Ashley + Jeff • The Ryland Inn Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Ashley and Jeff's wedding day at The Ryland Inn was what my dreams are made of!!

Elegant, tasteful, classy! 

From Ashley gown to the amazing florals, to beyond gorgeous table settings and centerpieces! 

I couldn't get enough! 

See for yourself!

Shot for Jackie Averill

Venue ~ The Ryland Inn

Kayla + David • Alstede Farms Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I was quite excited about this session! 

David reached out to me and mentioned that he and Kayla would be getting married on Halloween 2019 and wanted to do their engagement/ wedding portraits that would fit the autumn theme. 

They chose Alstede Farms for the location and we were so lucky with perfect fall weather and the most gorgeous golden hour!
We spent the late afternoon strolling around the farm, the pumpkin patch and their endless orchards. We even had a special guest appearance, one of their horses that was more interested in Kayla's bouquet than posing ;)

Here are a few of my favorite photos from their session.

Congratulations to the happy couple! 

Kari + David • Lake Valhalla Club Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

With the gorgeous views of the lake and the most beautiful foliage- fall is definitely one of the best seasons for a wedding at Lake Valhalla Club! 

Kari + Dave's day was absolutely perfect! From the amazing autumn weather to all the pretty details and first look on the dock, to adding a few Star Wars touches {because Dave's a huge fan 🙂}

The couple exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony overlooking Lake Valhalla. It was followed by an evening of dancing and celebrating the newlyweds.

Congratulations to Kari + Dave! 
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together and everlasting love! 


Check out Kari + Dave's engagement session and their love story here.

Fall Family Sessions Recap • New Jersey Family Photographer

I feel very blessed to be able to photograph so many amazing families each year, many of whom I have been capturing for years now. 

I am truly thankful to them for entrusting me to create those memories.

It has been such a privilege! 

Here is a little recap of last year's fall sessions.  

You may recognize many of the families if you have been following along 😊

Katie + Tim • Perona Farms Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Everything about Katie and Tim's wedding day was beyond beautiful!

From Katie's dress and flowers, to her bridesmaids dresses and dapper groom and his groomsmen attire, to the most gorgeous setting! The day could not possibly have been more flawless! 

Not to mention the perfect September weather! 

They were surrounded with so much love and joy while they exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony at Perona Farms in Andover, New Jersey. 

Katie and Tim shared the evening of celebrating the new chapter with their families and friends.

Congratulations to The Newlyweds! It was such an honor to be part of your big day! 

To see Katie + Tim's engagement session and read their love story, go to Katie + Tim • Brooklyn Engagement Session!

Merry Christmas!!

The gift of love. 

The gift of peace.

The gift of happiness. 

May all these be yours at Christmas!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from The de Myers!

Jack is 6!!

I swear I blinked and he turned 6! 

I feel like Jack has grown so much since my writing his birthday post a year ago!

So many milestones, so many new experiences!

One of the biggest changes for Jack must have been starting kindergarten this September. I'm not going to lie I was nervous- Is he going to like it? How is he going to adjust to the new school, going on the bus, making new friends, etc. I was worried but all that was gone the moment he stepped off that bus on his first day, all smiles and excited to go back the next morning! 

Plus, I think having his big sister there must have given him some sense of comfort (and to us, too 😳)

He loves learning and is always excited to share his new knowledge with us. He's discovering how fun reading by himself can be. Legos are still his favorite toy, and he is now into building city skylines and famous landmarks! Future architect, perhaps? 

Jack grew like a weed this summer! None of his pants were long enough when it was time to dig out those jeans in the fall! He must be taking after his daddy (standing 6'5 tall!)

He may be 6 but he's still my little boy, he always will be! He may wipe off my kisses at times but he still crawls onto our lap and gives the best hugs! 

Jack is such a sweet boy and I just wish the time could slow down a little...

Happy Birthday, Jack!!!

Here are a few moments from this past year :)

Family photos by my dear friend, Debbie ❤️

Katie + John • New York City Engagement • New Jersey/New York Wedding Photographer

Going to New York City is always such a treat! Especially when it involves a couple in love and sunset on the East River! 

I met with Katie and John in their NYC neighborhood and we took a stroll around nearby Carl Schurz Park and along the river. The day could not have been more perfect! I loved spending an afternoon getting to know them, their love story, and plans for their honeymoon and spending their first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. in Paris!!!
They are seriously taking romance to the next level!!

