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

DJ: Vision Entertainment

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.

NYC High Line: Jackie & Danny's Engagement: NYC Engagement Photography

I had such a great time with Jackie and Danny photographing their engagement session in Chelsea, The West Village and on The High Line in NYC! Looking forward to their wedding at St. Ignatius Loyola & The Metropolitan Club later this summer.

Spring Lake Engagement: Elizabeth and Robert: New Jersey Fine Art Photography

I had a great time photographing Liz and Rob's engagement session. They were not beach people so we shot in the park and around the town of Spring Lake. Love that Liz wanted shots with and with out her adorable glasses. They are getting married at one of my favorite venues, Bonnet Island Estate, next August .

Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis: Family Portrait: New Jersey Fine Art Photography

I love getting to photograph the children of my former wedding clients. How time flies, nine years and two kids later. Lori and Gavin have the most handsome, boisterous boys.  I have found with photographing kids, especially boys, it is best to let them run around and have fun. Happy kids make the best pictures!

Lori and I worked on choosing just the right outfits to coordinate with their living room, where the images will be displayed in a collection. I love designing beautiful custom wall galleries!

Call or email the studio to set up your summer family session - weekends are filling up fast!