There are some couples that find home in each other, that sense of belonging and ease that feels so right. Dana & Patrick are one of those couples and for both of them the connection took place almost instantly. When I walked into The Asbury Hotel , a hip new venue in heart of one of the most dynamic shore towns, I was taken away by both of their radiant smiles and genuine warmth. Dana was stunning in a Jovani silk sheath dress from Mustillo's Bridal in Red Bank and gem drenched Badgley Mischka heals. Michele Falco of Bridal By Michele styled Dana in a classic old Hollywood updo accented with an ornate hair clip and a great red lip. Patrick happened to have the perfect connection in his friend Darryn of Darryn Murphy Designs who helped plan the big day and created lush floral arrangements with purple, cream and burnt orange accents. As Patrick is a beloved baseball coach a few game day touches were sprinkled in the design. It was a day of warmth, beauty and love!
Read moreNJ Wedding Photographers: Bay Head Yacht Club: Proposal Perfection
Brittany and Sean may have one of the sweetest engagement stories we have heard! Since they met at a holiday party Sean waited until just before Christmas and carefully crafted dozens of ornaments from mementos of their three years of dating. The final one was the "Irish Marriage Blessing" which when she opened up the blessing he got on one knee and proposed! For the big day the couple selected the beautiful Bay Head Yacht Club in Bay Head, NJ.
Read moreNJ Wedding Photographers: The Bernards Inn: A Classic Winter Wedding
This elegant wedding at The Bernards Inn in Bernardsville NJ was full of warmth and love! Elizabeth and Alan met as teammates on their company's softball team. Elizabeth always loved Alan's comedic personality and Alan was attracted to Elizabeth's energy and optimism. For the big day Elizabeth chose a sweetheart gown with an elegant illusion neckline by Casablanca and bow accented shoes by Kate Spade. We fell in love with her gold Just Married" bag! The bridesmaids wore Amsale dresses in a deep true red with lace details. The ceremony was at The Church of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Morristown, NJ. Afterwards the couple left for The Bernards Inn to be announced as Mr. & Mrs. for the first time. Jardiniere Fine Flowers in Far Hills chose a classic red and green palette for the winter wedding. For the reception gold mercury glass candle holders created a beautiful warm glow that gave the red rose and pinecone nosegay's a romantic, timeless elegance. Elite Sound Entertainment had the whole crown on the dance floor the entire night. At twilight the couple stole a quick kiss outside the inn.
Read moreNJ Wedding Photographers: Rumson Country Club: Tying the Knot
For Erin and Vito it truly was love at first sight! They first caught a glance of each other at a CBA swim meet where Erin was cheering on her younger brother and Vito was his coach. Vito's breath was taken away by the gorgeous blonde and she couldn't stop thinking of the handsome coach! A whirlwind summer romance found this couple madly in love and two years later Vito found the most romantic way to pop the question! With their fun summers at the shore as inspiration Vito scoured every antique store for the perfect vintage bottle, a true romantic he wrote a sweet note with the big question and lovingly antiqued it to match the bottle. With friends and family he set out to make the dream proposal. On the bridge in Spring Lake, NJ he placed the bottle for Erin to find as they took a romantic stroll before dinner. As the sun started to set she found the bottle and started to read the note, Vito got on one knee and proposed! For the big day they kept the shore vibe and decided they would be tying the knot with a nautical theme's at Rumson Country Club's Riverhouse. We couldn't think of a better way!
Read moreNJ Wedding Photographers: Fiddler's Elbow Country Club: A History of Love
Lindsey and Drew were college sweethearts at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts. After seven amazing years Drew proposed on Lindsey's 26th birthday in NYC with a photo album of treasured collage memories. Both students of History they were drawn to the old manor feel and expansive property of Fiddler's Elbow Country Club for their big day as it reminded them of the vine covered academic buildings and grounds of their dear alma matre.
The romantic, timeless gowns of Monique Lhuillier captured Lindsey's heart and both her and her bridesmaids wore them. We adored the graceful style of her sweetheart gown and off the shoulder lace bodice which she could remove for dancing ease later in the evening. Bow accented Kate Spade shoes added romance and style. An event planner herself Lindsey choose a lavender and spring green color palette as an homage to Holy Cross's collegiate color purple.
For the ceremony they chose Lindsey's home parish of Saint James Church in Basking Ridge NJ. Afterwards the newly wed couple was greeted with a fanfare of lavender ribbons and congratulations. The couple then was whisked away to Fiddler's Elbow Country Club for a stroll on the grounds and signature cocktails. They danced the night away to music from The Groove Shop. Capturing the sweetness of this couple and the depth of their love are what I cherish about my work!
