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.

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.

The Ashford Estate: Country Estate Wedding: New Jersey Wedding Photography

The Ashford Estate, listed under "Country Estate Weddings" by Weddings of Distinction, is a beautiful and unique venue, offering both rustic romance with its barn house chapel, and regal elegance with its breathtaking manor.  Summer or winter, this estate creates a magical atmosphere perfect for creating one of a kind memories.

Inspired by the beautiful venue, we got together with some of the best vendors to create a dream wedding stylized shoot.  Stephanie Somodi, owner of Designing the Most Inviting Day, provided us with a beautiful invitations, highlighting her amazing talent for detail.  Magnolia Exquisite Florals and Event Decor created all of our stunning bouquets and amazing tabletop arrangements with china provided by Rumson China and Glass.  Our wonderfully talented models came to us from Wilhemina Philadelphia, bringing our ideas for a dream wedding to life.  Allison and Brooke wore gowns from Elizabeth Johns Bridal Salon.  The whole look came together with hair by Michelle Azouz and makeup done by Amy Jones-Baskin and Cassidy Renee Boch of Beauty on Location NJ.

Thank you to the Ashford Estate, and to everyone involved in making this incredible day a reality.  We couldn't have done it without all your time and hard work!