Desirée + Thomas • New Jersey Botanical Gardens Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Desirée and Thomas' engagement session was truly magical! 

They chose The New Jersey Botanical Gardens and The Skylands Manor for the location and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to!  

The golden hour added extra magic to this stunning backdrop.

HOW THEY MET

'We were very young when we first met (he was 17 & I was 16) and we met once before we “officially” met. The very first time was complete accident. We were both at a skate park in Brooklyn. I was there for a friend, and he was there riding his bike. He asked me for a scrunchie. And I thought his hair was a wig because it was so long. That was the most of our exchange. Then over a year later we met through mutual friends at a shopping mall. I was there shopping and he was there to be matched up with my sister’s friend. However, we hit it off and didn’t realize he was the guy on the bike and I was the scrunchie girl until later on.'

THEIR FIRST DATE

'Our first date was simple. We were teenagers with nothing to do so he took me to the Aquarium and then to McDonalds afterwards. We still joke about the McDonalds to this day. And he took me back to the Aquarium to propose.'

THE PROPOSAL

'Thomas lied to me and said he had 2 tickets to the Aquarium that his job gave him for free. So he said, let’s go and then afterwards let’s go out to dinner in the city for your birthday. On the way to the Aquarium I knew because there is no reason for two adults to go back to that small Aquarium that we haven’t been to since our first date!'

Desirée and Thomas love watching TV and long car rides, walking the dog, hiking, snowboarding, horseback riding and talking about their future.

Desirée says she has always wanted a friend who was as active and brave as she is. Thomas will do things that he's never done before like ride a horse and will be able to keep up with her. He also has a much calmer nature that balances hers.

Thomas loves Desirée's bubbly personality. She is always full of energy and can liven up any room with her fun and loving spirit.

They describe themselves as adventurous.

Congratulations, Desirée and Thomas!!! 

I am so excited to capture your top-of-a-mountain wedding next summer! 

Giulina + Chris • The Park Savoy Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

It was such a beautiful day! 

Giuliana and Chris tied the knot at The Park Savoy last summer. Every detail of their day was simply stunning!
I absolutely loved Giuliana's bridesmaids' sequins dresses and the red gerbera daisies that added a pop of color to her bouquet.

I had the pleasure of capturing their day alongside Brielle Kaschak Photography. 

Nicole + Rob • Maternity Session • New Jersey Family Photographer

Gorgeous momma-to-be + a very excited daddy at one of the prettiest locations-  and me behind the camera! That's my description of an afternoon well spent! 

Because maternity sessions are one of my favorite!

I love seeing the excitement, anticipation, and the love that the soon-to-be-parents already have for their bundle of joy. 

I met with Nicole and Rob at Cross Estate Gardens on a warm summer evening to capture a few moments before they become a family of three!

Their baby boy is due in early August! 

Congratulations, Nicole & Rob! 

Aleksandra + Mark • Summer Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Out of all the engagement sessions this one is by far the most special! 

Two of my dear friends are getting married!!! 

Aleksandra and I go waaaaay back! I met her sister, Aneta, at the airport while we both were coming to the US from Poland almost two decades ago! Aneta and I have been friends ever since. 

Aleksandra visited her sister a few times and eventually moved to New Jersey to attend St. Elizabeth College. 

I met Mark at a Polish church I used to go to. 

He became part of our circle of friends and eventually met his future wife :) 

~ Here is their story ~

HOW THEY MET

We initially met in Poland in 2007 at my sister’s wedding! Then we reconnected in 2016 when we had our first date.


FIRST DATE

"We casually went out to Morristown for a drink. This was the first time we talked about our hobbies and interests. We found out that we have so much in common! We both love animals and the outdoors. We actually ended up going hiking on our second date!
"

HOW HE PROPOSED

"It was a total surprise! I was making dinner, Mark came home from work and all of a sudden I see our dog Zuma running around with a bandana that says “will you marry my daddy”! Then he and Adrian (his son) went on one knee and said that they can’t imagine their lives without me and that they love me very much!! So sweet!!
"

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO TOGETHER

"Mostly watching Netflix on the couch as a family! We love Friday movie nights! We also love hiking and walking our dogs Zuma and Diesel! And we love eating yummy food!
"

Aleksandra loves how caring and loving Mark is. 

And Mark loves the beautiful person she is, inside and out!

 When asked what word describes them as a couple, they said 'hygge' which is a Danish word for a quality of coziness that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.

Congratulations, Aleksandra & Mark! 

I could not be happier and more excited for you both! 

And I cannot wait to celebrate with you next year in Poland!!

Amanda + Gaston • Asbury Park Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Asbury Park is a lot of fun on any day! 

But especially when you add a cute couple in love, a bottle of rosé and a picnic on the beach!

I had so much fun hanging out with Amanda and Gaston during their engagement session, I loved getting to know them and their love story! 

And wow! Their chemistry is undeniable! They absolutely adore each other.

HOW THEY MET

Amanda and Gaston met through friends during Labor Day weekend ten years ago.

They were both down the shore for a night of fun and dancing.

FIRST DATE

"While we have two days that our love story started we will stick with our reconnection. Gaston messaged me and asked to come down to Atlantic City. We walked in circles for hours talking and catching up on the past eight years as if no time had passed at all. Moments after we hugged and said goodbye we both turned back to look at each other at the exact same moment and smiled. We both knew right then.
"

HOW HE PROPOSED

"Gaston planned the most perfect proposal, all a surprise. He picked a restaurant called Limani in Westfield. He planned a four course menu, ordered a cake from our favorite bakery and bought flowers and decor. To top it all off he invited my family and his to meet for the first time after he popped the question. As we sat down Gaston seemed so nervous he started to tell me how much he loved me and then the moment came and he asked of course I said yes! After we hugged and kissed and had one sip of champagne, both our families popped out. I instantly burst into tears. We all had a beautiful dinner and celebrated our engagement together. It was a day I’ll never forget. I’m the luckiest girl. Oh did I forget to mention it was Valentine’s Day!
"

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO TOGETHER

"Gaston and I love to cook, while he is the chef I am his very best assistant.