Venue: Fiddler's Elbow Country Club
Church: Saint James Catholic Church in Basking Ridge, NJ
Florist: Flowers by Hannah
Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Dress Boutique: Elizabeth Johns in Morristown, NJ
Bridesmaids Dresses: Monique Lhuillier
Dress Boutique: Elizabeth John's in Morristown NJ
Make-up: Amy Baskin
Hair: Atelier Salon Basking Ridge NJ
Day Of Planner: EVJ Events By Jacqueline
Stationary/Invitations: Engraved Images from Bella Figure Far Hills NJ
Band: The Groove Shop Silver Pro Entertainment
NJ Wedding Photographers: Alice in Wonderland at The Ashford Estate
Whimsy & Romance filled Stephanie and Tim's beautiful wedding at The Ashford Estate. Eileen Kaden Dean of An Affaire to Remember worked with the gorgeous bride to add a touch Alice in Wonderland style dreamscape to the wedding day. Antique keys, clocks, tea settings and chandelier patterns were incorporated into lush floral arrangements by Flowerful Events and stationary by Stephanie Somodi of Designing the Most Inviting Day. The bride wore a stunning Ines Di Santo gown with exquisite detailing in the back and her bridesmaids chose Jim Hjelm in blush pink and royal shade of purple and blue. The day could not have run any smoother thanks to help of An Affair to Remember and the experience of Merri-Makers Catering.
Stephanie and Tim were a joy to be around, light hearted and such fun! Stephanie even had a paper-maché ball and chain made for Tim ready on the dance floor as they danced up a storm to The Rhythm Shop-DJ Jay Jung. A couple that laughs together stays together! We wish them many moments of joy and laughter for years to come!
Venue: The Ashford Estate
Gown Designer: Ines Di Santo
Dress Boutique: Elizabeth Johns in Morristown, NJ
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm
Engagement/Wedding Bands: Leonardo's Jerelry
Party Planner: An Affair To Remember-Eileen Kaden Dean
Florists: Flowerful Events-Kristina Valdmaa
Stationary/Invitations: Stephanie Somodi of Designing the Most Inviting Day
Confectioner: The Bake Works
Catering: Merri-Makers Caterers
Lighting Designer: Fennelli Lighting
Band: The Rhythm Shop-DJ Jay Jung
Avenue Long Branch: Andrea & Michael
The Jersey Shore after labor day is at it's best, beautiful weather with out the crowds. Andrea and Michael could not have asked for a better day! The roof top at Avenue was the perfect location for their intimate wedding. I loved the pink and orange color palette that was carried through the girls dresses and decor. With the palm tree and the blue ocean it gave a Miami feel to the whole event. Which was fitting because Michael 's family is from Miami.
I asked Andrea how they meet and to tell me about special details of their wedding. This is what she had to say. We worked for the same company but at different divisions, if it wasn't for Chemistry.com we might have never meet.I worked in the NYC office and he in the Plainsboro NJ division. .We enjoyed emailing and speaking on the phone and had our first date in August 2008. We felt an immediate attraction and connection. We both found each other funny, kind, intelligent and caring and there was a definite spark that has continued to this day!
Michael planned a special vacation to st. Maarten for March 2015 which he surprised me with as a Christmas present in Dec 2014. I did not know for sure the he planned to propose, but I suspected that he might as we'd been talking about getting married more frequently. Fast forward to the trip and he waited until the second to the last day which kept me guessing:-)He choose March 8th as the day to propose . This day is special because my older brother passed away on this day 11 years earlier. He said that he chose that day because he new it was a sad day and he wanted it to have additional meaning, and a happy memory associated with it. After dinner that night , he suggested we take a walk on the beach, but it had been raining so I didn't want to "mess up my shoes". So he moved to "plan B" which ws to propose on the tree and flower lined path that led to our hotel. It was a beautiful spot and his proposal was romantic and heartfelt. I mediately said "yes"!
I wanted to give a shot out to my second photographer Amy Diamond! It was great working with you again :-)
Venue: Avenue Long Branch
Florist: Floral Sentiments
Gown Designer: Sottero & Midgely
Stationary: The Papery Shrewsbury NJ
Hair & Make up: Patrick Danek
Videographer: Matt Koza
Confectioner: Antoinette Boulangerie
Trump National Golf Club Bedminster: Marisa & Michael: New Jersey Wedding Photography
Marisa and Mike met in 2004. Their families each had vacation homes in the same community, so while they were from two different states, their paths crossed regularly. They quickly became close and vacationed together as frequently as possible, both with and without their families. They grew up together, attending each others' high school, college, and graduate school graduations.
