Being a wedding photographer is a total dream job for so many reasons. One is that I get to know the most amazing people, like Nova and Dave. Nova and Dave got married earlier in the pandemic and had to reschedule their wedding from 2020 to 2021. Since then, they’ve become close friends of mine. They’re true angels, and one of the most thoughtful couples. I was so excited to join them at their Phoenixville apartment to take their first anniversary photos.

A Sunny Day at Home

After their wedding, Nova and Dave moved into an industrial dream of an apartment. The artsy town has lots of shops and good eats. It was everything they wanted and more, especially for all of Dave’s plants. As much as they loved the apartment, they were quickly outgrowing it. When I met up with them to take anniversary photos, they were in the process of buying a home. 

Nova and Dave were excited to buy a home but sad to be leaving their apartment. We decided to spend a sunny afternoon hanging out there. I documented them doing things they love. They cuddled their two cats and each other in the living room. In the process, we documented a space they want to remember in addition to this moment in their relationship.

These anniversary photos highlight the cozy, tangible moments that feel so important to Nova and Dave. They love to cook together, so they started off this session making muffins. After some cat cuddles, Dave brought out his guitar. Then Nova and Dave shared a dance to “Bloom” by Paper Kits, their first dance song from their wedding.

Creative Anniversary Photos

With such a beautiful space to work with, it was easy to find creative inspiration for Nova and Dave’s anniversary photos. The tall windows let in so much golden light. I had fun photographing them from different angles to take advantage of the amazing light. The sunlight streams through the windows and backlights them in the loveliest ways. 

In addition to digital photos, I took some film photos during this session. Film photography is a nice compliment to the clean, crisp digital imagery. It’s soft and textured in a way that’s easy to connect to. I feel like it adds a timeless element to the modern aesthetic in this session.

Because the apartment was so important to Nova and Dave, I treated it almost like a character in the story I told with these photos. You get a strong sense of the vignettes with the bar cart and guitar beneath the framed photos. The abundance of houseplants created so many opportunities for interesting compositions. I framed them with monsteras and fiddle leaf figs. The plants added a sense of whimsy to the images. 

Nova and Dave’s Story

Nova and Dave’s whole relationship has been thoughtful and plant-filled. Seriously. If the plants in their apartment haven’t already tipped you off, they love lush gardens and houseplants. Dave proposed in Longwood Gardens with their families present. Longwood Gardens is already a great place to propose, but Dave took it to the next level. He drew a map of the gardens customized with pictures from throughout their relationship. Nova had to follow it to find him. Nova described it this way: “It was the most surreal moment I’ve had in my entire life. It still feels like a dream.”

Like I said, plants are still part of Nova and Dave’s relationship. Their apartment feels like a chic greenhouse. Every time I see Dave, he gifts me a plant. It really makes my day! I love that these anniversary photos incorporated so many of Dave and Nova’s beautiful houseplants. 

All in all, I just adore these two. This anniversary session celebrated the loving, everyday moments at the heart of Nova and Dave’s life together. I love creating custom sessions that look like a couple’s love. I feel like we really achieved that here. The muffins, guitar session, and couch cuddles feel like Nova and Dave as they really are.

Would you like me to photograph your anniversary photos? Let’s get creative in documenting this milestone in one of your favorite places! Inquire with me here.