Dalena + John • Crossed Keys Estate Wedding

  • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Dalena and John's July wedding at Crossed Keys Estate was a beautiful celebration of their love and union. The couple exchanged their vows in a traditional Roman Catholic church ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds, along with their guests, made their way to Crossed Keys Estate for the reception.

The venue was the perfect location for the celebration with its picturesque gardens and rustic charm. The reception was filled with laughter, music, and dancing, with the couple's loved ones enjoying delicious food and drinks. 

As the evening came to an end, the guests gathered outside holding the Vietnamese lanterns for the couple's send-off. Incorporating Dalena's heritage was such an essential aspect of the wedding. The lanterns added a unique and elegant touch to their day, reflecting the couple's diverse backgrounds and the merging of their cultures. It symbolized the couple's love and the bright future that awaits them.

Congratulations, Dalena & John!

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Happy Mother's Day!

 

"A mother's love is the greatest teacher, surpassing any book or lesson known to humankind." - Unknown

On this special day, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being a mother to my two amazing children. 

They have given my life purpose, joy, and fulfillment. I am grateful for their smiles, their hugs, and the precious moments we share together. I am also grateful for the opportunity to witness their growth and development.

Motherhood has taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. 

I have learned the true meaning of selflessness, as I put my children's needs above my own. 

I have discovered the power of resilience, as I faced sleepless nights, tantrums, and the occasional chaos that comes with parenting. 

And I have understood the importance of cherishing the little moments, as they are the ones that truly matter in the grand tapestry of life.

Let's honor and appreciate all the mothers out there who give their love, time, and energy to their children.

Let’s celebrate the incredible journey of motherhood!

To my beloved mom in Poland: 

Mom, you are my superhero, my confidant, and my best friend. From the moment I was born, you have showered me with unconditional love and support, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Kocham Cię, Mamo!

Today, I also want to extend a heartfelt Mother's Day wish to the incredible woman who not only raised the love of my life but also welcomed me into the family with open arms. 

Thank you for being the wonderful mother-in-law that you are.

Happy Mother's Day!

Erica + Nick • Willowwood Arboretum Engagement

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

I was excited to meet Erica and Nick for their engagement session at Willowwood Arboretum on one of the last warm autumn evenings. The arboretum was the perfect location for their session, with its stunning array of trees and foliage still in full display. With the sun setting in the distance, we knew we were in for a spectacular evening of shooting.

Erica and Nick were an absolute joy to work with. They were easy-going, fun-loving, and so obviously in love. As we wandered through the arboretum, I couldn't help but notice how natural they were in front of the camera. Every shot was filled with joy and happiness, and it was clear that they were meant to be together.
The colors of the trees were absolutely breathtaking, with oranges, yellows, and reds all around us. The warm autumn light was the perfect complement to the setting.

As we moved through the arboretum, we found so many beautiful spots to take photos. 
The sunset was the perfect finale to the session. 

How They Met

"We first met working as servers at a Friendly's Ice Cream restaurant in college 8 years ago.

On our first date we went to Sunrise Mountain in Sandyston, NJ to watch the sunset."

The Proposal

"Our proposal took place on a reservation near our home. We went on a walk to watch the sunset one Friday night after work. Nick asked me to sit on a bench that overlooked the lake and popped the question!"

Erica and Nick enjoy getting sushi take outs and watching movies on a Friday night, quiet Sunday morning coffee dates and spending time outside when the weather is nice.

Erica loves Nick's contagious energy and loving heart.
Nick loves Erica's smile and laugh.

Congratulations, Erica & Nick!

I cannot wait to capture your wedding day this October!

Hanna + Jesse • The Barn at Perona Farms Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Hanna and Jesse's wedding at The Barn at Perona Farms was such a beautiful celebration of their love. 

The couple wanted to honor both of their faiths, and they chose to have an outdoor ceremony that combined Jewish and Catholic traditions.

Hanna looked breathtaking in her fitted lace wedding dress with a long train. Her hair was styled in loose curls and she wore a delicate veil that fluttered in the breeze. Jesse wore a blue suit with a matching boutonniere that complemented Hanna's bouquet.

The couple exchanged their vows under a beautiful chuppah, which was adorned with beautiful flowers and symbolized the couple's new home together.

The ceremony was officiated by both a Rabbi and a Catholic priest, who worked together to create a unique and meaningful ceremony that reflected the couple's beliefs and values.