We love to travel together.

Fitness is a passion of ours. Amanda is preparing and training for the NYC half marathon.

House hunting has become a big hobby as we have been searching for our perfect dream home.

Amanda loves Gaston’s spice for life, he is always thinking of new ideas for dinner, for travel and for our day to day life. She values having a partner that embraces each day with joy and excitement.

Amanda makes Gaston smile everyday even when the day didn’t go so great. She makes him a better person and makes him want to explore the world, see new places and try new foods. He can’t imagine his life without her.

One word to describe them as a couple? Magical

Congratulations, Amanda & Gaston! 

I cannot wait to celebrate your big day at Bear Brook Valley next April!

Raquel + Brian • The Estate At Florentine Gardens Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Last October I had the pleasure of photographing Raquel + Brian's gorgeous wedding day
 at The Estate At Florentine Gardens alongside Jennifer Larsen Photography.

The couple tied the knot during a ceremony at Our Lady Of Fatima Church,
surrounded by their families and friends. 

Happy Father's Day!

"A dad is someone who wants to catch you when you fall 

but instead picks you up,  brushes you off, and lets you try again."


I could have never imagined or wished for a better father to my children than my husband!
My heart swells up with happiness seeing them together, and knowing how much joy it brings him!
Thank you for everything you do, My Love! We are so lucky to have you!

Happy Father's Day!
Let's celebrate all the wonderful dads today and every day! 

And a very Happy Father's Day to my amazing dad!

Kocham Cię, Tato! 

Nichole + Jorge • Bryant Park Engagement • New York Wedding Photographer

Ahh, I was so excited about Nichole and Jorge's engagement session!
For so many reasons! A couple in love, a sunny spring morning, and, for one, a visit to New York City!
Now, that's hard to pass up!

I met with Nichole and Jorge in Bryant Park in late April while tulips were in bloom. Nichole's office is located nearby, and she had this specific time of year in mind for the engagement photos so we could capture these gorgeous flowers.

It was such a beautiful day! The weather was just perfect to spend some time in the park and to walk over to The New York Public Library for a few photos on its iconic steps.

H o w  T h e y  M e t

"We met at work back in 2011. We both worked in the same building and Nichole would join Jorge's lunch group from time to time. We had both moved on to other areas of the company and to different buildings when we reconnected in the fall of 2012 and decided to go on our first date."

F i r s t  D a t e

"Our first date was at a bar near our office at the time. We are both very competitive and played several rounds of darts and pool there. We enjoyed a few drinks as we got to know each other. This bar also had trivia night. In the beginning of our relationship we would meet up for weekly trivia as an excuse to see each other, although we were never any good at it."

T h e  P r o p o s a l

"We were in St. Thomas on vacation when Jorge proposed. The setting was picture perfect. We were dining at a Waterfront restaurant and we arrived just as the sun was setting. As we were finishing up one of the best meals of our trip (the food was amazing!) when Jorge got down on one knee to pop the question. Nichole was ecstatic and began to cry. The restaurant owner came out with champagne and sparklers to help us celebrate this special moment."

* * *

Both being big foodies, Nichole and Jorge love trying new restaurants and cuisines in their free time. There is nothing like good food, a bottle of wine, and of course each other's company, after a long week at work.

Jorge's kindhearted nature is what Nichole loves the most about him. No matter the situation he always knows what to say and how to handle it. Whether it's comforting Nichole after a stressful day, grabbing some takeout after work, or just making her laugh, he always manages to make her feel special.

Jorge loves the way she looks at him. Every time he looks into Nichole's eyes, he can see that there's a sparkle there that she has when she looks at him. No matter how sick, tired, or upset she is with him. He knows deep down there what they have is special... true love. Looking into her eyes is a constant reminder of how lucky he is to have a bond as special as what they have.

As a couple, Nichole and Jorge describe themselves as easy-going: "Whether we're playing sports, enjoying drinks, or just lounging around and watching Netflix we always manage to have a good time and enjoy each other's company."

Congratulations, Nichole + Jorge!

I cannot wait to capture your big day next April!

Happy Mother's Day!

"When you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know." 

~ Mitch Alborn

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas out there! 

And to The Best Mom in the world! I aspire to be like you!

I love you, Mom!

Kocham Cię, Mamo!

• 
  

Morristown Marriage Proposal {Kelly + Jared} • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

When one of my friends, Lauren, reached out to me asking if I was available to shoot her brother's proposal I almost jumped out of my seat! I was so excited and honored!

It was my very first proposal! 

The reality started to set in and I began to feel a bit nervous! It was such an important moment!

I didn't want to miss anything!

But everything worked out so perfectly! It was just meant to be!

Jared and Kelly had a few appetizers at Roots Steakhouse in Morristown, NJ, and decided to take a walk to The Green. I was already there pretending to photograph the trees and newly planted daffodils ;-)

Kelly seemed quite oblivious as to what was about to happen and probably didn't even notice me there and my two cameras!  

Quick nod from Jared and I knew he was going for it!

As soon as they reached the middle of the park he went down on one knee, pulled out the ring box and asked Kelly to marry him!  

She, of course, said YES! (after the initial shock and disbelief ;-) 

Congratulations, Kelly + Jared! 

Happy wedding planning!