Rachel + Dave • Cherry Blossom Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I am so happy that Rachel and Dave chose to have their engagement session during the cherry blossom season! 

Nothing says romance quite like these gorgeous pink blooms! They are simply magical!
Rachel and Dave's pup, Stanley, joined them for a few photos!

How They Met

Rachel and Dave met on match.com in 2013. They were both about to cancel their subscription but found each other just in time. They chatted back and then one date turned to two and many more. 

The Proposal

'Dave proposed in October 2017 on Friday the 13th. He was home and prepping for the big moment. I worked later than expected and it had been a long week. I called Dave to discuss plans for dinner and he told me he wasn't in the mood to do anything. I was pretty frustrated when I got home because I was looking forward to going out and relaxing. 

As soon as I got home he greeted me at the door and told me he had put some mums he had purchased from a work fundraiser in the back on the house. I looked at him confused and rolled my eyes, thinking why in the world would you put them in the back where no one would see them?!

We headed to our sunroom and out to our deck that overlooks a beautiful golf course. 

Dave then got down on one knee and proposed.' 

Rachel and Dave are getting married this June and I am super excited to capture their wedding day! 

Happy Mother's Day!

"Motherhood:

All love begins and ends there".

~Robert Browning~

Happy Mother's Day to all the Supermoms! 

To My Dearest Mom:

"Spośród wszystkich mam na świecie, tak się cieszę, że jesteś moją."

Kocham Cię, Mamo!

Crate & Barrel Private Registry Event • Bridgewater Commons • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

It was such a treat to be part of Crate & Barrel Private Registry Event back in February.
When Stacey Sainato of Peony Events reached out to me I could not contain my excitement!

I remember when my husband and I were putting together our wedding registry over a decade ago, with Crate & Barrel, and I wish we had participated in an event such as this. It is an amazing opportunity to meet the wedding professionals, ask any wedding planning related questions, get to know the latest trends, and to get inspired!

Crate & Barrel at Bridgewater Commons was sure to be filled with inspiration! From the gorgeous floral installation and center pieces by Jardiniere Fine Flowers, hand lettered menus by Little Black Dress Paperie, to place settings hand picked and styled by Stacey of Peony Events, and the delicious desserts by Montclair Bread.
 Let us not forget the stunning makeup and hair by Amy and Jessica of Beauty On Location NJ, along with the latest wedding fashion from I do I do and Bella Bridesmaids.

Elegant Music Group provided entertainment and a photo booth for the event.

Head over to Crate & Barrel blog to read more about the event.

Other Vendors:
Catering ~ Mangia Organica
Sampling ~ Nespresso || KitchenAid || Cuisinart || Coravin

Photography ~ Monika de Myer

Brielle + John • Parents-to-be session • New Jersey Photographer

Boy, oh boy! 

I was so excited to photograph Brielle and John's parents-to-be session at The Waterloo Village a couple of weeks ago. 

I met Brielle at a local college while taking photography classes a few years back. Later on I was honored to photograph their wedding which happened to be my very first. 

So, needless to say, I was over the moon when they asked me to be part of yet another special time in their life! 

Brielle and John are expecting their first baby this May! A little baby boy! 

And I could not be happier for them! 

Chloe + Gavin • Pleasantdale Chateau Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I am not exactly sure whether it was their love story or the incredible amount of love they had for each other that truly touched my heart. 

Chloe and Gavin tied the knot on the 9th anniversary of their first kiss!

Their ceremony and reception were held at the magnificent Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey.

Chloe and Gavin invited their family and closest friends to be a part of their first look. It was such a special and emotional moment.

After family formals and newlywed portraits we headed to ceremony hall.
Chloe and Gavin glowed with happiness as they recited their own thoughtfully written vows.
I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

They celebrated the beginning of their life together surrounded by family and friends.

Shot for Brielle Kaschak Photography

Happy Easter!

May your Easter basket be full of Joy, Peace and Happiness! 

Today and Always!

Happy Easter! 

Other Easter stories:

EASTER 2017 | EASTER 2015 | EASTER 2014 | EASTER 2013 | EASTER BRUNCH

Lake Valhalla Club Family Sessions • New Jersey Photographer

I am so pleased to share these family sessions
I had the pleasure of doing last fall at The Lake Valhalla Club in Montville, New Jersey.
The lake provided such a beautiful backdrop! There was no shortage of great spots
and gorgeous fall colors, and super cute outfits!

Meet the families! 

The Naveendra Family

Jen + Brett • Waterloo Village Winter Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Winter weddings are so underrated!

Blanket of show, fireplaces and candlelight, hot cocoa bars and snowy-white tablescapes can make the setting so romantic and magical.

Jen and Brett's wedding was my very first winter wedding and I must admit I enjoyed all the season's beautiful details, the smell of the wood burning fireplace that filled their reception venue, and weather appropriate furs that the bride and her bridesmaids wore for wedding day portraits.

Jen and Brett's ceremony and reception were held at Waterloo Village. I could not imagine a more perfect venue for this cozy winter wedding!

{Photographed for Jennifer Larsen Photography} 

Samantha is 6!

My baby girl is 6!
But sometimes she acts like she's 16 😉
She has grown into a smart and independent little lady. This past year brought some big changes and she handled them very well. Samantha graduated from Goddard School and started her kindergarten last September. New school, new teachers, and many new friends! Oh, and let's not forget riding to school on a bus! She's been loving every minute of it!

There were also some changes in her appearance! Because one day (under daddy's watch 🙄) she decided she needed to cut her bangs so she could look like one of her favorite characters - Mal from The Descendants! That did not go well, as you can imagine. We had no choice but to cut her bangs to camouflage the disastrous haircut she gave herself.
However, as we say in Poland- "Nie ma tego złego, co by na dobre nie wyszło" (Every cloud has a silver lining!) and I think her new hairstyle suits her and we all love it!

• • •

Happy Birthday, My Love! You fill our lives with so much joy and happiness!
We adore your fun personality and great sense of humor, your persistence, curiosity and eagerness to learn. 
We love you to the moon and back! ❤️

And a very Happy Birthday to Nana Sheila! 

• • •

Here are a few shots from our recent session at a park and a look back at some of Samantha's last year's adventures!

Milan turns one! • New Jersey Family Photographer

Back in November, I had the pleasure of meeting Mika and Michael, 

and their adorable daughter, Milan, who was just turning one! 

It was so much fun capturing these family moments for them.