Minerals Crystal Springs Wedding | Brynn + Dave | NJ Wedding Photography

We shared such a special day with Brynn and David.  I only met Brynn a few weeks before the wedding for some coffee and through creating her timeline, I knew her day was going to be amazing.  Her and David are the perfect match, and the perfect match for their wedding was certainly Minerals Resort.  We arrived for prep on a busy Friday and were welcomed by both friends and family.  We really felt like part of the family right away.  The mood was light and everyone was laughing all day.  The first look was emotional and sweet.  Once these two teammates were together, you could see the relief in their eyes.. These two do everything together and getting married was obviously no different.  Brynn’s brother performed their ceremony which made it very personal, and David’s sister offered beautiful words about David’s family and welcoming Brynn into it…. There was even a guest appearance by the NJ Devils mascot.  This day could not be topped.  Much love and best wishes to you two.  

Westmount Country Club Wedding | Maggie and Carlos | NJ Wedding Photography

Maggie and Carlos had an incredible summer wedding at the One and Only Westmount Country Club.  The weather was amazing and the company was even better.  Maggie is the daughter of my dear friend Jean, who I have been working alongside for close to a decade.  I was very humbled to be chosen to document her daughters most special day. Just a year ago, I had the privilege of photographing her other daughter, Jackie’s wedding.  

At the Church, a familiar face was in charge of the Wedding Mass.  Father Larry Evans worked with me at PC, married Sheryl and I, and baptized our children.  He gave me an affectionate “Hey, they let anyone in here, don’t they” upon seeing me and proceeded to read me the riot act as to what was allowed in the church and where.  

After celebrating a beautiful, heart warming Mass we headed to the Westmount.  Photos in the back garden were perfect with soft, diffused light.  Maggie and Carlos like to laugh.. A lot.  The best part of that is they like to make EACH OTHER laugh.. A lot.  We had tons of laughs and took tons of photos and celebrated into the night.  Beautiful, sunset, delicious food, incredible dessert and lot of dancing rounded out this whirlwind wedding.  The old cliche is true, the day flies by.  We always try to make sure our couples have time to enjoy themselves.  We never want to monopolize their day taking photos.  There is a delicate balance we strive to find, and I think we found it perfectly with this one. 

Maggie and Carlos, thank you for everything.  “May you have love that never ends,lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you!” 

Westmount Country Club Summer Wedding | Jamie and Michael | NJ Wedding Photography

Jamie and Michael’s wedding was something fairytales are made out of.  A Jersey shore romance that blossomed into so much more - I knew there was going to be a lot of love and lot of partying.  Maybe some fist pumping?  I was right on all counts and it was, as cliche as it sounds, a PERFECT day from beginning to end.  

Jamie is a teacher in the town I grew up in and Mike is in law enforcement.  They both care deeply about their families and their communities and their families and communities certainly care deeply about them because this wedding was PACKED.  Many adoring onlookers got to witness this storybook love and some of Jamie’s students got a front row seat at the church!  The Priest warned them “they are going to kiss.”  The kids didn’t mind…

The weather was beautiful, the drinks were cold and the bridal party was ready to PARTY at the One and Only Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park.  I haven’t shot in the main room in some time and Gentle Jesus, is this place spectacular.  Not a detail was missed.  Music and entertainment provided by Eclipse Entertainment was a sure bet that this night was going to be one to remember.  

Jamie and Mike,  thank you from so so very much for trusting us with your day.  We hope Bora Bora treats you well and we can’t wait to share more of these images with you.  All love.  

Verona Park | Maternity Photos | Teresa + Nick

So humbled and thankful to be a part of life’s incredible events with my couples - From engagement photos to weddings to maternity to family shoots. Thank you for trusting me with these events. Here are a few from Teresa and Nick’s maternity shoot as they patiently await their little girl.

