When my couple told me they wanted to incorporate their love for travel into their engagement session, I knew I had the perfect spot in mind: the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in Queens, NY. The moment I suggested it, their excitement grew. They had never heard of this hidden gem, which made it even more special! With its mid-century modern aesthetic, sleek retro details, and undeniable jet-setting charm, the TWA Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for their stylish and timeless engagement session.
Why Choose the TWA Hotel for an Engagement Session?
The TWA Hotel is more than just a stylish stay—it’s a photographer’s paradise. Its swooping architecture, iconic red-carpeted lounge areas, and vintage touches make it a unique location. However, you must book a Daytripper Rate to photograph inside. This grants access to a hotel room for at least four hours. It was perfect for my couple, giving them a comfortable space to freshen up and change outfits throughout the session.
Photo Opportunities at the TWA Hotel
The Iconic Lounge Areas & Walkways
We started our session in the heart of the hotel, surrounded by the striking red and white color palette of the main lounge. The sweeping curves of the architecture and large windows overlooking the tarmac created a cinematic setting. My couple posed against the stylish mid-century furniture. Their classic black-and-white outfits popped beautifully against the vibrant background.
The curved walkways also made for incredible portraits. Natural light streamed through, creating a soft, romantic glow. These spaces had a modern yet nostalgic feel—perfect for capturing timeless travel romance.
The Tarmac & the Old TWA Plane
One of the most exciting parts of this shoot was taking photos outside with the beautifully preserved TWA Lockheed Constellation ‘Connie’ airplane. This vintage aircraft turned cocktail lounge is a must-have backdrop for any TWA Hotel engagement session. We captured stunning portraits of the couple walking along the tarmac, creating the illusion of embarking on a stylish getaway together. The sleek lines of the plane and the warm evening light made for some truly cinematic moments.
Inside the Cocktail Lounge in the Plane
Stepping inside the Connie airplane felt like traveling back in time. While we couldn’t take photos at the bar, we fully utilized the cozy seating areas. The natural light pouring through the plane’s windows was perfect for soft, romantic portraits. My couple sat together, soaking in the vintage ambiance. This setting added a timeless charm to their photos.
Outdoor Spaces with a View
We wrapped up the session outside, using the architecture of the building to frame dramatic shots. The sleek mid-century lines of the TWA Hotel provided a stylish and modern backdrop. We also took advantage of the vintage convertible parked out front, which added a playful yet sophisticated touch. As a fun surprise, we even spotted Melissa McCarthy during our time outside—an unexpected highlight of the shoot!
Final Thoughts on This TWA Hotel Engagement Session
The TWA Hotel offers an engagement session experience like no other. With its daytripper rates, couples can enjoy a luxurious yet playful atmosphere while having a space for outfit changes and touch-ups. For this couple, it was a dream come true. It allowed them to bring their love for travel into a setting they had never known existed.
If you adore adventure, retro glamour, and unique engagement photo locations, the TWA Hotel might be the perfect spot for you. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Interested in booking your own TWA Hotel engagement session? Contact me here to start planning your dream shoot!
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