Ally + Steve • Maternity Session • Cross Estate Gardens • New Jersey Photographer

I was so excited to photograph Ally and Steve's maternity session! Because what can be more special than photographing the excitement and happy anticipation of the expecting parents!

We met at one of my favorite places to shoot- Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, New Jersey, to capture a few moments before they became a family of three.

Ally and Steve's baby boy was born early this month!
Congratulations to the new parents! 

Something Blue • Styled Shoot • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I love the softness of blush pink juxtaposed with the boldness of dark blue. I had no doubt these colors would be so perfect for a summer wedding.. romantic, dreamy, elegant and classy. 

This inspirational shoot had been in the works for a while and I was so excited it was finally becoming a reality! 

Everything that day exuded romance- the beautiful tablescape by Stacey Sainato of Peony Events designed around French dining set which was provided by Melissa and Jennifer of Chelsea Forge, the gorgeous florals by Conroy Florist, the hair and makeup by Jacqueline Cicala (how romantic was that braid?!), the invitation suite and menu custom designed by Little Black Dress Paperie, not to mention the breathtaking gown courtesy of Elizabeth Johns Bridal Couture and cobalt blue suit by Cozy Tux! Absolute perfection! 

When visiting Chelsea Forge a few days before our shoot I was immediate drawn to the beautiful window in the downstairs of the barn, envisioning our bride posing there as she awaited her ceremony. The beautiful light seeping through, the framing of the ivy, the unique vintage armchair… all added to this romantic setting. 

Chelsea Forge outdoor property had so many great spots to photograph! We all agreed on setting up our table right in the center of an open field with this huge tree in the background. 

Our gorgeous models, Alexandra and Matt are a real life couple who has been together for eight years. Their chemistry was undeniable and it was so easy to see how much they enjoyed each other’s company. They were so adorable, I couldn’t stop snapping! 

I am still in awe! It was such an incredible experience to work with so many talented professionals! I cannot describe how thankful I am for everyone’s work and effort, and days of planning to make this shoot one for the books.

Not to mention - our shoot was featured on Red Oak Weddings!

Fall Family Sessions Part 2 • New Jersey Photographer

When life gives you.... well, snow... you run with it and hope the family sessions look extra gorgeous! 

The snow was definitely not what we expected to see when booking these November sessions. 

But I must admit it added a little magic to the images. 

I was so excited to see a few of the families again and  spend some time with them on a chilly fall weekend. 

Here is part 2 of my fall family sessions. 

Part 1 can be found here.

Fall Family Sessions Part 1 • New Jersey Photographer

Fall must be one of the busiest seasons for most photographers. I once saw a joke on Facebook that said "October is to photographers what April is to accountants", and I have to agree. 

It was a busy time of year, no doubt, between weddings, family sessions and my regular clients, my schedule was filled to the brim!
But that also meant I got to see so many of 'my families' back for their annual session! 

It's so much fun to see how much the kids had grown and to catch up on what they had all been up to since we last saw each other. And I truly feel honored that they choose me to capture their memories year after year! 

I had so many favorites that I wanted to share that I decided to split them into two posts! 

Here's part 1!

Laura + Michael • Battleground Country Club • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I am so excited to finally share Laura and Michael's wedding at Battleground Country Club in Manalapan, New Jersey.
You may remember their love story and engagement session with the best New York City views!

Their wedding day was filled with so much laughter and happiness! Everyone seemed so relaxed and just excited to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs.

While wearing matching robes, Laura and her bridesmaids popped some champagne before getting into her gorgeous gown. In the meantime, Tori walked Michael over to their first look location.
The anticipation was high!

Laura and Michael were so happy to see each other for the first time on their wedding day and to spend a few private moments before the official part of the day began.

Their outdoor ceremony was officiated by none other than the comedian and actor Harris Bloom!
His speech was hilarious and sincere. It caught the essence of Laura and Michael as a couple so perfectly and I just couldn't picture anyone else performing the ceremony of this fun duo!

Their day continued as the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour followed by the reception filled with laughter and lots of dancing! Wait till you see some of their moves! This crowd sure knows how to party!

All the tables were beautifully decorated by Laura's talented mother,  Mrs. Lydia Clopton.

Congratulations to the New Mr. & Mrs. Abikzer!

Kasia + Dino • Maternity Session • New Jersey Photographer

I don’t think I could ever get tired of photographing parents-to-be!
I absolutely LOVE capturing all those special moments and the excitement of awaiting the arrival of their bundle of joy.

I met with Kasia and Dino at The Cross Estate Gardens for their session.
I truly enjoyed spending time getting to know them, hearing their love story {high school sweethearts!} and how excited they were to meet their baby girl who is due in just a couple of weeks!

The golden hour light was simply magical that afternoon!

Merry Christmas!

'May your troubles be less 

and your blessings be more, 

and Christmas brings you happiness

like never before!'