Lyndhurst Environmental Center Engagement Shoot | Katie and Mark | NJ Wedding Photographer

Some of my favorite snaps with a wonderful couple. Thank you Kate and Mark!

Orange Lawn Tennis Club Wedding | Alex and Derek | NJ Wedding Photography

Alex and Derek got married on a beautiful summer day at the Orange Lawn Country Club in West Orange, NJ.  The weather was perfect and the company was even better. The day started with prep for both Alex and Derek at Orange Lawn.  Second shooter, Jason handled Derek and his amazing beard while I photographed the ladies in an adjacent room.  The two were doing a first look, which always makes us excited, as we have a little more time for portraits and general goofing around with our couples!  

I had taken a beautiful hike with Alex and Derek a few months earlier for their engagement shoot. The two love the outdoors and are both very active.  They share a love for running and their dog even came along.  Its great getting to know couples during an engagement shoot, so by the time the wedding comes around its like we’re old buddies.  This rapport definitely helps the day and the photos go smoothly.. I highly recommend engagement shoots and we now just add them to our collections - they are no longer add ons.. I want to hang out with my couples as much as possible!

The first look was emotional and sweet.  We captured some wonderful moments while Alex and Derek checked each other out !  After an awesome portrait session, a tearful ceremony and incredible party, we were exhausted but so satisfied with the photos, thrilled by everyone we got to talk to and have fun with, and so happy for Alex and Derek.  Thanks for a wonderful time.  All our blessings to you!

Ryland Inn Wedding | Kelsey and Will | NJ Wedding Photography

Where do I start with these two?  I met Kelsey and Will at their engagement shoot last June at the Willowwood Arboratum.  We had an amazing shoot, a few outfit changes, and then we talked for a good while by our cars before parting ways. They opened up about their lives and their journeys and their stories touched me so deeply.  I was so excited to reconnect with them on their wedding day, and the day did not disappoint - so worth the wait.  

Many tears were shed throughout the day (by me included) as friends and family welcomed the next chapter of Kelsey’s and Will’s journey.  They are truly made for each other and the way the look at each other is a true testament to what is love is and what love does to a person.  

After a beautiful church ceremony (in a 300 year old building), friends and family were received to party at the unbeatable Ryland Inn.  The weather and the company could not have been better.  Thank you Kelsey and Will, for everything.  You’ve given me more than you know. 

Second Camera: Jason Langley

Bonnet Island Estate Wedding | Kori and Ryan | Manahawkin, NJ Wedding Photography

Kori and Ryan had a beautiful wedding at Bonnet Island right outside of Long Beach Island, NJ.  Bonnet Island is situated right on the shores of Manahawkin Bay and offers incredible views and the most amazing sunsets.  Kori and Ryan are an outgoing, animal loving couple with amazing families.  The people we met were warm, welcoming and so happy to share in this day with this wonderful couple.

I always attest to the importance of an engagement shoot.  About a year ago we had an engagement shoot right on the beach and K+R brought along their adorable pup names Gus.  I was so excited to hear that Gus would be making an appearance at the wedding.  He slept through a good part of the ceremony but I know he was more excited than anyone else that his humans were getting married. 

Wishing Kori and Ryan the best life has to offer!

The Watermark Asbury Park Wedding | Eve + Rudy

Last year I was fortunate enough to do this lovely wedding on the shores of Asbury Park. The area has seen quite the transformation in the past few decades and it was great to be back in this area. Eve and Rudy are two of the most easy going people I’ve ever met. The plan for their wedding was a simple one: get married at the beach and have a party with our family and friends. The rain we had that day didn’t slow them down a bit. We had umbrellas, hopped through puddles and still used the beautiful boardwalk as a backdrop.

The Watermark is an incredible venue, not just for a wedding, but even just for a quick bite and a cocktail overlooking The Atlantic. Very kind staff and incredible food. Eve and Rudy, we wish you all the happiness life has to offer. So many thanks on allowing us to party with you!

