Hoboken NJ Engagement: Rachel & Tyler

I had a great evening photographing Rachel & Tyler. They just moved to Hoboken and they  wanted to capture fun shots in their new town. I love the green patina of the Hoboken Train Station, it worked so well with the vintage props that Paige from Gilded Lily Events provided. Can't wait for their wedding next fall at Trump National in Bedminster NJ. 

The Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge: Katherine & Ben: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Ben and Katherine met in 2007 at Georgetown while she was a Sophomore and he was a Junior. They were living in apartments that shared a wall.  They were friends for a few years while Ben was at school - Katherine specifically remembers enjoying his 90s themed dance parties, but they didn’t start dating until after Ben graduated.

Ben went down to Georgetown frequently in the autumn of 2009 (he had graduated the prior Spring), and the couple became even closer.  On December 10, 2009 Ben took Katherine to his fraternity’s winter formal.  Rather than going to dinner with the rest of their friends, Ben asked if Katherine wanted to go out just the two of them. She did, and they talked for hours, ending up being quite late to the formal.

Katherine said yes to a second date the following night.  Over winter break that January, Ben drove out to NJ to take her on their third date.  That night, he met her parents for the first time, along with her grandmother, Nannie.  After Ben left, Nannie turned to Katherine's mother and proclaimed that Ben was the one, and someday he and Katherine would get married.  Sadly, Nannie died just before the wedding, but she got to know and love Ben, and knew that her premonition was about to become a reality.

Ben proposed on December 20, 2013, but the story starts earlier than that.  Ben asked for Katherine's father’s permission to propose on Thanksgiving weekend.  Since her other sisters had known when their husband’s were asking for permission, Katherine's dad figured that she did too.  About five minutes after Ben asked him, her dad said “It’s about damn time” - among other nice “welcome to the family” things. Her dad later told her what had transpired.  After the shock wore off, she started wedding planning immediately, and actually booked The Stone House at Stirling Ridge the very next day, before they were even engaged. 

So then, on December 20, 2013, exactly one year before their wedding - Katherine came home after work to find their apartment completely decked out with red roses, candles and white lights.  It was a beautiful proposal that ended with Ben on bended knee.

With the venue booked, Katherine went to work finding just the right individuals to work with to make her dream wedding come true. Carissa DeMarco from The Stone House worked as the couple's party planner, helping in any way possible.

On the day of the wedding, Amy Jones Baskin of Beauty on Location came to Katherine's home and skillfully created the perfect bridal makeup.  Katherine then moved upstairs and got into her elegant Augusta Jones gown from Kleinfeld.  Her mother then helped her add the finishing touches - a pair of earrings that her father had given to her mother before they were given to Katherine on her thirteenth birthday (which just so happened to be the same pair of earrings that Katherine wore on her first date with Ben), a necklace that had been a gift from Ben, and a bracelet that had belonged to her father's mother, Katherine.  The veil held a special place in everyone's heart as it had been purchased for Katherine by Nannie before she passed away.

Despite the cold, Katherine's warm smile kept everyone in high spirits.  When it came time for portraits before heading to the church, the bride tossed on her gorgeous cape from Alexander Furs and went out onto her parents' front porch, followed by friends and family.  Her stunning flowers, beautifully done by Jardiniere Fine Flowers, were red roses with her grandmother's rosary wrapped around them. For a simple touch of winter, her bride's maids carried ivory roses with pine cones and greenery, a simple touch that added timeless beauty.

The ceremony was held at the Church of Christ the King in New Vernon, where Katherine and Ben proudly stood before all their family and friends and promised to love one another entirely and endlessly.

Guests then moved on to the Stone House at Stirling Ridge, which Jardiniere Fine Flowers had outdone themselves decorating with trees, candles, and alternating white and red roses.  The lighting design, set up by Craig Scott Entertainment, completed the room's transformation. The Craig Scott Orchestra did an excellent job getting everyone on their feet as the couple made their entrance, Mike Simons Video Productions capturing every amazing second. Dancing and laughter carried on late into the night, ending with the traditional tossing of the bouquet and cutting of the cake.

Special thanks to Geraldine Pritchard for helping us capture Katherine and Ben's special day!

Bernards Inn: Chris & Robert: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Robert and Chris are both working parents.  They are both driven yet loving, inspired yet grounded. They're incredibly dedicated; to work, to each other, to family, to love.

