Manasquan River Golf Club: Classic Elegance: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Lauren said it was the happiest day of her life.  She and her boyfriend, Stephen, were on a trip to Bermuda watching the sun set from their balcony when he asked her to marry him.  Now, since their beautiful wedding on June 14, Lauren says that Stephen's proposal is the second happiest day of her life.

On the big day, Lauren and her bridesmaids got ready at her parents' home where Lauren had grown up.  Hair stylist, Po Mology from LC Style Lounge, did everyone's hair, while the talented bride did her own makeup.  Lauren radiated joy as she got into her Pronovias gown and Jimmy Choo heels. The bridesmaids wore silver dresses by Alfred Sung with a neckline and back that mimicked the bride's gown.  Stephen and Lauren stole a private moment away from the rest of the group, before the girls took a limo to The Church in Brielle.  The sign outside of the church read, "God Bless Lauren and Stephen."

The reception, only a short drive down the street from the church, was at the Manasquan River Golf Club.  Cocktails were served up on the second story deck.  While guests arrived and caught up, the bride and groom took a golf cart to the water and took a brief moment to enjoy their glorious day.

Back at the club, the ballroom had been perfectly arranged with flowers by Craig Kiely and Darryn Murphy Designs.  MaryKate McMahon, who'd done the calligraphy for the couple's William Arthur invitations from the Paper Source, did a wonderful job on all the escort cards, which were set out as you entered the celebration from the deck above.  Gary Gellman helped to immortalize the night by capturing the couple's big day and first dance on video, while E Studio Entertainment travelled all the way from Pittsburgh to fill the night with great music and lots of dancing.  It was clear as the night went on that not only was the couple in love, but that they were surrounded by the deep love of family and friends.

10 Wedding Photography Tips For Your Big Day! : NJ Wedding Photographers

1. Prep: About a month out, set up a meeting with your photographer to go over your timeline and details.  The big day flies by for most brides, and the more details you work out before hand, the less you have to think about on your special day.  This is a great time to give them your shot list and mention any special guests that you want images of, like college friends or people coming from oversees. 

2. Details, Details: Let your photographer know if there are any special details that hold meaning, like a grandmother’s veil or the to-die-for table linens that were specially made.

3. Family Dynamics: Inform your photographer of any family situations that they need to be aware of.  It can be awkward for everyone when your photographer keeps asking your divorced in-laws to squeeze together and smile. 

4. Shot List: It is a great tool for a photographer to have a shot list.  A professional photographer will already know the standard photos but it is great to go over what those are in your prep meeting.  Give them a who’s-who of family names and any special shots.  Examples of special shots may be college friends, your mother’s siblings, or a cousin shot. Try not to give them a Pinterest board of other work or 6 pages of requests as this can hinder their natural eye and make for less emotional shots.

5. Pad the Schedule: Hair and makeup are an important part of your day.  I always recommend leaving a little extra time in your schedule, as sometimes in the flurry of activity and bridesmaids, it can take longer then expected.  We love to have a bride be almost ready when we arrive with just the finishing touches of hair and make up.

6. Get Mom Ready First: Many brides love to have their mother, sister or maid of honor there to help them into the dress.  It makes for beautiful intimate photos. Whomever you want there, make sure that they are dressed and ready when you step into the dress.

7. Bring the Family: Once your dressed it’s wonderful to have a little time for your immediate family photos.  If possible make sure they are all at the same location.  It’s a beautiful memory and makes the later portraits shorter, which is wonderful if you and your hubby want to enjoy cocktail hour.

8. Keep It Private: Friends and family will surround you all day and that is amazing, but it can be intimidating for a first look.  We recommend taking that time just for the two of you.  It makes for more intimate, emotional images.

9. Put Your Friends to Work: Large family photos can be hard to wrangle.  If possible it can be great to do big family shots after the ceremony on the steps if there is shade.  This lets everyone enjoy the rest of the party.  Appoint a good friend who is not in the photos but knows who everyone is to help gather people.

