Navesink Country Club: Winter Wonderland: Monmouth County Wedding Photographer

Taryn and James winter wedding could be described in two words, elegant and FUN! Taryn looked stunning in her Jim Helm gown from Mustillo's Bridal in Red Bank. She had a lace cover up made from her mother's bridal gown which she wore over her gown for the catholic ceremony at St. James in Red Bank. After the ceremony , Taryn changed out of the lace cover up added a sparkly belt and drop earrings. The brides maids all choose their own long , black gowns and were wrapped in fur coats.

Taryn and James meet in high school. She went to Red Bank Catholic and he CBA. Red Bank holds a lot of fun memories for the couple. They wanted to take some playful shots in town. 

We later headed to Navesink Country Club where Craig and Darryn from Craig Kiely and Darry Murphy Designs transformed the ballroom into a winter wonderland. The couple toke a spin on  the ice skating riding a Zambone prior to being announced as Mr. & Mrs. Cahill.

I loved that they served comfort food, gourmet sliders and mac and cheese for dinner. This was a dancing crowd. The amazing Brian Kirk and the Jerks had them dancing all night long. They ended the night by cutting their Fudgy The Whale ice cream cake from Carvel, a child hood favorite. 

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

Hoboken NJ Engagement: Rachel & Tyler

I had a great evening photographing Rachel & Tyler. They just moved to Hoboken and they  wanted to capture fun shots in their new town. I love the green patina of the Hoboken Train Station, it worked so well with the vintage props that Paige from Gilded Lily Events provided. Can't wait for their wedding next fall at Trump National in Bedminster NJ. 

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.

Monmouth County: Family Portrait: New Jersey Fine Art Photography

Family portraits make a great Father's Day gift! I loved working with Cara, Brandon, and their beautiful baby boy.

I met Cara & Brandon last spring at her sister's wedding at the Manasquan River Golf Club.  When we discussed where Cara might want her family portraits taken, we decided that their historical 1920s home would be the perfect location. With very young children,  I recommend having your session at your home. Staying home means that you are protected from the elements but still have the option of going both inside and out.

Cara and Brandon have done an amazing job decorating their craftsmen home - traditional with a modern twist. I loved their bright yellow front door. Cara did a great job coordinating their outfits to fit their style.  Photographing at someone's home is an honor that allows you to capture even more of a family's taste and personality.

Summer is coming! Take the time to capture life's precious moments - sign up for your family portrait session today!

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!

McLoone's Pier House: Quinlan & David: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Quinlan and David met in high school.  They were friends through all four years of high school and remained friends throughout college, working summers together at a local restaurant. They began dating after graduating from college in 2010. They moved to Chicago in 2011, where they have continued to live ever since with their dog Stella.

David proposed on August 11, 2012 while home in New Jersey visiting family. They were at Quinlan's childhood beach club, a place very dear to her and her whole family, when David got down on one knee and popped the question. The lifeguards on duty all clapped. The couple then went across the street to meet up with family and friends to celebrate.

On the day of their wedding, Quinlan got ready with her girls.  Quinlan gave each of her bridesmaids a personalized shirt with their monograms and title (ie. bridesmaid, maid of honor, etc.) sewn in.  Their hair and makeup was done by Christina Depascal of Depascal Atelier before getting into their beautiful dresses from The Barefoot Bride.

The Autumn wedding was to have a nautical theme, so it was only appropriate that the couple be married by the shore.  The ceremony took place at the Elberon Memorial Church in Long Branch, New Jersey.  From their, the celebration moved to McLoone's Pier House, also in Long Branch, with its amazing ocean views and the perfect space for a reception!

Florist Cindy Hubeny did an amazing job not just with the girls' bouquets, but with the centerpieces.  Each centerpiece was made up of galvanized tins filled with hydrangeas, pink and white lisianthus, and soft pink English spray roses.  The nautical accents of white and silver sprayed starfish, blue and white striped table runners, pearls nestled and scattered in sand, and nautical knots really made the celebration the perfect.  Every special moment of the night was caught on film by videographer Caroline Doubek, while the couple's band, Brian Kirk and the Jirks, played the perfect soundtrack for the occasion.  The night finished with cutting the awesome cake from Piece o' Cake in Shrewsbury, while favors from The Chocolate Shoppe in Red Bank were sent home with happy guests.

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!