Before the wedding ceremony, the couple also had a signing of the Ketubah which is a traditional Jewish marriage contract that outlines the couple's rights and responsibilities in marriage. It was a special and intimate moment, witnessed by their closest family members and friends.

Hanna's late mother was deeply missed on her daughter's wedding day. To remember her, Hanna placed a special bouquet of flowers on an empty chair at the ceremony. It was a touching tribute to her late mother, and a way for her to include her in the day's celebrations.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests moved to The Barn, which was decorated with rustic charm and floral arrangements. The reception was a lively and joyful celebration, filled with dancing, laughter, and love. The couple's first dance was a romantic moment, and they were surrounded by the warm and supportive presence of their family and friends.

Hanna and Jesse's wedding was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of their love and commitment to each other. Despite the absence of Hanna's mother, her spirit was present throughout the day, and her memory was honored in a touching way. It was a day that the couple and their guests will always remember, a testament to the power of love and family.

Congratulation to the Happy Couple!

Hanna & Jesse's engagement session

Brianna + Nick • Fall Engagement Session

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

I always look forward to capturing the unique love story of each couple and I love it when they incorporate their personal interests and special places into their engagement sessions. So, I was thrilled when Brianna and Nick mentioned that they wanted to do their session at the park where they often walked their dog, Bailey.

On the day of the shoot, the park was a stunning display of fall colors, and the warm light of the setting sun added a magical touch to the ambiance. Brianna and Nick arrived with Bailey, and the joy and excitement on their faces were palpable. They were dressed in cozy outfits that perfectly complemented the fall hues of the park.

As we began the session, I couldn't help but notice how comfortable and completely at ease Brianna and Nick were with each other. Their love was so evident in the way they interacted. 

Bailey was also an important part of the session. She was an energetic and fun-loving dog, and her presence added to the overall joy and excitement of the shoot.

Their Love Story

Brianna and Nick met in high school in 2006. 

They share a love for outdoor activities - hiking, snowboarding, biking, and anything that involves spending time with each other and their dog, Bailey. 

It was only fitting that Nick proposed during one of their hiking outings at High Point State Park. 

From Brianna: "Nick understands me like no one else and supports me in everything I do."

From Nick: "Brianna makes me a better person and makes me want to be my best."

Congratulations, Brianna & Nick! 

I am so excited to capture your wedding day in just a few short weeks!

Nicole + Tim • New Jersey Botanical Garden Engagement

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

I was so excited to photograph Nicole and Tim's engagement session at New Jersey Botanical Garden last fall. The soft, warm light of the setting sun and the garden's natural beauty provided the perfect canvas for capturing their love story.

We made our way through the park's winding paths, stopping at various spots to capture the perfect shots. Nicole and Tim's chemistry was evident in every moment we spent together. They were playful, affectionate, and clearly deeply in love. I enjoyed capturing the little moments between them, the way they looked at each other, the way they laughed together, and the way they held each other close.

We took advantage of the golden hour lighting, which cast a warm, romantic glow over the entire scene. The soft, diffused light was so beautiful and we made sure to take advantage of every moment before the sun disappeared over the horizon.

How They Met

"We met through a set-up from a friend in NYC. Tim lived with one of Nicole's best friends from college, and she knew we'd be a perfect match! She tricked us into meeting at a Super Bowl party in 2017."

First Date

For their first date, Tim took Nicole out to dinner in the city. Wanting to extend the night, they went out to a bar after where they had many laughs and both felt a definite spark.

The Proposal

"Tim proposed this past July while we were away on vacation in Cancun. After the stress of traveling with the ring in secret, Tim proposed on the second night of our trip, overlooking the resort and ocean from our balcony. We celebrated with a romantic dinner, lots of champagne, and a week's worth of beach/sun! Leading up to the engagement, we had a wonderful time working together to design the ring, which holds great sentimental value, as it contains some accent diamonds from Nicole's grandmother's rings. 

From Nicole: "Tim is the most wonderful man I know. I love his kind, caring and understanding heart. He is incredibly thoughtful and will forever make me smile."

From Tim: "Nicole is extraordinarily kind and understanding. She can make me and others smile and laugh with her lively personality and amusing stories. I love her endearing passion for family and friends."

Nicole and Tim say they are both planners and and look at their life together as a partnership. They balance each other out perfectly with Nicole's more bubbly personality and Tim's more calming demeanor. 

