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.

Manasquan River Golf Club: Classic Elegance: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Lauren said it was the happiest day of her life.  She and her boyfriend, Stephen, were on a trip to Bermuda watching the sun set from their balcony when he asked her to marry him.  Now, since their beautiful wedding on June 14, Lauren says that Stephen's proposal is the second happiest day of her life.

On the big day, Lauren and her bridesmaids got ready at her parents' home where Lauren had grown up.  Hair stylist, Po Mology from LC Style Lounge, did everyone's hair, while the talented bride did her own makeup.  Lauren radiated joy as she got into her Pronovias gown and Jimmy Choo heels. The bridesmaids wore silver dresses by Alfred Sung with a neckline and back that mimicked the bride's gown.  Stephen and Lauren stole a private moment away from the rest of the group, before the girls took a limo to The Church in Brielle.  The sign outside of the church read, "God Bless Lauren and Stephen."

The reception, only a short drive down the street from the church, was at the Manasquan River Golf Club.  Cocktails were served up on the second story deck.  While guests arrived and caught up, the bride and groom took a golf cart to the water and took a brief moment to enjoy their glorious day.

Back at the club, the ballroom had been perfectly arranged with flowers by Craig Kiely and Darryn Murphy Designs.  MaryKate McMahon, who'd done the calligraphy for the couple's William Arthur invitations from the Paper Source, did a wonderful job on all the escort cards, which were set out as you entered the celebration from the deck above.  Gary Gellman helped to immortalize the night by capturing the couple's big day and first dance on video, while E Studio Entertainment travelled all the way from Pittsburgh to fill the night with great music and lots of dancing.  It was clear as the night went on that not only was the couple in love, but that they were surrounded by the deep love of family and friends.

The Bonnet Island Estate: The Wedding of Melissa & Rob

It's been wonderful reliving some of my favorite weddings through the years.  Melissa & Rob's wedding on the beautiful Bonnet Island Estate was full of love, laughter and joy.  Their engagement story was just magical! Rob led Melissa on a treasure hunt for clues around NYC.  Clues were left at their favorite breakfast place, the place they first met, and the restaurant were they had their first date.  The two finally met up at a restaurant and Rob greeted her with a bouquet of blue hydrangeas.  Melissa thought, "This is it we are going to get engaged!"  But Rob had more up his sleeve as he handed her a hand drawn map of NYC and the hunt continued.  The final clue led to Riverside Park the scene of their favorite painting and after looking under every bench for the final clue Rob got on one knee and proposed. They had originally wanted a NYC wedding but when they saw the boathouse chapel at The Bonnet Island Estate it reminded them so much of Martha's Vineyard, their first vacation spot, they knew it was the perfect place.  MDS Floral Designs used their wonderful story as the inspiration for their wedding day arrangements.  Lush hydrangeas, simple seashells and blue ribbon embellishments were just the right touch.  William Arthur fine stationary from Paper Peddler in Springfield NJ added to the feel with their crisp invites with a detail of the boathouse chapel.  For the save the dates the groom, a talented artist, recreated their treasure hunt.  The bride's father even built a mini version of the beloved boathouse chapel.  A Melissa Sweet gown for the bride and marine blue bridesmaids gowns by Alfred Angelo were perfect additions. Merri-Makers Caterers offered exquisite service for the reception and The Savoy Stompers from Elegant Ensembles were a perfect fit.

Baltusrol Golf & Country Club: A Holiday Affair! : New Jersey Wedding Photographers

It's not very often that we have a couple that were each others date for the 8th grade formal but Kate & Brennan were just that.  Their great love and natural ease around each other was something so special.  The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp on one of the most beautiful December days in memory.  Kate held back tears as she opened her gifts from Brennan on her wedding morning.  A beautiful gold honeymoon band with their wedding date engraved and second diamond band.  She smiled as she joking recalled the band "Now I have a stone for each year we've been dating!" Her sisters helped her into her lace Lazaro gown with custom crystal inlaid belt.  She slipped on her bright red Valentino stilettos,  just the thing for a December wedding.  Classic red roses from Flowers From Hannah and gold edged invites by William Arthur from The Papery in Summit fell right in line with the season.  All three girls gathered around their father as he brought out their mother's jewelry.  She loved to go to estate sales and collect special pieces. Each girl lovingly helped pick out bracelets for one another.  Kate descended the stairs to the christmas tree to meet her attendants.  Each girl chose her own black gown to match her personality and held a beautiful 1920's style silver holder with a nosegay of white roses.  The excellent day of event coordinator Jan Stephens of Something Social calmly ushered the wedding party to  Christ the King Church of New Vernon. The beautiful church with it's classic black & white checkered floor and blue walls is one of the prettiest to photograph.  Even the swans were out on the lake in front.    The sermon was a touching statement on love & hospitality.  It doesn't take much to see that Kate & Brennan have those wonderful qualities in abundance.  The reception moved to the beloved Baltusrol Golf & Country Club where a traditional bagpiper greeted guests.  The Cunningham Brothers Band kept the crowd on their toes all through the night with their mix of high energy dance music and touches of traditional Irish tunes.