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Pictures Worth 1,000 Words For Young Bergen County Valentines

ALPINE, N.J. — Nicole Acito and Eric Vigna had no interest in hibernating through last week's blizzard — instead, they headed to Alpine.

Oakland's Nicole Acito, 22, and New Milford's Eric Vigna, 23, are spending their second Valentine's Day together. This shot at Disney World was taken on an iPhone7.

Oakland's Nicole Acito, 22, and New Milford's Eric Vigna, 23, are spending their second Valentine's Day together. This shot at Disney World was taken on an iPhone7.

Photo Credit: Nicole Acito
"There are many things Nicole and I enjoy doing together," Vigna said, "but photography may be number one."

"There are many things Nicole and I enjoy doing together," Vigna said, "but photography may be number one."

Photo Credit: Eric Vigna
Acito snaps a shot of Vigna behind his Nikon.

Acito snaps a shot of Vigna behind his Nikon.

Photo Credit: Nicole Acito
"I really love going to New York City, there are endless things you can photograph.. buildings, bridges, parks, art... the list never ends which is the beauty of NY," Vigna said.

"I really love going to New York City, there are endless things you can photograph.. buildings, bridges, parks, art... the list never ends which is the beauty of NY," Vigna said.

Photo Credit: Eric Vigna
Acito's dog, Busterbeans.

Acito's dog, Busterbeans.

Photo Credit: Nicole Acito
Vigna took this shot of Acito while on a hike in Upstate New York.

Vigna took this shot of Acito while on a hike in Upstate New York.

Photo Credit: Eric Vigna
NYC.

NYC.

Photo Credit: Nicole Acito
"Everything that I see with my eyes, I try to capture with my lens," Acito said.

"Everything that I see with my eyes, I try to capture with my lens," Acito said.

Photo Credit: Nicole Acito
Acito grabs a picture of friend George Ashman while out with Vigna in Alpine.

Acito grabs a picture of friend George Ashman while out with Vigna in Alpine.

Photo Credit: Nicole Acito

The couple had memories to make, and pictures to take, which they've since added to their collection of thousands chronicling their two-year relationship.

Acito of Oakland and Vigna of New Milford are celebrating their second Valentine's Day together, and they say each photograph they took alongside each other tells its own story.

Altogether, the shots play an integral role in their relationship.

"All of the photos show how far we've come as a couple," said Acito, 22, who met Vigna, 23, through mutual friends while she was a student at Paramus High School.

"We're always critiquing each other — we push each other."

Vigna says he's always enjoyed photography, but he wouldn't have pursued it if it weren't for his girlfriend.

"She was the one who put the idea of buying a camera in my head and I’m glad she did," he said.

"Nicole truly inspires me. She is always with me when we're going out to take pictures. I feel like since we both got cameras she’s always had the upper hand because she knew how to use her camera. 

"Even by the time I learned how to use my camera, Nicole would still have nicer shots than I did."

The couple's shared passion has proven a getaway for both of them.

They frequent Norvin Green State Forest in Wanaque in the fall and find infinite possibilities in buildings, bridges and art in New York City.

"The list never ends, which is the beauty of New York," he said.

Acito and Vigna split Adobe Lightroom — a high-quality photo processor — which they hope will take their passion to the next level.

Vigna says he would travel and take photos for a living if he could, and Acito is hoping to go into family photography full-time.

Photography has taught Acito a lesson that goes beyond her hobby.

"Everything has beauty to it," she said. "It's up to you to find it."

KEEP UP:

  • Nicole Acito Instagram: nacito_
  • Eric Vigna Instagram: evigz

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