Favorite Things

"We love to be outdoors, such as, at the beach, hiking, by the pool and going for walks. We enjoy good food - going out to eat, trying new restaurants and cooking at home together. Our family and friends are very important to us both, and we love spending time with them together. Heading into the Fall season, we're excited for some pumpkin picking, beautiful Fall foliage and apple cider donuts!"

"Our Cancun engagement vacation was our favorite trip as a couple! We also love to go to Cape Cod almost every summer. Nicole also studied abroad in Florence and was able to tour around Europe in college."

Congratulations, Nicole & Tim!

I am so excited for your wedding this fall!

Gabrielle + Ryan • Crossed Keys Estate Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Gabi & Ryan's wedding day at Crossed Keys Estate was everything you would imagine about a summer wedding!

With its lush greenery, blooming flowers, and a romantic outdoor atmosphere the venue provided the perfect setting. 

The bride wore a stunning white dress with delicate lace detailing and a long train, perfectly capturing the essence of summer elegance. Her bridesmaids were dressed in the mix of stunning floral patterns and soft pinks adding a touch of whimsy to the occasion.

The ceremony was held in the estate's beautiful garden, surrounded by blooming flowers. The couple exchanged their vows under a floral arch, and their family and friends watched with tears of joy in their eyes.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy an outdoor cocktail hour on the estate's tented terrace, complete with refreshing drinks and delicious appetizers.

As the sun began to set, the guests were ushered into the reception hall, which was decorated with a garden-inspired theme. The tables were adorned with greenery, elegant floral arrangements, and flickering candles that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

The rest of the evening was filled with joyous celebrations, heartfelt speeches, and lots of dancing. The band kept the dance floor packed, and everyone had a great time letting loose and enjoying the festivities.

Congratulations, Gabi & Ryan!

See Gabi & Ryan's engagement session here.

Samantha is 11!

• NEW JERSEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER •

Samantha turns 11 today and, I must admit, it's really hard not to get emotional.

As I reflect on the past year I am filled with pride and gratitude for all she has accomplished and experienced. 

She continues to grow and mature into an amazing young lady with a strong sense of independence and asserting her own voice and opinions. And while it may at time cause some "friction" I do appreciate her knowing exactly when she wants. 

That independence also translates into her excitement for starting middle school this fall! 

Samantha works hard to consistently achieve top grades in her classes impressing us and her teachers.

Her dedication and love of learning is truly inspiring!

In addition to her academic achievements, Samantha has continued to explore her interests and talents outside of school. She has discovered a love for baking and has spent countless hours experimenting in the kitchen and sharing her creations with us- cupcakes, cookies and most recent- no-bake cake in a cup (yum!).

She has also started gymnastics to practice and prep before joining cheer this fall. 

And then there is fashion and her love for certain brands, or her interest in skincare (it's good to start young, isn't it?). 

Happy 11th Birthday, My Love! 

May this year bring you endless joy, laughter and happiness that you deserve. Your dad and I are so lucky to be your parents, and we cannot wait to see all the incredible things that you will achieve in the years to come. 

Brianna + Kyle • The Ashford Estate Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Brianna and Kyle's wedding at The Ashford Estate was a fairytale come to life. 

The event was beautifully decorated with lush greenery and gorgeous flowers by Peonies To Paint Chips, creating such a romantic atmosphere. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the day, from the carefully curated décor to the beautiful accents that complemented the overall aesthetic. 

The Ashford Estate provided a stunning backdrop for the couple's big day, making it a truly unforgettable event from getting ready to their nuptials, to the cocktail hour and reception. 

The beautiful cherry blossom trees (Brianna's vision coming to life) brought a touch of nature to their church ceremony, making it a perfect setting to exchange their vows and a truly magical scene for the couple's walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

Congratulations on your wedding, Brianna and Kyle! 

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together!

Brianna & Kyle's engagement session can be viewed here.

Alexandra + Tommy • New Jersey Botanical Gardens

• NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

        Alexandra and Tommy are getting married in Rhode Island later this year and their engagement session was such a great opportunity to capture the excitement and anticipation of their upcoming nuptials. 

The New Jersey Botanical Gardens provided a picturesque background for the couple's photos, making for a perfect summer setting with its lush greenery, colorful flower gardens, and serene surroundings.

It was so much fun to explore the park with them while capturing moments that truly reflected their relationship. 

And with their great chemistry and fun-loving personalities, Alexandra and Tommy are sure to have an amazing time on their wedding day and create even more unforgettable memories.

Congratulations and all the best!