The Terrace at Biagio's Wedding | Emily + Michael | NJ Wedding Photography

This one was a special one.  Not often (only one other time) have I had a cousin ask me to capture their wedding and when Emily did I was flattered, excited and a little nervous.  

Starting the day at a familiar house was very unfamiliar to me, but soon I slid into my usual groove and things began to unfold very naturally.  I enjoyed my aunt asking if I needed help with the dress and my uncle being the one asking if cars needed to be moved and telling me to have a sandwich.  

The church ceremony was beautiful, and seeing my family scattered in the pews was nice too. 
I always knew my cousin Emily was a sweetheart and when I first met Michael, I know he was a great match for her.  Their personalities exude fun and family is very important to them - a perfect match.  

I even got to dance with my wife at the reception.  All in all, couldn’t have asked for a better day with better people.  All my love.

Florentine Gardens Wedding | Ethel + Justin | NJ Wedding Photography

Some favorites from Ethel and Justin’s fall wedding. I love the moments Ethel shared with her daughter while they were getting ready. Memories to cherish forever.

Second Shooter: Sean Gallant Photography

The Royal Manor Wedding | Thelma + Lijo | NJ Wedding Photography

We had an amazing time capturing Thelma and Lijo’s nuptials and enjoying a little partying at The Royal Manor. Here are few from their special day, which many more to follow:

Second Photographer: Jason Langley

Venue: The Royal Manor

Videography: Lorenzo Media Productions

The Inn At Millrace Pond | Tia and Phillip | NJ Wedding Photography

A bit about Tia and Phillip:

“We actually met on an online dating website about 3 years ago. Both working in New York City in a place with so many people but seemingly not able to meet anyone we took the plunge into the online dating scene. Our first meeting was an instant connection. We talked for hours and we've literally been inseparable ever since. 

Both share in the love of the arts and have lots of family and friends that were very excited that they found each other. Similar in a lot of ways, we both can be thrown into a room full of strangers and make friends, as well as enjoying great music and theater. When deciding where to get married we wanted it to be intimate and feel like we had invited people to our home, but also not necessarily a backyard BBQ. We couldn't be happier with the result and the day.”

I (Justin) met Tia and Phillip at a little watering hole in Hoboken for a quick meet and greet that turned into a multiple hour conversation about everything from music to art to family life and their backgrounds.  It was like we were old friends getting together after awhile.  I was thrilled to be chosen with the task of telling their story and I knew the day would be sweet and memorable.  Their wedding was held at The Inn at Millrace Pond - I had never shot there before, but after a quick scan of the area I knew there were so many opportunities to make magic happen.  The wedding went off seamlessly.  A little rain delayed the ceremony, but I was so excited that they still wanted to exchange their vows outside.  They made the right choice.  The light was perfect, their guests were all smiles and memories unfolded so beautifully.  I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story.  

Venue : The Inn at Millrace Pond

Second Photographer: Sean Gallant Photography

Indian Trail Club Wedding Photography | Carly and Kyle | Franklin Lakes, NJ

Carly and Kyle had their first date in April 2014 at a Sushi Restaurant in Morristown, NJ. Carly and Kyle immediately felt a connection and continued their date by going to to get a glass of wine after dinner. They spent their time laughing and smiling the night away- including laughing about the fact that Carly’s shoe broke on her walk to their date and that Kyle’s shirt had ripped before they both arrived. They both knew that they had something special throughout the night.

Carly and Kyle both felt such a connection and were together ever since that first night. Carly was completing her doctorate degree and Kyle always supported her long nights working and being her biggest cheerleader. Kyle was in his first year at a new job and with chatting on the phone every day of his drive home (something they still do to this day) both were supportive of the others career paths and goals. Both not only had weddings to attend a few short months after meeting, but quickly became each other’s dates and just knew one day it would be their wedding day. Both immediately felt loved by one another’s families so much so that Kyle even started playing on an adult hockey league with Carly’s Dad. 