Merry Christmas from The de Myers!

{photos taken by Deborahann Photography/ edited by me}

Happy 5th Birthday, Jack!!!

Another year went by too fast! 

My little man turns 5 today and I am feeling so emotional.
I cannot wrap my head around him not being a baby anymore. Five seems so... big!
That's half a decade!

This year Jack 'came out of his shell' and became more social. He enjoys school and seeing his friends there. Rambunctious at times, he's still a sweet boy and a very good listener.

He loves soccer and gymnastics, riding his scooter and bicycle.
He loves to build! Legos are his favorite! He says she wants to be an architect and builder when he grows up so 'he can build houses for people'.
Blue is still his favorite color, so are his'soft pants' as he calls them. You won't see him wearing jeans very often. Picking outfits and getting dressed on his own are his thing now!
Jack is becoming more independent each day and wants to prove to us that he can do things without anyone's help. It's amazing to watch him grow and flourish.

Jack will be starting Kindergarten in September and I know I am going to be a mess that first week.
I am so proud to be the one he calls momma, and it doesn't matter how old he gets he will always be my baby!

Happy 5th Birthday, Jack!!!

Let's take a look back at his year of fun and adventures 😊

Christmas concert at Goddard 🎄

Jack loves playing outside!

Kathryn + Jacob's Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

It must have been one of the coldest days this fall! 

Kathryn and Jacob braved the cold weather for their engagement session as we met in one of the local parks here in Randolph where Kathryn grew up.
They took a little stroll, danced and giggled, and I was so happy to capture these moments for them.

I cannot wait to photograph Kathryn and Jacob again on their wedding day next October!

Here's their love story!

How They Met 

In the early summer of 2016, my friends and I attended a grand opening of a new hot spot outside of DC! After celebrating the grand opening all day, one of my friends begged us to join her at a birthday party that her boyfriend was attending. Since she clearly didn’t want to be the only girl, I agreed to go to the birthday party with her. 

On the other side, Jacob was also coerced into going to the same birthday party and figured “why not?” because his plans for the night were still not finalized. 

Jacob and I were briefly introduced and quickly realized that this birthday party was going to be far less exciting than everyone thought. Instead of giving up on the fun, everyone decided to dance. I didn’t want to dance alone so I chose Jacob to join me on the dance floor. Jacob is not the biggest fan of dancing, but decided to dance with me anyway. I knew from the moment we danced together that we were going to get married. 

Fast forward a few months and more chance encounters, Jacob asked me to go to a Washington Wizards game with him and after a night of pretending to watch basketball while getting to know each other even more, we’ve been together ever since! 

How He Proposed 

With the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains and the Biltmore House, Asheville, North Carolina became a “bucket list destination” for Jacob and I. We spent July 4 in 2017 exploring Asheville and were completely mesmerized by the beauty of the city. We knew it was a special place, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway where we spent our ride back home in July of 2017 stopping and enjoying the view at all of the scenic overlooks. 

Jacob and I planned another trip to Asheville in May of 2018. After enduring a treacherous trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway with extreme fog and intense rain, the sky opened up and sunlight streamed down. We stopped at the Tanbark Ridge Overlook and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

After a meaningful speech about how much we both love Asheville and how it’s such a special place for us. Jacob explained how it was the best place to start a new chapter of our lives and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I of course said yes! 

Brooke + Alex • The Architects Golf Club Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Brooke and Alex's love story began over 20 years ago when they met in first grade!
So the excitement was high when Alex finally proposed! You may remember their engagement session featured here.

Their day started with a pop of champagne and a few photos of Brooke and her bridesmaids in their matching PJs. After photographing Brooke's gorgeous details it was time for the bride to slip into her amazing wedding gown by Mikaella Bridal and stunning Christian Louboutin shoes! Not to mention the beautiful flower bouquets by Thistle Bee The Florist that she and her bridal party got to carry.

A few portraits with her ladies followed and we headed to their first look location where Alex and my second photographer Tori were already in place. It was one of Alex's favorite spots- the 13th hole.

It is such a special moment for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. And it was a privilege to be there to capture such genuine love and admiration for one another, mixed with the excitement of what was to come.
We took a few photos on the bridge, hopped on a golf cart and headed out to a few other spots on the golf course for their portraits.

Brooke and Alex tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking the golf course of The Architects Golf Club in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Their ceremony and pretty much the entire day was one of the most emotional ones I have ever witnessed.

Brooke's father passed away earlier this year and he was so dearly missed especially on a day like this. One of the ways Brooke honored her late father was by sewing a piece of his wardrobe into her dress. As she walked down the aisle with her mom, he was walking down the aisle with Brooke, as well.
There was so much love present as the bride and groom exchange their own written vows that moved  everyone to tears.

Brooke and Alex's ceremony was followed by an evening of memorable toasts, dancing and celebrating the new Mr. & Mrs.

Congratulations to The Newlyweds! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!