I'm going to start this post by making a list...

THINGS THAT ARE AWESOME:

1) Catching up with an old high school pal
2) Meeting her dashing fiance
3) Crazy adventures in Coney Island

Julie and JIm have created a new, "awwwwww" inducing tradition for 2012.  Each month, one of them plans a surprise "date-date" for the other.  In January, Julie was up first.  She and Jim headed to snowy Coney Island and I met them there to document it all in a "get to you know" session.  I repeat, this was not an "engagement session."  Jim has a weak stomach when it comes to overly corny things.  I'm right there with ya buddy.

This was my first trip to Coney Island (I know, I know) so Jim and Julie led the way.   I was immediately instructed that a Nathan's hot dog was an absolute necessity...

After hot dogs we mozied on up to the boardwalk...which was completely empty.  It was fun having the whole place to ourselves.

Julie:  We're not photogenic.  Me:  PLEASE.

Lemme break this next series down for you...we got in front of the wonder wheel and Julie suggested "maybe we should do something to reflect the shape of the wheel?"...and after a moment of confusion, Jim just follows suit.  I felt like the 3 of us were laughing hysterically for 70% of this session.  Good fun.

After shooting for a bit, we slipped into a cafe to escape the cold...

We only had a few minutes to warm up because the big surprise of this "date-date" was rapidly approaching....

WOAH WOAH WOAH...have I seriously not addressed Julie's ring yet?  It's been in Jim's family for a long time and I don't know what else to say about it except wow.  So unique.  I love the Victorian feel to it.

Okay okay, enough of the mushy gushy.  It's time for the big surprise....

Yes, you read right.  POLAR BEAR CLUB.  Julie secretly packed their bathing suits before hand.  I cannot believe how calmly Jim reacted to the news that he would be jumping into the ocean in 20 minutes...

Oh myyyy I love this next picture.  I seriously got goosebumps when all the polar bears circled up and started doing their chant.  I NEED to do this one day.  An item for my next 365 list perhaps????

VICTORY!

Here's a fun fact about jumping into 35 degree water - your skin becomes so numb that cold/snow/elements no longer affect you.  Introducing two of my favorite images EVER...

Bundled up, dry and ready to go home!  Julie and Jim, I had an absolute blast tagging along on your "date-date."  I CANNOT WAIT to shoot your wedding in May!