Engagement photos don’t always have to be a big production with multiple outfit changes and hours of shooting around the city. Sometimes, all you really need is a short, sweet session that captures the excitement of this season in your life. That’s exactly what this newly engaged couple wanted just enough photos to announce their news, update their wedding website, and design their save the dates.

Since I was running one of my seasonal mini session deals on the Upper East Side, the timing was perfect. We kept things simple, met in one of the neighborhood’s most beautiful hidden gems, Carl Schurz Park … and in 20 minutes, captured a gallery of images that checked every box.

Why This Park Is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Carl Schurz Park is one of those NYC spots that locals treasure but tourists rarely stumble upon. Nestled along the East River, it offers the best of both worlds:

Waterfront views that catch the light beautifully, especially at golden hour.
Tree-lined paths that make for romantic, natural backdrops.
Stone steps and railings that add structure and variety to photos.
A calm atmosphere compared to the busier parts of the city.

It feels like an escape without leaving Manhattan. That balance of nature and urban character makes it one of my favorite places for mini sessions.

Why Mini Sessions Are Great for Engaged Couples

Not every couple needs an hours-long shoot with outfit changes and multiple locations. Sometimes, a short and sweet session is all you need.

Mini sessions are especially perfect for engaged couples who:

Need photos quickly for save the dates or a wedding website.
Want something budget-friendly during wedding planning.
Prefer a laid-back experience instead of a long, formal session.
Are camera shy and want to keep it simple.
Love the idea of a quick neighborhood shoot.

With a mini session, you get professional-quality, timeless photos … without the stress of planning something big.

The Session

We kept this shoot casual and relaxed. The couple showed up in outfits that felt like them, and we walked through the park, stopping at some of my favorite photo spots.

In just 20 minutes, we created:

Classic smiling portraits for their wedding website banner.
Candid walking shots along the tree-lined paths, perfect for save the date cards.
Close-ups and detail shots highlighting their connection (and the ring, of course!).
Playful, lighthearted moments that showed off their personalities.

Even though it was a short session, their gallery had variety and depth — proof that you don’t need hours to tell your story.

The Perks of Booking During a Mini Session Deal

Because they booked during my seasonal mini session special, they got all the benefits of professional engagement photos without overcomplicating the process.

Mini session deals include:

Shorter time commitment (around 20–30 minutes).
Lower cost compared to a full engagement package.
Pre-set location, which saves planning time.
Quick turnaround, so you can have your gallery ready for printing cards or updating your site right away.

It’s the perfect way to check one thing off your wedding to-do list quickly and affordably.

Save the Dates & Wedding Website Ready

Within days of their session, this couple had a gallery of high-resolution photos they could use everywhere:

Save the date cards (a walking shot full of energy and movement).
Wedding website banner photo (a clean, smiling portrait).
Social media announcement (a playful, candid moment that felt “them”).

Even with just a short session, they walked away with images that looked polished, natural, and professional — ready to use across all platforms.

Why the Upper East Side Is a Hidden Gem for Engagement Photography

The Upper East Side doesn’t always get as much attention as other NYC neighborhoods when it comes to engagement photography, but that’s exactly why I love it.

It’s quieter and calmer than midtown or downtown hot spots.
It has beautiful architecture with brownstones and tree-lined streets.
Parks like Carl Schurz offer both greenery and waterfront views, giving couples variety in one location.
The whole area feels timeless and personal, making your photos stand out.

If you’re looking for photos that feel elegant, authentic, and not overdone, the UES is hard to beat.

Should You Book a Mini Engagement Session?

If you’re newly engaged and live in NYC, a mini session might be the perfect fit. They’re ideal if you:

Want save the date photos fast.
Are building a wedding website and need professional images.
Would like a budget-friendly option that still feels special.
Love the idea of a casual session in your neighborhood park.

And if you happen to catch one of my seasonal promos, it’s an even better deal.

Final Thoughts

This Upper East Side mini engagement session was proof that sometimes less really is more. In just 20 minutes, this couple walked away with a gallery full of photos they could use for their save the dates, wedding website, and beyond. From polished portraits to candid moments, the session was quick, easy, and stress-free, exactly what they were looking for.

Your engagement photos don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. Whether you’re planning a larger shoot later on or just want something simple right now, a mini session on the Upper East Side is a great way to mark the start of your wedding journey. And with beautiful parks like Carl Schurz tucked into the neighborhood, you’ll have no shortage of stunning backdrops.

A Mini Engagement Session on the Upper East Side