Location, location, location.... and GIVEAWAY!

I love my picture taken.  I've always been that way.  I force, demand, plead with Mr. ST to take pictures all the time which is an extremely difficult process.  I have finally gotten Mr. ST to cave in to getting engagement pictures done.

So what's the problemo you ask?  Well...where (the location) do we take them?

1. Rowan University
Mr. ST and I met at college, Rowan University.  While it is a nice campus, it's not picturesque.  This is about the most beautiful spot on campus.  That's Bunce Hall.  I had a majority of my classes there.  It's also where graduation takes place (not that I remember actually graduating...oops being at the bar till 4 am).

Pretty, but not enough

With that being the only real spot to take a nice picture, Mr. ST ruled it out.  Plus, Mr. ST is not as fond of my Alma mater... (he's still taking classes towards his degree at another university - that's about all I can say towards that topic). 

2. Baseball Stadium. 

Mr. ST is a DIE-HARD Yankees fan.  I've grown up being a Phillies fan (my dad and brother actually work there too!!!) I don't dislike the Yankees, in fact, I like them almost as much as the Phillies.  So I had stalked out a few engagement sessions on Weddingbee and saw one taken at the Giants Stadium. 

                                                                 Aww so....green? lol.

I suggested this to Mr.ST who scowled.  Seriously, he did (I tried my hardest not to laugh. I was waiting for his "politically" correct way to tell me not a chance in hell ...no).  He then said it would never be allowed in Yankees Stadium.  He said he won't set foot in Citizen's Bank Park.  Whatevs. So this option was out.

3. The Beach/Lighthouse

We live about 10 minutes from the beach.  No lie.  I've been there about once a week since the beginning of April (it's still freezing, but I'm going!). 

                          That's our lighthouse...well, not mine, but the one about 15 minutes away.

 Anyways, I want our wedding pictures taken on the beach.  So I'm not fond of the idea of the same setting for engagement pics.  The beach is out.  The lighthouse - same concept, so it's a no go too because why take engagement shots there when I can be there in a pretty white dresssssssssssss...???

4. Boardwalk.

I love the boardwalk.  Mr. ST and I go regularly to the boardwalk to play in the arcade.  We also frequent the bars (helloooo, we were Jersey Shore before it was on TV....Snooki getting punched in my favorite bar - priceless, but I digress.)

 

                                                     Yay! Boardwalk games and PIZZA.

I've seen a bazillion shots done at the boardwalk and they are always so... sweet.  I would love to, but I feel like that too similar to the wedding photos "look" that I want.

So my requirements for an engagement shoot location:

• Not beachy
• Somewhere in South Jersey
• No "fee" for taking photos in said location
• Easy, relaxed and location atmosphere should lend to naturally amazing pictures.

I don't think that's tooooo much to ask is it? :-)

NOW... FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

I have been busy crafting like crazy the last two weeks and wanted to share some of the things I've created with you! There are two items that I will be giving away to one lucky reader!

First: custom designed, hand painted new carpet coasters.  Set of 4 coasters that I painted and binded to create some one-of-a-kind coasters. 








Yummy iced tea - and that coaster is saving all the sweaty-ness from getting on my counter. 

And for the second item:

A unique, hand beaded and sewn chunky necklace.

WARNING: Self-Photos below.  Promise you won't laugh - Come-on PROMISE!!!

Woo-Hoo!!  I know you are all dying for these fabulous one-of-a-kind goodies!!!  So here' how to enter:

1. Be a follower of Sandy Toes Bride and leave a comment below saying so.

For an extra entry: leave a separate comment about a real place in South Jersey that adorable engagement shots can be taken...<3

Rules:

• No comments after Monday, May 9, 2011 at 10:00 PM EST.
• Include your email in the comment if your name does not link back to you.  You can type it out sandytoesbride at gmail dot com. 
• Only one comment per person please. (Unless you enter the extra entry)
• The random winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 10 and contacted via email.
• Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize.  If not claimed by then another winner will be chosen.
• Winners chosen via random.org.

GOOD LUCK!!!!