“When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it – don’t back down and don’t give up – then you’re going to mystify a lot of folks.” — Bob Dylan

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY – I met Lindsay and David while hosting the Lovers Rock event with wedding photographers Robert Wagner and Christopher Duggan. Highlights from this couples New York adventure are currently featured in the Winter 2011 edition of Destination i DO magazine. Keep reading to explore their New York engagement photography story:

The above image (on the right) from Lindsay and David’s engagement photography session is inspired by The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album cover. Recently, I learned that Dylan was paying homage to an earlier photograph of  ”Rebel without a Cause” actor James Dean. Photographer Roy Schatt documented the original image eight years before Dylan recored his album in 1962.

Dave (a huge Bob Dylan fan) loved the idea of a themed engagement photography session (first time for everything). Learning the history of Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan photograph has only added to my enjoyment of this engagement photography experience.

Hanging out in front of  The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. What’s interesting about this hotel is that the High Line park crosses directly through part of the buildings design. If you haven’t visited the high line yet, check it out. This is a great location to visit in the summer time and enjoy gourmet  ice cream by Van Leeuwen (they have a cool truck that parks nearby). Although this neighborhood has become quite popular for New York engagement photography, there are many hidden gems to be explored.

Lindsay and David strike a pose at the High Line entranceway for their New York engagement photography session. If you have a moment, enjoy this video about building the High Line.

A peaceful moment in Saigon; one of the private dining rooms at Spice Market. The quiet ambience of this place is truly captivating and offered a calming element to Lindsay and David’s engagement photography experience. I’ve since returned to Spice Market for brunch with my Grandmother. She loved the selection of herbal infused iced teas they serve and one dessert in particular (something with chocolate ovaltine…ask about it).

Just outside of Spice Market is a wall that constantly features new work by world class street artists. Personally, this is one of my favorite photographs from their engagement photography session.

New York offers so many diverse spaces to explore for engagement photography. In the above photograph, Lindsay and David rest Poolside at Plunge; a rooftop lounge at the Hotel Gansavoort in the Meatpacking district.

Outside Tanuki Tavern a sushi bar and grill inside Hotel Gansavoort. I appreciate the quiet subtle moments from this engagement photography session. Moments like this, were enjoyable because the day was so relaxing.

Dave exorcises his game face as he and Lindsay wait for a taxicab just outside Hotel Gansevoort. The sun was just beginning to set as we made our way town town toward Greenwich Village and a really cool speakeasy style bar.

Sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of time to leave New York for a vacation. Lindsay and David inspire me with their passion for life and willingness to continually explore (even if its in the city). With this New York engagement photography session, we explored the concept of a “mini-moon” (like a short honeymoon…get it) in New York City. From exotic eateries, public parks, cultural landmarks and hidden speakeasy-style bars there is so much to enjoy in New York as a couple. The real challenge is making the time to pull away from work or your routine.

This engagement photography story reveals three passions that I share with most couples: food, travel and art. I am thankful for everyone who made this engagement story possible (Lindsay, David, Carolyn, Jennifer, the hotel and restaurant staffs…everyone!) The end result is truly a labor of love. I look forward to documenting Lindsay and David’s California wedding celebration in 2011.

If you have a moment, check out the current edition of Destination i Do Magazine (available a most major book retailers and magazine shops). The magazine also features some world-class destination weddings.

P.S. David is an amazing writer who produces an insightful food column for change.org.