Here is Katie and John's love story:

HOW THEY MET

"We met at a Friendsgiving fundraiser at the New York Common Pantry (a local food pantry) in November 2016. Living eight blocks apart on the Upper East Side, we did not know each other but our dear friend Emma had plans for us. For months prior to us meeting and without our knowledge, Emma would try to get us in the same place at the same time. As busy New Yorkers, this is more difficult than it sounds! Finally, Emma knew Katie was attending Eve Michael's Friendsgiving fundraiser for the New York Common Pantry and encouraged John to come and support a good cause. A few weeks later, Katie walked into the event and immediately noticed John while he was mingling with Emma and her boyfriend Eli, who is one of John's oldest friends. They were enjoying cocktails with a larger group and Katie thought John was really handsome, but assumed he must be there with somebody. Katie subtly looked around as she sipped her wine and realized she was in luck - he was there alone! Katie saved John a seat at the dinner table and they hit it off. After a nightcap at Bar Coastal with Emma and Eli, John asked for Katie's number and as they say, the rest is history!"

THEIR FIRST DATE

"Our first date was drinks and dinner at a tapas bar called Pio Pio on the Upper East Side. We had a blast getting to know each other over delicious food and wine. We fit the date in after work on the Monday night before John went home for Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, John proposed a second date on a Saturday. The Friday afternoon before the date, John texted Katie, "Can I call an audible for tomorrow?" Katie responded "Sure! But what's an audible?". John said "That's adorable. Can I pick you up earlier tomorrow?" Katie said of course. This was the first of many surprises John had for Katie in their relationship. John picked Katie up that Saturday at her apartment, not telling her where they were going. They got in a cab to the 34th street ferry station. We got on a ferry to Brooklyn. Turns out John wanted to start the date earlier so they could catch the sunset as they walked across the Brooklyn Bridge back to New York City. Katie melted. Once they got back to Manhattan, they had a drink in the South Street Seaport, followed by dinner in the Upper East Side. After that date, Katie walked away feeling warmer when she spent time with John and she knew this had a future!"

HOW HE PROPOSED

"John asked Katie to marry him on vacation in St. John on December 20th - exactly a year before we get married! John's coworker and good friend is from St. John. When we decided we wanted to do a vacation just the two of us in 2018, Kaitlyn encouraged us to explore her home! We thought St. John was the perfect escape. The day we got engaged, Kaitlyn and her friend Cynthia showed us ALL around the island. We were so busy that Katie had no clue that later that day, John would propose. All three of them convinced Katie that wine and cheese on the beach at sunset was a popular thing for the locals to do. That sounded like heaven to Katie! John suggested they do that at Trunk Bay Beach, the most beautiful beach on the island. Per Kaitlyn's suggestion, John hired Cynthia's sister Sarah to take photos of the engagement. It was all so perfect - a moment we will never forget!"

Katie and John love to cook at home and host their family and friends at their apartment for dinners and watching Ravens games. They also love to explore new restaurants and places, and love to travel. Their guilty pleasure is watching all the Bravo shows!

WHAT SHE LOVES ABOUT HIM

"I love his spirit, his energy and how he makes everyone feel at ease, especially me. I love how he loves me for exactly who I am and has made me a better person, who is even more comfortable in my own skin three years since meeting him."

WHAT HE LOVES ABOUT HER

"Katie is the most positive person I have ever met in my life. She keeps our boat moving forward with her positive attitude and the way she approaches life. Hardworking, selfless and a willingness to commit to what she values are just some of the things I admire about her. It doesn't matter what's happening in our life or had bad things may seem; I have never seen her flinch and I know she'll never give up. Her attitude and the way she approaches life have not only made me a better person but it has allowed me to step back and reevaluate how I see the world."

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THEM AS A COUPLE

"We couldn't pick just one...so here are a few! enthusiastic - hopeful - committed - merry"

Congratulations, Katie and John! 
I am so excited to photograph your wedding in just a few short days! 

Nicole + Michael • Central Park NYC Engagement • New York/New Jersey Wedding Photographer

If you know me you know how much I love New York City! I will use any excuse to cross the bridge but especially to capture two people in love!

I met with Nicole and Michael in New York's Central Park on Saturday morning and we took a stroll around Bethesda Terrace,  danced on the Bow Bridge and found the perfect rock to pose on that overlooks The Lake and Manhattan skyscrapers.

Here is Nicole and Michael's love story:

HOW THEY MET

"We are a tinder success story! Lol

We actually connected on tinder back in 2013 but the timing wasn't right so we didn't end up meeting until 2015."

THEIR FIRST DATE

"For our first date we went to Italian restaurant Pavesi in Morristown. Food was delicious and we had great conversation getting to know each other a little better.

