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.

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.