On a romantic weekend trip to New York City, Robert proposed to Chris at the Soho Grande Hotel - the same place they'd spent time together years before.  On their way to dinner, Robert insisted upon getting a drink at the bar, only to surprise Chris with an arranged celebration with the four children and parents.

On May 31, 2014, the couple had an intimate wedding at the Bernards Inn.  Chris got ready in a beautiful suite upstairs with her maid of honor. First, her hair and makeup was completed by Express Yourself Salon, and then she stepped into her elegant Pronovias gown.  Her striking blue Kate Spade heels were a fun touch to the tradition of "something blue".  As Chris added the final details to her look (a gorgeous belt and jewelry), the kids went back and forth between her and Robert's room to help in anyway they could.  Then came time for the couple's first look.

Wanting to have a private moment away from all the hustle and bustle of the day, Robert came to Chris's room and set eyes on his beautiful bride.  The love between them was apparent, particularly in their moments of silence as they took time to just be together.

Before the official ceremony, the couple took their children and families to the local park for photos.  The bright sky reflected the cheery spirits of the group.  Back at the inn, Eggsotic Events light the space perfectly, and Somerset Hills Florist added the perfect details to complete the romantic atmosphere of the ceremony.  Chris was escorted down the aisle by her two boys, and couldn't have been happier to meet Robert at the alter. The mix of faiths made for a very personal and one-of-a-kind ceremony.

After the ceremony, we briefly took advantage of the railroad station and rustic barn across the street and snapped a few additional shots of the couple - some of our favorites of the day.

Back inside, the space had been completely transformed.  The warm golden ceremony was now a magical blue wonderland. The couple's DJ, Paul Anthony, did an excellent job, playing all the right music, not just for the celebration and the couple's first dance, but allowing the two parents extra special dances with each of their children.  Later into the night, the DJ gave the mic over to the head table, where it was passed around to the couple's party, made up of beloved friends and family, who gave heartwarming speeches.  The celebration and love carried on through the night - through dancing, cake cutting, and warm wishes for a joy filled future not just for the new couple, but for the new family that had been so beautifully joined.

Trump National Golf Club: Kaitlin and James: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Kaitlin and James met at Villanova University in the middle of their sophomore year. Kaitlin had gone with some of her friends to an event their sorority was throwing, and James had been set up as another girl’s date. A mutual friend introduced them, and they ended up dancing and talking the entire night - even after finding out that they were from rival sports cities once “Sweet Caroline” came on (she’s from New Jersey; he’s from Boston).

Fast-forward to graduation, and besides separate semesters abroad at the beginning of junior year, Kaitlin and James had been together since the moment they met. After graduation, Kaitlin moved to New York, and James headed back to Boston—but not for long... He moved down to New York a few months later.

After four more years together, James decided it was finally time to propose. In August 2013, he asked Kaitlin to marry him in her apartment - she had warned him not to do anything big or public multiple times!

They chose November 8th, 2014 as their special day, and Kaitlin's childhood church as the special place. She got ready at her parent's home, with makeup done by Tara Pagliara and hair by Lindsay Bert of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. Kaitlin looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine in her Cymbeline gown and custom made veil.  She and her father shared an emotional moment together when he first saw her in her dress.  Afterwards, everyone stepped outside, Kaitlin's bridesmaids in blue Jim Hjelm dresses with gorgeous bouquets from Jardiniere Fine Flowers.

The ceremony at Resurrection Parish was particularly special, with Kaitlin's grandfather, a deacon, marrying the couple.  The celebration of the love between Kaitlin and James was done beautifully, and the happy couple got into the limo hand-in-hand, excited to continue the celebration at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

Before heading into the cocktail, Kaitlin and James took a short walk around the club, taking time to be one-on-one without all their guests present.  As the sun set, we were able to capture some perfect autumn portraits, shining bright with smiles and love.  Inside, the reception hall was beautifully decorated and the Joe Caroselli and Masterpiece Orchestra were calling for the attention of everyone present.  They announced the entrance of the party before getting everyone on their feet for the arrival of the new Mr. and Mrs.  Surrounded by family and friends, the couple shared their first dance.  Kaitlin's grandfather said a prayer and toasts were given.  The lively group then got on their feet and stopped only for dinner, quickly back on the floor once it was done.