Carly and Kyle traveled together their first year to the Bahamas and made it a tradition to go to a new location every year. They always looked for a new adventure to try from hikes in new locations to taking part in charities for fundraisers that were meaningful to them. They were able to travel to Cancun, Mexico together and after Carly defended her dissertation in their third year together, they decided to go back to the Bahamas, where they experienced their first vacation. It was here that Kyle proposed to Carly watching the sunrise on their first full day of vacation. Little did Carly know Kyle had already asked her father one night at one of their hockey games. Carly and Kyle were able to celebrate the entire week there and felt that this location now has a special place in their heart. They cannot wait to go back as a married couple. 

Carly and Kyle married on August 17, 2018 at Saint Christopher’s Church in Parsippany, NJ followed by a reception at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Both knew that the location that fit them perfectly. They loved every minute of their wedding and look forward to more of life’s adventures together as Husband and Wife.

These guys are adventurous and totally natural in front of the camera.  Talk about making a job easy!  They also agreed to do a sunrise shoot at the Jersey shore.  Anyone who gets up at 5am for photos is a winner in my book! The rain came across the lake pretty quickly the day of their wedding, but when the sky broke for sun we got to take some magical photos out on the dock. 

“May you have love that never ends,

lots of money, and lots of friends.

Health be yours, whatever you do,

and may God send many blessings to you!”

Venue:  Indian Trail Club

Second Shooter:  Matt Rigby

Make up / Hair - Depasquale the Spa

Florist:  Conroys Florist

Videography:  Harlan Kramer

Limo - NJ Limo Bus

Bakery:  Rudy's Pastry Shop

DJ - LJDJ's Entertainment

Best of 2018

2018 was a year for the record books! My family expanded with the birth of our beautiful daughter, my team grew with the inclusion of some really awesome people, and every couple we photographed this year was simply amazing.  I am thankful to do what I love for a living - it really doesn't feel like an ounce of work.  

 I couldn’t have done this without my creative, hardworking, and incredibly talented team. Thank you for your devotion to this craft that we all love.  

To each of my lovely couples, 

We have loved capturing your story. Thank you for allowing me witness your love and devotion to each other.  I hope your photos help you relive each moment of your whirlwind wedding days!  

 To all my future couples, 

We are looking to making memories with you!  We are recharging our batteries - literally and figuratively, and can't wait to get back to work.

Hamilton Manor Wedding | Kristen + Garret | Hamilton, NJ Wedding

Kristen and Garret met online and immediately connected. They both love spending time at the beach, going to brunch, and football Sundays. They are both super family oriented and have two fur babies of their own. They got engaged at the beach on Long Beach island that they frequent often, and he surprised her with having her family waiting at a beautiful waterfront restaurant. 

 I knew Garret was a romantic from the start and Kristen’s love for her man shined from the start.  Their wedding was held at the beautiful Hamilton Manor in the barn.  While it did rain that day, we got plenty of opportunities to capture their love and illustrate the magic the two of them share.  Cheers to many years of happiness.  

 Venue - The Hamilton Manor 

Second Shooter - Jason “the hat” Langley

Ceremony Officiant - Jordan Yuppa

Florist - Narcissus Florals

Videography - Focus Productions- Richard Hall

Bakery - Coco's Cakery

Grand Cascades Lodge Wedding | Megan and Timothy | Vernon, NJ

Megan and Tim have such a vibrancy about them, that I knew their wedding was going to be very special.  Everything was slated to be at the beautiful Grand Cascades Lodge in Vernon on a beautiful autumn Sunday.  The weather could not have been better and the photos we got on the rolling hills of the golf course were so incredible.  Sometimes, as a photographer, you end up in situations and snapping away photos when everything is ideal - and an inner giddiness just takes a complete hold on you.  This was one of those times. I was just taking endless pictures and in my head I was screaming YES YES!!!! It’s those moments that make me love what I do so very much.

