
I recently booked Verma photography for my brother's wedding. Jay and his team were beyond amazing and so easy to work with. They were very professional and the photos/videos were delivered on time with such great attention to detail. Would recommend Jay and his team to anyone for top quality service
Saajan Shah
When you work with Verma Photography, you don't just get amazing photos and videos to remember your events by. You also have a lot of fun and feel valued as a client. We hired Verma Photography for our destination wedding and we had a wonderful time working with them. They all were kind and professional, they kept us smiling and laughing throughout the whole weekend, they were respectful of our time and our schedule, and they interacted very well with our guests and vendors. They understand that it isn't just about the photos and videos, but also being able to read the clients' needs, energy, comfort level, and vision. Leading up to our wedding, they took the time to understand what our vision was. They showed great enthusiasm and professionalism from start to finish. They were always prepared and on time, and they handled challenges very well. The entire Verma Photography team works really hard while striving to give the best results. We enjoyed working with them, we loved the photos and videos they delivered, and we know we'll be looking to hire them again in the future. The entire experience that we had working with Verma Photography exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend them for any of your photo and video needs!
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Check your date with us
Tell us your dates, events and venues, and we will come back with availability and coverage built around your celebration.