10. Sneak Away: The last half hour of cocktails, right before sunset, is a gorgeous time for photos.  It can also be romantic to have a minute to take a deep breath and enjoy the company of your new spouse!

The Harvard Club of NYC: Dominika & Steven: New York Wedding Photographers

Dominika & Steven were both working at the same hospital when they meet.  Steven, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, was overwhelmed with Dominika's beauty & vibrant personality.  He finally worked up the courage to tell her and the rest came so naturally.  Dominika has three handsome boys and Steven has two beautiful girls and the seven of them make just a gorgeous family!  As Steven got his medical degree from Harvard University they decided that The Harvard Club of NYC would be the perfect place for a reception.  The couple got ready nearby at Hotel Sofitel before heading to central park for a few portraits.  One of our all time favorite party planners Tammy Cummingham of Sincerely Yours Events was on hand to orchestrate the seamless flow of this exquisite wedding.  The bride looked radiant with hair by Lauren Fischer of Bellissima Bride and make-up by Stacey of Fresh Face Forward.  For the reception flowers & lighting by Pedestals Floral Decorators and invitations by Sincerely Yours Invitations helped to create Dominika's romantic vintage-inspired wedding come together with ease.  Hank Lane Music & Productions added the right touch with a wonderful range of music to carry the crowd through the night.

Waterside Restaurant & Catering: Congratulations Miranda & Steve: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

Miranda & Steve were a dream to work with they could not have been kinder or easier to photograph.  Their love overflowed!  They got engaged in Cape Cod on a weekend trip.  They were taking a stroll on the beach with one of the most magnificent views on the Cape when almost out of nowhere a woman came by and offered to take a photo of them by one of the famous dunes.  Suddenly Steve asked "Do you really want to get a good one?"  The woman seemed confused until Steve brought out the ring!  So she got to capture the best moment of all, the YES! For the big day Miranda looked like a screen siren in her ruched Michelle Roth gown from Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC with custom Swarovski crystal & pearl belt that the bride had added.  The bride got ready at The Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel in Weehawken with make-up by the talented Kerry Crawford and Hair by Kim Zito of Expert Hair Design with Benjamin Adams shoes, handbag by Glint and earrings by Nadori to complete  the look.   The girls were stunning in deep purple gowns by Eden Bridesmaids from Antoinette Rose Bridal Store in Brick NJ.  Flower Elegance of Fair Lawn NJ chose shades of deep purple and lavender with hints of lime green and ivory.  Bella Figura of Syracuse NY created beautiful letterpress invitations.  The couple made a quick stop at Hamilton Park in Weehawken for a few portraits.

For the ceremony and reception Miranda & Steve were off to the Waterside Restaurant & Catering with it's AMAZING views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline.  Harpist Karen Stern greeted guests as they seated themselves on the waterside overlooking the city.  It was a perfect day! Officiant Gerald Fierst captured the wonderful spirit of the couple creating a time capsule box of love letters and champagne to be opened on their 5th anniversary .  The calm waters turned into rolling waves as the Officiant mentioned Miranda's mother, who recently passed away, being present at the ceremony.  It was a touching moment.

Flower Elegance created vibrant table arrangements in purples, ivory and green. The Waterside Restaurant & Catering provided excellent food and service as DJ Izzy with Diverse Entertainment kept the crowd moving.  Boardwalk Photo Booth Rentals added just the perfect touch!

Wind & Lace: A Bonnet Island Romance: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Photographers

Congratulations to Shannon & Bob! It was a picturesque day on the Bonnet Island Estate in LBI as the gorgeous couple tied the knot.  Shannon was lovely in a lace Monique Lhuillier and Jimmy choo's with flawless makeup from Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs. The breathtaking flowers were by MDS Floral Designs and ocean themed invitations by Stephanie Somodi of Designing the Most Inviting Day really captured the day. Merri-Makers Caterers offered superb food and excellent service as always.   Manhattan City Music Band made for a raging party night.  This crowd could dance!!