We planned out several shots and looks we wanted to make sure we got and we had such a blast making photos.  The backdrop and the company were just amazing. Many years of happiness to you both!

Mountain Creek Wedding | Rebecca + Jay | NJ Wedding Photography

I knew Rebecca and Jay’s wedding was going to be a special one from the start.  I have known the groom, Jay, since we were kids - like really little kids.  We spent almost everyday playing in a park by my house with other neighborhood kids and getting in a little trouble along the way.  

 As high school and college came, we drifted apart - that’s what life does to childhood friends - but we kept in touch every now and again.  I was so humbled and elated when Jay reached out to me about doing photography for their wedding.  

 I’ve always known Jay to be the adventurous type, and the wedding he and Rebecca picked for themselves was true to that fashion.  “We are getting married at Mountain Creek… At the top of the mountain - All the guests will be taking the ski lift up to the ceremony site,” he told me.  “Of course you are… Of course they will.” I thought.  It was perfect, and I’m not going to lie, I was so excited for that ski lift ride.  

 We did a pretty impromptu engagement shoot about a month before the wedding.  I wanted them to have a little practice being in front of the camera and I honestly just wanted to catch up.  I had met Rebecca at our initial consultation, but I really got to know her at the engagement shoot.  She is kind and damn is she funny.  The two play well off each other and the relationship just works.  They made love look easy.  

 The week before the big day was set to arrive, I got word that Jay’s mom had passed away.  I knew her growing up as well.  She took me on my very first trip to the beach to go swimming at Sandy Hook.  She was kind and nurturing, as a mother should be, and she also loved a good time.  Jay knew his mom would have wanted him to go on with the wedding and enjoy every second of it… They did.

 The wedding came and flowed organically and beautifully.  They exchanged beautiful vows on top of the mountain over looking the Vernon Valley.  You could not ask for a better day, weather-wise or people-wise.  I will always remember this wedding and I will always remember that childhood friendship.  So thankful to be a part of such an incredible union.  Thank you thank you thank you. 

Venue:  Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ

 Second Photographer:  Jason Langley

The Tides Estate Wedding | Michelle + Allan | Wedding Photography

Michelle and Allan’s day at The Tides was nothing short of incredible.  Amazing first look, and infectious smiles started the day while Polynesian dancers ended it.  From start to finish this was a wedding to remember.  Many blessings to the new bride and groom.  

Venue:  The Tides Estate

Second Shooter:  Sean Gallant

Wedding Planner:  The Events Guru

Videography - Folded Crane Films

Bakery - Palermos Bakery

DJ or Band - The Events Guru

Photo Booth - Miles of Smiles

The Rockleigh Wedding | Janelle and Chris | Rockleigh, NJ

When I met Janelle and Chris, we planned to meet up in Hoboken for a drink to discuss some of the details and the timeline for the day.  We ended up talking for a few hours, and most of NOT about their wedding.  They are caring and down to earth and it was so apparent the love they felt for each other was strong and beautiful.  

  Their wedding echoed their personalities.  It was classic and elegant but personal and unique.  They had touches of tradition infused with bits of who they are sprinkled throughout their day.   

  Prep started at The Time in Nyack, NY - a very cool boutique hotel right by the Tappan Zee Bridge.  The style of the rooms perfectly fit the aesthetic the rest of the day carried.  From there it was right to the Rockleigh for first look by the stairs and formals on the grounds.  It was a bit rainy,  but we were still able to get outside by the fountains and totally took advantage of the mist for a night shot.  

So humbled to have been able to shoot such an awesome day with an incredible couple.  Many many years of health happiness and love to Janelle and Chris.

Vendors

Venue:  The Rockleigh

Makeup:  A Beauty by Amanda

Florist:  JR Floral Designs

Cake:  A Little Cake

Entertainment:  Elegant Music Group

Invitations:  Memory Makers