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!

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.

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.

Senior Portraits: Isabel: New Jersey Fine Art Photography

Isabel remembered the Red Bank estate from her childhood.  The amazingly talented singer/songwriter/actress triple-threat knew that when it came time for her senior portraits, they had to be shot there.  We were so honored and excited when she invited us to capture the fantastic space with her.

When the time came, Isabel and her mom made the long trek from western Pennsylvania to central New Jersey, an assortment of beautiful outfits in their trunk.  Both mother and daughter were very excited to get started.  Isabel not only needed a photo for her yearbook, but a headshot for her professional aspirations and portraits for her family.

Isabel’s charm and beauty were mimicked by the scenery, highlighting her free-spirit and genuine personality.  The grandeur of the estate mixed with Isabel’s classic grace made for some breathtaking portraits.

Windows on the Water at Frogbridge: Samantha and Brian: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Samantha and Brian met through Match.com.  For their first date, they went to a wine bar (a shared favorite of theirs) and had a very good time, finishing the night with a perfect first kiss.  Within their first three months together, they took two weekend trips - one to Boston to see Van Halen, and the second to Mexico.  On Valentine's Day, Brian cooked dinner and, according to Samantha, "...Along the way, we fell in love."

When asked about the proposal, Brian wrote, "We had just gotten to Montauk for a long Labor Day weekend.  We were on the beach at that perfect time of day, that afternoon early evening calm.  I intentionally left the ring in the room in my bag.  I told Sami I needed to go to the bathroom.  I went back to the room, pulled the box with the ring out of my bag and panicked when I realized I had no place but my bathing suit pocket to hide the ring.  I walked back onto the beach with this bulge sliding from side to side against my thigh as I walked.  I tried to use my arm to hide the obvious.  I was able to sit down next to Sami without her noticing.  I then asked Sami to take a walk with me.  We didn't get very far, I was desperate to get the box out of my pocket.  I stopped her at a spot that I believe to be perfect.  I removed the box from my pocket, got down on my left knee, looked into her eyes, said a few words and proposed.  She said yes and everyone around us cheered.  We had the rest of the weekend to celebrate."

The wedding took place on a perfect Autumn day at Windows on the Water at Frogbridge.  The girls got ready together, hair done by Anne Frances and makeup completed by Christina DePascal Atelier.  Samantha's gown was custom made by her friend, Alice Roi, as were the maid and matron of honor's dresses.  Bloom, the couple's incredibly talented florist, designed the breathtaking bouquets and additional details, such as their stunning huppa and rustic centerpieces.  The love between the bride and groom could be felt by all those present as Samantha walked down the aisle with her eyes locked on Brian.  The ecstatic couple stole a moment alone after the ceremony to simply be together.  This is a couple clearly in love.

The tented reception was decorated with inviting Fall colors and rustic touches such as lanterns and painted wood table numbers.  The cake, designed by Palermo's Bakery, had burlap around each tier and a special heart detail that looked as if it were make of tree bark, with the couple's initials carved into it.  With warm hearts and lots to celebrate, the couple made their entrance with a little help from the Seth Tieger Band.  The night was filled with smiles and love, all captured on video by Gary Licker, and is surely a wedding we will never forget.

Mantoloking Yacht Club: Cameron and Alston: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Our amazing couple first met in college at Washington and Lee University while Cameron was a senior and Alston was a junior.  Their first date was in the Autumn of 2010, when they attended a local Halloween haunted house and corn maze event called HalloSCREAM.  They've been together ever since.

When Cameron graduated in May 2011, she began working in New York City, before moving to Washington D.C.  Alston, on the other hand, decided to go to Wake Forest for medical school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  On September 6, 2013, Alston drove all the way to Washington D.C. to surprise Cameron.  As Cameron explained, the story is a long one, but it involved Alston waiting on the roof of her building for two and a half hours, Cameron getting home late, and a wonderful proposal that stunned her.  Cameron said yes and the couple are living in the same city again!

While the bride and her many bridesmaids joyfully got ready for the big day at her family's home in Mantoloking (a home that had been in her family for generations), the weather outside did not mirror their bright spirits.  But the pouring rain, however, did not dampen anyone's excitement! The girls did their own hair and makeup and got into their blue Jenny Yoo gowns as Cameron recruited her sister to help her into her Sarah Janks gown.  The delicate final touches were a gorgeous diamond pin that had been in Cameron's family for generations, and her grandmother's lace veil.  With beautiful bouquets by Katydid in hand, the girls hopped in the car and drove a few houses down before reaching the church.

The couple said their vows at St. Simon-by-the-Sea before being whisked away in an antique firetruck from the early 1900s to their reception at the Mantoloking Yacht Club just down the road.  The couple's radiant smiles were clearly visible even through all the rain.  The Bachelor Boys' Band got the party rolling immediately upon arrival. Cameron, being extremely artistic, painted the table cards, while a few other special decorations were done by here sister, giving the night an extra loving touch.  The couple had guests from two-thirds of the United States, which they proudly displayed through each state's flag hanging out on the dock.  And, boy, did these guests know how to dance!  Marshall Miller captured the night on video while Ann Hawley kept everything running smoothly, allowing the bride and groom to happily enjoy their day.  When it came time to cut the cake from Mueller's Bakery in Bay Head, Cameron and Alston happily made a mess feeding their piece to one another.  Dancing carried on late into the night before the couple made a magical exit through a line of sparklers and sailed off into their beautiful future together.

The Stone House at Stirling Ridge: Alexis and Jim: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Alexis met Jim in Atlantic City while enjoying a weekend with friends.  Jim approached her at the Irish pub, Ri Ra, and there was an instant connection.  They had a fun night talking and singing to 90s music before trading numbers and parting ways.  Jim was a helicopter pilot for the Navy living in Virginia, so Alexis sadly believed she would not see him again.  But they spoke every night and two weeks later, he flew to New York for their first date.  The couple dated long distance for a year and half before Jim asked Alexis to move in with him as he relocated to San Diego.

On the drive across the country, the excited duo stopped at the Grand Canyon to take in the sights.  Finding a secluded place away from other tourists, Jim got down on one knee and asked Alexis to marry him.  She remembers it as the most exciting day of her life.

Nearly a year and a half later, the couple said their vows at the beautiful Stone House at Stirling Ridge.  Alexis and her bridesmaids had their hair done by Pink Comb Studio, while their makeup was put together by Denise at Facewear.  Prior to the ceremony, Alexis and Jim stole a moment to be with one another, and when the time came, Jim stood proudly in his Naval dress whites as Alexis walked down the aisle on her father's arm in her Augusta Jones gown.  The bride and her bridesmaids carried stunning bouquets of ivory, peach, and white roses that were put together by A Touch of Elegance, keeping with the couple's theme of a light, woodsy feel. At the end of the ceremony, as per Naval tradition, the couple exited through a sword arch, which consisted of six Naval men in uniform creating an archway with their sabers.

Upon entering the reception, the couple's vision for an elegant woodland environment came to life. Place cards, designed by Wedding Paper Divas, looked like tree carvings, held in place by small potted trees. The rustic cake was decorated with a large tree.  The lighting designer and DJ from Eclipse Events set the tone for a proper celebration that kept all the guests moving well into the night.  The excited newlyweds were all smiles as they left looking forward to a honeymoon in Fiji and the rest of their lives together.

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.