At the end of the night Mike drove me home and, as the gentleman he is, asked for a kiss goodnight and the rest is history!"

HOW HE PROPOSED

"The morning of Mike set up notes all around our apartment. Each note led me to the next one and they were all filled with memories from our last 4 years together. The last note led me to the bedroom where Mike set up flowers with one last note and he popped the question!

To celebrate, we went into NYC for a nice lunch and ended our night at Pravesi in Morristown where it all started. :) 

Mike proposed to me on our 4 year anniversary. I had a feeling it was coming at some point this year but I didn’t expect it on that day!"

Nicole and Michael love to travel together and binge watch shows on Netflix :)

WHAT SHE LOVES ABOUT HIM

"One of my many favorite things about Mike is his sense of humor. I love how goofy we can be together and how much we laugh together. 

But what I really love the most is how genuine, kindhearted and caring he is. I know that he will always support me 100%, I can depend on him for anything and at the end of the day he always wants to make sure I am happy. His stunning good looks are a plus too 😉"

WHAT HE LOVES ABOUT HER

"There is not one thing I love most about Nicole because she is perfect in every way. She is my perfect match and I am incredibly lucky to have found her.
She is beautiful, smart, funny, loving, thoughtful, talented, athletic, and has the perfect smile with the figure to back it up. Nicole checks all the boxes for things I was looking for in a woman but the overall connection we have is what made me fall in love with her. I am very fortunate to have found Nicole and excited for our life together."

One word to describe you as a couple - Unbreakable

Congratulations, Nicole & Michael!
 I am so excited to be part of your wedding day next August!!!

Jackie + Matt • Cross Estate Gardens Engagement • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I first met Jackie and Matt at a mock wedding styled shoot back in August - a summer soirée that a few of Morristown creatives and I were part of. They were our 'real couple' - their actual wedding is next June :)

Jackie and Matt were so natural in front of the camera that I was dying to photograph them again! Fast forward a few weeks and my wish came true!!!! 

They reached out to me to photograph their engagement session and chose Cross Estate Gardens for the location - a favorite of mine! ! I must have squealed with excitement! 

I cannot even describe how much I enjoyed being around them and seeing their love for one another, so effortless and so genuine. Happiness seems to emanate from them. 

At times I felt like an intruder (lol) while capturing their cozy little moments. 

Their love story is as beautiful as they are! The way they speak about each other made me choke up a little, it is filled with so much love and tenderness!

HOW THEY MET

"We met during our sophomore year of college at a party in 2011. Matt impressed Jackie by doing pull ups :) We talked all night and became friends. After a few weeks, Matt told Jackie he wanted to be more than friends or nothing at all. While it sounds like a tough ultimatum, it was an easy decision for Jackie."

HOW HE PROPOSED

"We were moving into our first apartment together. On the day we got the keys, Matt went to the apartment early and planted a note next to the welcome basket from our leasing office. When we went back to the apartment together later on (Jackie under the assumption this was the first time stepping into our new home), Jackie opened the note and read aloud “Turn around!” When she did, Matt was on his knee. It is our first memory in our first home together."

WHAT DOES SHE LOVE MOST ABOUT HIM

"So many things.. Matt has the ability to make me feel at ease no matter the situation. He is so strong, calm and smart and I know he will be an amazing husband (and father) because I can lean on him whenever things are tough or if I just need someone. He makes me laugh with the smallest of comments or jokes and I truly am always happy when I am around him. His drive to be the best version of himself in every aspect of his life (work, family, friendships) is unmatched. I feel like this is getting long so to wrap it up - Matt is the best man I've ever known, I'm so lucky to be his."

WHAT DOES HE LOVE MOST ABOUT HER

"I love so many things about Jackie and I always struggle with this question because I don’t look at love as something that is necessarily describable. I know I love Jackie deep in my bones. She has made me a happier, more giving, more caring person and having her in my life has given me the ability to get some clarity as to what my main goals are in life. Whenever I am feeling stressed or putting pressure on myself, Jackie is there to calm me down. Jackie is the kindest person I have ever met and she cares for everyone she interacts with. Her second nature is to be genuine and kind to others. Seeing her as an example day in and day out keeps me grounded. Without Jackie in my life I would be lost and that is all I need to know."

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THEIR RELATIONSHIP

"Boomerang! 

We broke up a couple times since we first began dating but we always found ourselves making our way back to each other. We once joked that we were like boomerangs, always finding their way back. We now have boomerang key chains that we each carry (it's kind of our thing)."

Congratulations, Jackie & Matt!

May your love for each other only strengthen as time goes by!