There’s something truly magical about Bear Mountain at golden hour. When we met Alexa and Matt for their engagement session, the skies gave us the most beautiful sunset light—and the mountain setting gave us everything else: open trails, quiet lake reflections, and views that stretched for miles.
As NYC wedding photographers, we’ve photographed at Bear Mountain many times, and this session reminded us why we love it so much. Here are some takeaways from Alexa & Matt’s shoot—plus tips for anyone planning their own session in this stunning spot.
Golden Hour is Everything
Alexa and Matt’s session began just before golden hour at Bear Mountain, and it made all the difference. That warm, glow light is soft, romantic, and incredibly flattering. If you’re planning a shoot here, aim to start about 60–90 minutes before sunset to capture both bright and moody tones.
Adventure Comes with the View
A bit of light hiking was part of the journey—and it’s totally worth it. We always recommend bringing comfy shoes (and maybe a second pair if you want to dress things up). The trail to the top gave us those expansive, sweeping views that made their session feel straight out of a movie.
Work With the Scenery
We love using Bear Mountain’s natural elements—trees, boulders, and winding paths—to help tell each couple’s story. For Alexa and Matt, we let the environment lead the way, whether it was capturing reflections near the lake or framing them on a ridge at sunset.
Authentic Moments Matter
Some of the best moments from this session were the most natural ones—like a quiet laugh, or a glance during a walk. We always encourage couples to lean into movement and emotion. With Alexa and Matt, their connection made everything feel effortless.
Stay After the Golden Hour
We ended the session just after the sun set—and those last few shots? Some of the best. The soft, moody light that follows golden hour, often called blue hour, adds a cinematic, emotional feel. Just a few extra minutes can lead to unforgettable photos—so don’t pack up too soon.
Alexa & Matt’s engagement session was filled with warmth, laughter, and that unmistakable Bear Mountain charm. Whether you’re planning your own session here or looking for inspiration, Bear Mountain offers something special every single time.
About J & R Photography
Based in New Jersey and always up for an adventure, Jenn and Ro specialize in creating a relaxed, joyful experience for their couples. They feel truly honored to be part of each love story and are there to make sure you enjoy every moment of your big day. From spontaneous laughs to quiet, intimate glances, they capture it all beautifully and authentically.
Ready to start planning your wedding day? We can’t wait to capture your most unforgettable memories!
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