There are many reasons why a setting of an special event is just as important as the event itself! For that reason, there are a plethora of options that can be considered. Lisa and Cory, the young couple captured in the photographs here, took this into consideration when they were planning their special event – their Engagement. Their choice made the Fitler Square Engagement Shoot a special day in a special place.

A little information about the Fitler Square. Fitler Square is a 0.5 acre (0.20 ha) public park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a surrounding neighborhood of the same name. The square is bounded on the east by 23rd Street, on the west by 24th Street, on the north by Panama Street, and on the south by Pine Street. The neighborhood encompasses much of southwest Center City to the west of Rittenhouse Square and east of the Schuylkill River.

Fitler Square was named for late 19th century Philadelphia mayor Edwin Henry Fitler shortly after his death in 1896. The square lies on land owned by the City of Philadelphia, via the Department of Parks and Recreation, and is cared for through a public private partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Fitler Square Improvement Association. Today the neighborhood is mostly residential, composed of single family homes, and within a short walk of the commercial areas of Center City. On the television show Philly, Kim Delaney‘s character “Kathleen” was portrayed as living in a small apartment overlooking the park. Hojun Li, co-editor of the film The Sixth Sense, claims to have been inspired by children in Fitler Square. A sculpture of three turtles adorn the park made by well-known Philadelphia artist Eric Berg, as well as sculptures of a Grizzly Bear and a Ram. The center of the park is dominated by a Victorian-era fountain which flows most of the year. Prior to 2010 this fountain, like many in the City, flowed fresh water from the main directly into the sewer system. In 2010 the Fitler Square Improvement Association engaged a large project (approximately $40,000) funded by neighborhood donations and a $7,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to change the fountain into one that recirculates all of its water with a pumping system saving huge amounts of water each year.

You can already tell that this lovely couple was already enthralled in the event about to happen and the memories they will long have to go back to thanks to making the second important choice – selecting their photographer. In this case Lisa and Cory chose wisely, as they secured the talents of award-winning photographer, John Ryan of J&J Studios of Philadelphia. John’s reputation is very well known for his fabulous wedding photography in the Philadelphia area. However his reputation goes far beyond the borders of Philadelphia, and far beyond just weddings. John is in demand in many parts of the rest of Pennsylvania, as well as Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and other parts of the United States! And while John is a prominent wedding photographer, he also is sought after for capturing other occasions – Maternity, Proposals, Birthdays, Bar/Bats Mitzvahs, LGBTQ+ events, Sporting and Corporate events, and family and professional portraits. Basically, John is a man for all occasions, and works closely with his clients to ensure what he is capturing is in line with what is being requested, along with his recommendations and insight for what will work best all around. John pulls out his arsenal of skills to accomplish this. His selection of setting, lighting, poses, and mood setting are just a few of his insights that he brings to the table to make all of this happen.  As the following photographs will show, John has helped Lisa and Cory to create experiences that they will enjoy for many years to come, and has made the Fitler Square Engagement Shoot something the couple will be proud to share with others.

The simplicity of this photo shoot that John Ryan has captured of this loving couple is stunning, and is something that manages to capture the love and special bond they obviously share for each other.

If you have an event coming up that you are hoping to memorialize, you may want to contact John Ryan of J&J Studios of Philadelphia to help you capture your special moments – you’ll be glad you did.