Kaitlin and James, having met at and both graduated from Villanova University, made sure to take a moment and celebrate with all their fellow alumni in a photo with the school banner.  All in all, Kaitlin and James's wedding was exactly what a wedding should be: a lively celebration of love, friends, and family.

A special thanks to David Willems for helping us capture the day!

Navesink Country Club: Lana and Michael: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Lana first met Michael at a friend's wedding in the autumn of 2008.  They spent the first five years together at long distance, but, as most "happily-ever-after" stories go, they are now living blissfully together in New York City.

On the day of their wedding, Lana got ready at her aunt's home in Lincroft, surrounded by friends and family.  With hair beautifully done by the Jon Lori Salon in Fair Haven, and makeup skillfully completed by Donna Spero, Lana asked her aunt, and Maid of Honor to help her into her gown.  Her dress, an elegant lace masterpiece from Monique Lhuillier, was beautifully paired with Jimmy Choo heels and a long Mark Ingram veil.

The ceremony was held at the Church of the Precious Blood in Monmouth Beach.  Lana was escorted down the aisle by her two brothers and said "I do" to a wonderful forever with Michael.  Full of nothing but love and smiles, the newlyweds left the church and drove out to an estate on the Navesink River for stunning photos with their families.

The Navesink Country Club was the prefect location for the couple's 'black tie optional' reception.  Craig Kiely and Darryn Murphy Designs transformed the space into a romantic haven for dinner and dancing.  With a gorgeous autumn sunset as their backdrop, the couple had their first dance as husband and wife.  Spotlight - a Hank Lane Band - did a fantastic job getting guests on their feet and moving throughout the night.

Mantoloking Yacht Club: Tabitha and Scott: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Tabitha and Scott were seniors in high school when they first met.  Tabitha was throwing a New Year's Eve party when Scott decided to make an (uninvited) appearance.  The couple dated until college, having a mutual split as not to hold one another back. But they stayed in touch, and eventually both ended up having internships in New York City between their junior and senior years of college.  They would commute together and spend their free time on the weekends together at the beach.  After graduation, the two started jobs in New York and adopted their beloved dog, Simba.  Living only minutes away from one another, Tabitha and Scott were finally able to enjoy life together after four years apart.  A short while later, they moved in together, and the rest is history!

As the storm clouds started to roll in over the horizon, everyone crossed their fingers that the rain would hold off for Tabitha and Scott's September 6th wedding.  The day began hot and humid as Tabitha and all of her bridesmaids got ready just a short distance from the church.  Each bridesmaid chose her own peach dress, creating a uniquely delicate aesthetic. Erica Rennie did a beautiful job on all of the girls' makeup while Kyle Murray of Place Vendome completed their look with stunning updos.  The girls then moved to a house just across the street from the location of the ceremony, where Tabitha got into her gorgeous Monique Lhuiller gown and Michael Kors heels. 

By the time the ceremony was to begin, the heat had eased somewhat, but the wind was picking up.  With help from their fantastic party planner, Colleen of Lovely Day Styling, the girls walked to the church, spectacular bouquets by Jaclyn Iris in hand. Tabitha and her father followed, arm-in-arm, and began their walk down the aisle outside of St. Simon by the Sea (allowing their guests who did not fit into the small church to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking bride).

The couple asked a friend to help officiate the wedding, making ceremony extra special.  Afterward, guests moved down the street to the Mantoloking Yacht Club, where Tabitha and Scott made their grand entrance with their bridal party by boat.  Mother Nature, understanding how special the day was, pushed the storm clouds north, giving guests a bit of a light show with some lightning, but keeping the rain at bay.  The couple's amazing band, New Power Soul, kept the party on their feet the whole night, while videographer Marshall Miller captured every precious moment.  The couple finished the evening, not with a cake, but with an ice cream truck and sweet treats - a perfect ending to a such a magical day.

Trump National Golf Club: A Summer Solstice Wedding : New Jersey Wedding Photography

On a perfect Saturday in June, Jenna and Jim stood outside in front of a large gathering of friends and family, and said "I do" to happily-ever-after together.  The couple first met after Jenna's cousin did a bit of matchmaking, picking Jim out of her husband's group of friends as someone who may hit it off with Jenna. Two years later, on Jenna's birthday, Jim proposed.

Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, was the ideal location for the elegant summer wedding.  The ceremony took place outside in front of an extravagant fountain and beautiful flowers. Jenna wore a stunning gown from Elizabeth Johns, accompanied by her mother's veil and earrings handpicked by her groom.  Jim could not have been any happier as he stood at the top of the stone steps in an Armani tuxedo, eyes locked on Jenna as she walked down the aisle with her father.  The bridesmaids lined the left side of the steps in their Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaid and bouquets by Mike Pellegrino of Jardiniere Fine Flowers.  On the opposite side of the stairs stood Jim's groomsmen, most of whom Jim had known since high school.  Together, Jenna and Jim stood beneath a beautifully adorned arch and proclaimed their everlasting love for each other.

Inside, Jenna's mother and grandmother had worked endlessly to get everything perfect.  Without them, the wedding would not have been the amazing event that it was, helping Jenna immensely with each detailed decision, from the stationary by Linda Gamba of Paperazzi, to the lighting design by Eggsotic Events, to the amazing Jason Craig Band.  After cocktail hour upstairs on the veranda, guests came down into the spectacular ballroom decorated in hues of purple.  From the start of the reception, with Jenna and Jim's first dance, through the speeches from Jenna's parents, sister, cousin, and Jim's best friend, until the end, with dancing and cutting of the cake, Jenna and Jim shined with love and happiness on their perfect day.

One Atlantic: A Wedding with a View: New Jersey Wedding Photography

In 2007, Moira met Michael.  They worked together for the same company in Connecticut and shared the same friends at work.  It was when they began spending time together outside of work, however, that they found they had a lot in common.  Both Michael and Moira loved to be active and learn.  Over time, their friendship grew as they pushed each other to try new things.  Moira learned to snowboard in order to keep up with Michael, and he took up swimming in order to compete in a triathlon with Moira.

Eventually, Moira changed jobs and moved to New York.  With the move, the two athletes realized just how much they’d enjoyed spending most of their time together, and they now had to actively seek each other out.  They were pleased to find that it all worked out seamlessly and felt very natural, which led to a more serious relationship between the two of them.  Their time together has been nothing but a fun and exciting ride since it began.  In 2012, Mike proposed on the first night of a vacation in Capri.

On a beautiful Saturday in May, the couple stood in front of their most beloved family and friends at the One Atlantic in Atlantic City, and read out their own vows.  Moira was the definition of beauty with her hair and makeup done by Bella Angel, and her Pronovias lace gown and Badgley Mischka heels.  Her bridesmaids were flawless in their dark blue Amsale gowns from Bella Bridesmaid and bouquets by Rainflorist.  Michael could have been mistaken for 007 in his custom tux, while all the groomsmen were dashing in their own personal tuxes.

The reception was put together wonderfully with blue tables, and touches of white found in the flowers and hanging candles above the dance floor.  Michael’s mother gifted each seat with her special chocolate chip cookies, and the couple’s wedding cake came from her very own carrot cake recipe.  ExtraStep Video captured the night, while Wilson Stevens “Eye 2 Eye” band made the party unforgettable.

The Bernards Inn: Classic Hollywood Glamor: Somerset County Weddings

We are so excited for the up and coming Bridal Showcase at The Bernards Inn! For more details, check out their site by clicking the link.  Below is one of our favorite weddings from The Bernards Inn.

Meredith & Matthew meet at Moravian College and started dating after he graduated the New York City Police Academy and she moved to New York to study pediatric nursing.  After four love filled years Matthew proposed in Paris!   For the big day Meredith selected a Romona Keveza gown with flowing tulle and lace detailing from Gabriella Bridal Salon paired with a Lady Dior veil and silver Badgley Mischka heels. We just loved how make up artist Ashley Frato accentuated Meredith's radiant smile with just the right shade of color!  She looked as if she could have stepped out of a scene from a classic Hollywood movie.  Matthew and his groomsman were dapper in Jos. A. Banks suites with navy and green ties to accent the bridesmaids J.CREW navy one shoulder sheath dresses.   Jardiniere Fine Flowers selected peonies and green hydrangea for the bouquets creating a fresh from the garden spring look.  Their ceremony was held at the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, a beautiful white columned church from 1851.  The couple chose The Bernards Inn for their reception site.  There is a classic ease and elegance to The Bernards Inn where Jeffrey B. Haines of Butler’s of Far Hills presents the Signature Style of Entertaining.  Brian Kirk and The Jirks were amazing as always and on hand to keep the party moving.  It was a night to remember!