Ten years after they met, Mike proposed to Marisa in the exact place that they'd first met in 2004. It was just them and he turned to her and asked a question he'd asked many times before, "When are you going to marry me?" She responded with her usual answer, "When you ask me!" So he got down on one knee and finally asked.
Our amazing couple chose to get married at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, the same location where Mike's parents married (as one of the first weddings ever held at the club). Marisa got ready at Michael's parents' home. Our beautiful bride had her hair done by Dawn Gomez and makeup by Gina Brozon before getting into her Justin Alexander gown. She completed her look with her mother's purse from her own wedding day, Michael's mother's veil, and a beautiful necklace, hand-picked by Michael just for his bride.
The weather was exactly what you'd hope for in the middle of June - clear skies and a gentle breeze. The couple had their first look before the ceremony and took photos with their families and bridal party. With nerves calmed, everyone could excitedly look forward to the beautiful outdoor ceremony. Michael's father presided over the special ocassion, filling the whole service with love from start to finish.
Inside, the grand reception had been lit and decorated beautifully by Still Life Events. Cosmopolitan Photo recorded every second, helping to immortalize this amazing couples' dream wedding. Our favorite part of the day came with Marisa and Michael's first dance, which was an elegantly choreographed moment that had every guest impressed. Their beautiful cake from Butterfly Bakeshop fit perfectly with the timeless decorations, and LJ DJ kept everyone on their feet, creating a most memorable night.
McLoone's Pier House: Quinlan & David: New Jersey Wedding Photography
Quinlan and David met in high school. They were friends through all four years of high school and remained friends throughout college, working summers together at a local restaurant. They began dating after graduating from college in 2010. They moved to Chicago in 2011, where they have continued to live ever since with their dog Stella.
David proposed on August 11, 2012 while home in New Jersey visiting family. They were at Quinlan's childhood beach club, a place very dear to her and her whole family, when David got down on one knee and popped the question. The lifeguards on duty all clapped. The couple then went across the street to meet up with family and friends to celebrate.
On the day of their wedding, Quinlan got ready with her girls. Quinlan gave each of her bridesmaids a personalized shirt with their monograms and title (ie. bridesmaid, maid of honor, etc.) sewn in. Their hair and makeup was done by Christina Depascal of Depascal Atelier before getting into their beautiful dresses from The Barefoot Bride.
The Autumn wedding was to have a nautical theme, so it was only appropriate that the couple be married by the shore. The ceremony took place at the Elberon Memorial Church in Long Branch, New Jersey. From their, the celebration moved to McLoone's Pier House, also in Long Branch, with its amazing ocean views and the perfect space for a reception!
Florist Cindy Hubeny did an amazing job not just with the girls' bouquets, but with the centerpieces. Each centerpiece was made up of galvanized tins filled with hydrangeas, pink and white lisianthus, and soft pink English spray roses. The nautical accents of white and silver sprayed starfish, blue and white striped table runners, pearls nestled and scattered in sand, and nautical knots really made the celebration the perfect. Every special moment of the night was caught on film by videographer Caroline Doubek, while the couple's band, Brian Kirk and the Jirks, played the perfect soundtrack for the occasion. The night finished with cutting the awesome cake from Piece o' Cake in Shrewsbury, while favors from The Chocolate Shoppe in Red Bank were sent home with happy guests.
Stylized Shoot: Fantasy Floral Garden: NJ Wedding Photography
When Katydid Floral Design and Signature Events reached out to us this past Fall about shooting a whimsical stylized session, we just couldn't say no. Divine Park in Spring Lake sits just across the street from the floral boutique and had the perfect little nook for our beautiful set up. Vintage chairs, china, and petal pink antique glasses brought an elegant rustic touch that transformed the space from plain to extraordinary. Our stunning model (and florist Kate Duffy's daughter), Grace Kendall Young, looked straight out of a woodland fairytale in her dress from Waterlily, topped with a handmade duster loaned from a friend that morning. Her hair and makeup was artfully styled by Natascia Bellis of Colorbar. Flowers fresh from the markets in New York City were designed by Katydid and placed on the tiny table. The gorgeous champagne ribbon taffeta cloth from Party Rental Ltd added that extra elegant flare. And finally, for a special touch of fantasy, we included the peacock couple from Wildlife Taxidermy. The resulting images took our breath away.
Special thanks to Julia Claire Wagner for helping photograph the day!
