Looking for a fun Engagement Photo Session location near North Brunswick

Heather822

Just booked our photographer today! (Yay! Its Sean Patrick for anyone ineterested ~ www.seanpatrickphotography.com  is the website.)

Anyway ~ we weren't planning on doing EPics, but since its included in our package, we figured it'd be silly not to take it. We want to include our new puppy in the pics, since we adore her so much and she won't be a part of our wedding.

(AW'ing time... isn't she CUTE!?!?!)



So, now we are trying to figure out WHERE to take the pics.
We just moved to North Brunswick in November, so we aren't too familiar with the local hot spots. Any suggestions for places nearby where we could take puppy & get some fun shots?

We don't want to do the shore area, because thats where the wedding is, so we'll save those pics for the big day.

Thanks in advance!

heather8301

There's a public dog park on Rt 130 in North Brunswick. Also, there's a really pretty private dog park in South Brunswick, just north of Princeton on Rt. 27 - Rocky Top Dog Park. they have trees and landscaping instead of just open space. there is a fee for rocky top but it's not that bad. I think visitors were $10. I would try there for off-leash pictures.

My dog and I belonged there for a summer because she would overheat and the shade from the trees in part of the park really helped out. There's also a small (very small) pond too.

If you email the woman who runs the place (i can't remember her name) i'm sure she'd be willing to work with you. http://rockytopdogpark.com/

Julephenia

There's a dog park in Colonial Park in Somerset!

And I'm trying to pet my computer, your puppy is so cute!

Heather822

LOL ~ thanks girls!!!!!
Her name is Daphne. She is such a love!

FI expressed an interest in taking her to a dog park, but I am so scared! My step sister's dog (a lab) got really hurt in one after she got attacked by another dog. Daph is such a sweetie, I'd hate to see her get bullied! Are they rough places? I am probably just being a nervous mommy!

heather8301

Colonial Park sometimes has bigger dogs. My dog was run over a few times by a pack of big dogs playing and I'm not going back.  I've never been to the one in North Brunswick on Rt130.  I take my pug to Plainsboro Dog Park.  Depending on where you are at in North Brunswick, It could be about 15-20 min away. Plainsboro doesn't have that many dogs in there at one time (maybe 5-6) and they're all pretty tame. Whatever dog park you end up using, just remember to watch where your precious pup is at :-)

let me know if you need directions... or a puppy play date! heatheryacone@gmail.com

Heather822

Thanks for the info, Heather (great name by the way!)
What kind of dog do you have?

gibribuz

Lake Carnegie in Princeton is not too far from North Brunswick.  That's where we are taking our pictures on our big day. 

sweetie71398

I reccomend Sayen Gardens in Hamilton-Mercerville area.  It's about 20-30 min away from North Brunswick.  It's a small public park and they allow dogs.  It has beautiful gardens, gazebos, and fountains.  I considered having my outdoor ceremony.  Plenty of beautiful photo spots.
http://www.sayengardens.org/

Heater020780

Perth Amboy or South Amboy Waterfront area. 

sgdc2011

What about Rutgers Gardens??  I'm not sure if you can bring dogs but it's a nice place to take pictures... or what about the canal parks like griggstown or something.

TLC201

In Milltown on Washington Avenue, there is an old railroad stop building-not sure what you call it but it is so romantic looking to me-I always thought it could be a cute spot for e pics-it is right across from the ice cream depot-then the mill (now townhouses) contiues that same look and then the lake is just around the corner...It's just different than the usual park pictures.There is also a Great dog park in East Brunswick called heavenly farms-on dunhams corner rd-not far from North Brunswick..

smw42

We took our epics with our dog and I highly recommend doing some more formal shots first with just you and your FI and then the dog pics towards the end. I was so happy we did this and it really helped to structure things. He had a very limited attention span and tired very quickly. Also, bring a helper. We brought my dad to hold/help with our dog and it was a lifesaver. I 2nd Colonial Park but you do have to be careful in their dog park. I'd recommend either taking the pics very early in the morning or on a weekday if at all possible if you're going to a dog park, that way there will be less people. Also Thompson Park has a fantastic dog park but that's a little bit south of you.

rlb81

I second Carnegie lake and the D&R canal- I see people w/ their dogs at the canal all the time so that wouldn't be an issue for you.

Heather822

Thanks everyone!!!
Great tips, very excited to move forward with this!

JessicaLB2

You can bring dogs to Rutgers Gardens.  They do charge a photo permit fee though for any professional photos taken there.  The info is on their website. 

I don't know if we're going to take engagement photos, but including the dog is such a great idea!  Think I'll steal it!