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster: A Wedding to Trump! New Jersey Wedding Photographers

The last thing we expected from our delicate blond-haired blue-eyed bride, was to hear that she was a Harvard ice hockey player with a penchant for collecting rubber ducks and Jimmy Choos!  Courtney and her twinkly-eyed husband Brian met at ESPN.  She was the 'girl' in marketing and he was the 'guy' in PR.  Their first date was dinner & a U2 concert!  Almost ten years later this fun loving couple decided to take the leap. Courtney was glowing in a Liancarlo creation from Bridal Couture of Short Hills and silver peep-toed Jimmy Choo's of course.  Her bridesmaids wore one shoulder sheath dresses in a lovely shade of currant by Jenny Yoo of Jenny Yoo NYC.  The ceremony was at Christ Church in Summit NJ.  For the reception nothing else would do but the Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster.  The rolling hills and soft sunset light made a surreal backdrop heightened by bagpipers brought in to welcome the guests.  Jardiniere Fine Flowers of Far Hills created rich wine & gold arrangements and the Essence Band kept the party moving!

The Stone House At Sterling Ridge:Classic Hollywood Glamour: Part 2: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

Here is part two of our classic Hollywood glamour couple!  The grounds at St. Peters Episcopal Church were stunning for portraits.  The reception took place at The Stone House At Sterling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey.  Eunice A. Valerio created centerpieces with the warm whimsical feel the couple were looking for and the amber lighting made for wonderful dancing shots!

The Stone House At Sterling Ridge:Classic Hollywood Glamour: Part 1: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

Congratulations to our stunning couple Beryl & Eric!  The pair looked as if they walked right out of a old Hollywood movie set.  Beryl glowed in an exquisite lace Pnina Tornai.  The couple began their day at The Hilton of Short Hills getting prepped for the big event.  The florist Eunice A. Valerio created some very inspired bouquets, unique and fresh.  The bridesmaids wore simple gold sheath dresses from Shoshanna. We loved that they had pockets!  Check out Beryl's stunning Manolos!

The ceremony took place at the  architecturally breathtaking St. Peters Episcopal Church in Morristown NJ.   Eric looked absolutely dashing in a well tailored suit by Paul Smith while the groomsmen sported Hugo Boss Red Label.  Stay tuned next week for Part 2!

The Rockleigh Country Club: Crystal & Lace: Part Two:New Jersey Wedding Photographers

So here is part two of Kelli & Nino's extravagant crystal & lace adorned reception!  We loved working with the lush grounds at The Rockleigh Country Club.  Daniel Florals and Events, Inc. really blew us away with their lighting design for the evening!  They created such a dramatic, high-end club feel and The Caleps really kept the guests on their toes dancing all night long.   The Cake Topper of Staten Island created the lavish four-layer cake adorned with edible flowers.    The C'est Papier Inc. invitations were simple and elegant from Sincerely Yours Custom Invitations, and the chocolate menus were good enough to eat!

The Rockleigh Country Club: Crystal & Lace: Part One: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

We were so excited to work with Kelli & Nino after photographing them for their engagement!  The gorgeous couple met ten years ago in their freshman year of college.  Kelli lovingly recalls,  "We started dating that summer and were inseparable ever since."  Nino proposed among the beautiful flowers at Montauk Manor.  Kelli, who works as an event planner herself, enlisted the help of Sincerely Yours Events to work with her creating a romantic candlelit English garden theme. Kelli went to Kleinfeld's to get her Pnina Tornai dress.  It fit like it was made just for her and the Manolo Blahnik cyrstal sandals she picked were the perfect finishing touch. Mancini Giuffre Salon in Staten Island did an exquisite job with hair and make up.  The bridesmaids were stunning in Vera Wang originals in a classic caramel with rhinestone accents that she found at Always a Bridesmaid Boutique.  Daniel Florals and Events Inc. created lush bouquets with feather accents and warm colors.  Nino and the boys looked dashing in Armani Collezioni.

The ceremony moved to Brooklyn at St. Ephrem's Parish.

Check out our blog in the next few days to see the stunning crystal adorned reception at The Rockleigh Country Club.