What Stays: An Editorial Engagement Session at 1928 Beacon Hill with Maggie & Michael

You can take the man out of the service industry, but you can’t take the service industry out of the man. Photographing Maggie and Michael at 1928 Beacon Hill for their engagement session reminded me of just that.

Before photography, I spent years in the service industry, and working in restaurants teaches you a thing or two about people.

You learn to read a room, anticipate what someone might need, and make an experience feel effortless. Those instincts have followed me into my work as a Boston couples photographer, and they shape how I approach every session.

Michael and Maggie chose 1928 for their engagement photos because they had dined there before and made some good memories. They wanted something a little different from the usual engagement session, something fun, flashy, and a bit more them.

I arrived early, knowing firsthand what it takes to open a restaurant and get everything ready for service. I wanted to introduce myself, get to know the staff, and figure out how we could make the most of the space while staying out of everyone's way. A big part of being a photographer, for me, is understanding that I'm stepping into someone else's environment.

The better I can work with the people around me, the better the experience is for everyone.

Once Michael and Maggie arrived, 1928 didn't disappoint. We bounced between the nautical-inspired rooms, playing with off-camera flash and leaning into the more playful side of the session. In the famed library room, under the watchful eyes of JFK, Michael and Maggie enjoyed cocktails generously provided by Holly, the restaurant's manager. A little strong, a little celebratory, and just the pick-me-up we needed before heading back outside.

After Maggie changed outfits, we took to the streets for a Beacon Hill stroll.

The vibe shifted from flashy restaurant portraits to something more intimate, close, and classically Boston. The brick sidewalks, historic architecture, and quieter streets gave us a completely different feel while keeping the session true to Michael and Maggie.

The service mindset stays with me throughout it all. It's in the preparation, the little adjustments, making sure people feel comfortable, and paying attention to what they need without making a production of it. My job is to bring my experience to the table, play to my strengths, and create something beautiful while making sure the people in front of my camera have a good time doing it.