Short Hills Hilton: Amy & John: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Amy and John met online through Match.com in January of 2008.  Amy ‘winked’ at tall, dark and handsome John, and he wrote back to the girl whose hair reminded him of his treasured springer spaniel, Molly.  They met in person for the first time later that same month at The Dove in Greenwich Village, which is known as one of New York’s most romantic bars.  They quickly discovered that they shared Irish and Polish backgrounds, mid-Western roots, and a love of all things Star Wars. Amy was very impressed with John’s gentleman-like manners and keen wit, while John was intrigued by Amy’s engaging personality and insights into a family full of brothers.  Soon enough, they were celebrating Valentine’s Day together.

Over the years, Amy and John traveled to Bangkok, San Francisco, Millerton NY, London, Paris, the south of France, and numerous trips to New Jersey and Minnesota.

On February 20, 2014, John surprised Amy with a ring over a romantic dinner at Michael Jordan’s Steak House in the majestic Grand Central Terminal in New York City.  Following Amy’s favorable response, the waiter brought champagne, and numerous texts and pictures were sent worldwide.

For their special day, Amy and John decided that there could be no better place to have the ceremony than Amy's own childhood parish.  So when the big day arrived, Amy got ready at her family's home with all of her bridesmaids close at hand.  Their hair and makeup was beautifully done by Gillian Moritz of Beauty Artist Group, while Agnieshka Burke of Pumpkin Coach Events made sure everything was done on time and went smoothly. The headpiece that Amy wore came from John's hometown in Minnesota, while her blue garter was the same one her mother wore on her wedding day. The lace top that Amy wore over her stunning Amsale gown was an elegantly classic touch to complete her look.

Amy arrived at Calvary Episcopal Church with the sun shining through the breathtaking red, orange, and yellow Fall foliage.  With her father by her side, Amy walked down the aisle, her first exciting steps towards a beautiful future with her groom.

The reception was held at the Hilton Short Hills.  A bird theme was chosen for the celebration, which was reflected in the couple's save the dates, invitations, and reception decor. Bloomers Designs did a fantastic job on both the girls' bouquets and the centerpieces in the dining room, with tiny birds tastefully placed amongst the garden roses and hydrangeas. Elan Jazz Society Quartet played beautifully while dinner was served, before guests moved into the next room for fun and dancing with DJ Matty from Elan Artists.  The night ended with cake by the chefs at the Short Hills Hilton, accompanied with another cake that Amy had done up special to surprise John.

Bernards Inn: Gabby & Ian: New Jersey Wedding Photography

There is nothing more beautiful than two people in love. On their wedding day, Gabby and Ian weren't just another smiling couple - they shined.  The love between the two of them was so bright, it couldn't help but melt our hearts.

The bride and groom had a perfect Autumn day for their October 4th wedding.  Gabby looked breathtaking in her Rosa Clara gown that sparkled with a hint of 1920s elegance.  Before the ceremony, the elated couple took a short walk (just a block from the Bernards Inn) in order to calm some nerves and capture a few stunning photos before the daylight faded.

Back at the Bernards Inn, the ceremony was conducted by Gabby's brother, making the celebration just a little bit sweeter.  Gabby's mother contributed as well, designing all the stationary for the special day, ranging from the invitations to the place cards, which were each handmade origami cranes. The reception, which was artfully decorated with flowers by Jardiniere Fine Flowers, was warm and intimate, filled with the people that the couple loved most. Beat Train Productions did a fantastic job lighting the room and making this wonderful couple's reception a night to remember.

The Loeb Boathouse: Aspen in Central Park: NJ Wedding Photography

Christin and Alexis both love New York City, but they met nearly 2,000 miles away in Aspen.  She was a ski instructor while he was a bartender, and they bonded over their mutual love for adventure and the outdoors.  Together, they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.  However, when it came time to pick a location for their wedding, New York was the obvious choice.

The bride and groom had a perfect Fall day for their October 5th wedding.  Christin looked nothing short of regal in her Monique Lhuillier gown and Jimmy Choo heels.  With her mother by her side, she stole everyone’s breath as she walked down the aisle of the Church of St. Thomas More.  After the ceremony, the happy couple took a stroll through Central Park with their bridal party before going to the Loeb Boathouse for their spectacular reception.  The tables were beautifully adorned with bright orange and white.  The roses, hydrangeas, and orchids were all contained with birch details from Ovando’s.  Floating candles gave each table a romantic glow, setting the atmosphere for the entire reception.  Levy Lighting transformed the space into a luxurious autumn retreat.  The couple did not forget to bring Aspen into the reception, incorporating the great outdoors and woodland charm.  Adorable squirrel details, and a wall of birch trees with directional signs to all of the places dear to them tied the theme together.  The fantastic four-tier cake from A White Cake had orange leaves and gold decorative touches, mixing the natural with high-end finishes.  The Jimmy Vali Band brought the couple’s vision for the wedding to life and made the reception an unforgettable night.

Mantoloking Yacht Club: A Perfect Day on the Water: New Jersey Wedding Photography

It was through a mutual friend that Lindsay and JJ met.  The couple had grown up in neighboring towns, but their paths did not cross until after college.  They met at the Fourth of July Mantoloking Centennial Celebration, and were set up on their first date the following weekend.  On their one-year anniversary, JJ proposed on the beach in Mantoloking, and Lindsay happily said yes! Their love for their beach town made it an easy pick for the location of the ceremony and reception.  On September 28^th, the stunning bride got ready at her family’s home just a short walk from the church.  Her Liancarlo lace dress was just the right mix of elegance and airiness to fit the shore location.  Her bride’s maids each chose their own style of beautiful blue J. Crew dresses, which went perfectly with their hydrangea bouquets that were skillfully put together by florist Kate Duffy.

The ideal weather made it an easy walk to the church, St. Simon-by-the-Sea.  The joyful couple made their vows surrounded by loving family and friends before walking to the reception at the Mantoloking Yacht Club, just two blocks away.  A large tent had been assembled for the big day, decorated with the signature flower.  The couple’s florist, Kate Duffy, doubled as their party planner and found no detail too small, from the mason jars filled with lemonade and paper straws, to the sparklers at the end of the night.  The love that filled the room was apparent, not only from the smiles on everyone’s faces, but the hugs and tears that came from the dances and speeches.  The New Power Soul Band got every single guest on their feet, while the beautiful bay view at sunset took everyone’s breath away. The cake held a lot of sentiment for the bride, coming from a favorite childhood location, the Oldwick General Store, which managed to survive Super Storm Sandy.  It was truly a special day.

New Vernon: Congratulations to Lauren & Rob!: New Vernon Wedding Photographers

I was so pleased to see the new fall addition of New Jersey Bride Magazine. Congratulations to our handsome couple Lauren & Rob!  I'm looking forward to photographing Lauren's sister Brooke and her fiance Matt at their wedding next spring!