Morristown Creatives Summer Soirée

• NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

I am throwing it back to the summer of 2019 today!

It was then when a group of creatives from the Morristown area gathered together to design a fabulous summer soirée experience to showcase the collective creativity, power, and passion of the Morristown small business community.

Al fresco dining at Fig & Lily Garden outdoor patio, lush florals by Colly Flowers, hand-painted gown by Zahra Batool of ZB Couture, gorgeous hair and makeup by Jacqueline Cicala of Blowout Morristown, unique jewelry pieces designed and handmade by Danielle & Chris of Merzatta, beautiful invitation suite by Jeanine of Once Write, along with a real life couple, Jackie & Matt who, back then, were planning their own wedding, brought our vision to life.

The guests witnessed a mock ceremony followed by a delicious dinner by Fig & Lily Garden, wine by Amanti Vino, beverages by Green Point Juicery and a cake by Swiss Chalet Bakery. 

The soirée aimed to provide inspiration and ideas to future brides and grooms planning their wedding whether they envisioned an intimate gathering or larger celebration.

The proceeds from this event benefited The Seeing Eye.

Creative Team

Photography Monika de Myer || Organization + Creative Idea Jacqueline Cicala || Hair + Makeup Blowout Morristown & Blowout Bridal  || Event Planning Michael Maguire of Produced By Primates • En Masse Coworking || Venue Fig & Lily Garden || Wine Amanti Vino || Dress ZB Couture || Tux Cozy Tux || Florals + Tablescape Colly Flowers || Jewelry + Rings Merzatta || Paper Goods Once Write • Paper Strings Shop || Beverages Green Point Juicery  || Cake Swiss Chalet Bakery || Limo My Ride Worldwide || Video Christian Hernandez

#motowncreates

Heather + Conor • The Oyster Point Hotel Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Heather and Conor tied the knot in a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony at Assumption Parish in Morristown, New Jersey. 

Shortly after the mass concluded we headed down to Deep Cut Gardens for their portraits before arriving at The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank for their wedding reception. 

And what a drive it was! 

A torrential downpour was unleashed as soon as we entered the highway and we were worried that Heather & Conor's outdoor photos would not happen! But as soon as we arrived at the park the rain subsided and it eventually stopped allowing to explore Deep Cut Gardens for some time. Talk about perfect timing!

Congratulations, Heather & Conor! 

Wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness and laughter!

See their engagement session here: Heather & Conor • Engaged!

Brittany + Nick • Bear Brook Valley Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Brittany & Nick's wedding was definitely one for the books! 

Despite the rain and not being able to explore the beautiful grounds of Bear Brook Valley we still managed to take photos outside - under the carport (great option to have in case of unfavorable weather). 

 Brittany & Nick's ceremony was moved to The Stables and we were able to use this space for their first look and all their portraits. 

Their day was perfectly coordinated by Christina of Events Made Golden with the most gorgeous florals and tablescape by the incredible Kim of Pink Dahlia Floral Design.

Congratulations, Brittany & Nick!

Christina + Nick • Princeton University Engagement

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

I am so excited to share Christina & Nick's engagement session at the ever so lovely Princeton University campus! 

I am always in awe of the incredible architecture and so many great spots for photos. 

Christina & Nick met a few years before they started to date. 

They went on their first date to Gringos in Jersey City in July 2018.

The Proposal

"Nick proposed in Mexico, on Isla Mujeres. A few weeks prior to us vacationing, he had a friend who vacationed in the same spot. His friend recommended a great restaurant on Isla Mujeres and said there is a fantastic park nearby with views that are worth seeing. Nick said he made dinner reservations for us but wanted to walk around before dinner. While we were walking around Nick proposed and then planned a photo session after! We then went back to the resort and enjoyed a private dinner on the beach."

Christina & Nick enjoy a good Netflix series, relaxing by the pool and BBQing together.

Christina loves Nick's drive & willingness to put others' needs before his own.

Nick says he admires the love Christina has for her family & friends and her overall consideration of others.

One word to describe them as a couple

"balance"

Christina & Nick tied the knot in August 2022 and I cannot wait to share my favorites from their amazing wedding day! Stay tuned! 

Congratulations, Christina & Nick!!!

Merry Christmas from The de Myers!

When they saw the star they rejoiced with great joy!

Matthew 2:10

May the spirit of this holiday season fill your heart and your home!

Merry Christmas!

The de Myers

And here are our annual matching PJ photos (Steve's favorite 😉)

Jack is 9!

   • NEW JERSEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER •

I wish time slowed down a little. 

As I am trying to savor these precious moments of our kids wanting our company, wanting us to watch their sports, and their activities, or sharing their experiences with us, I realize how quickly time passes...

Jack turns 9 today and he is still the sweetest, kindest boy.

His obsession with sports continues with football being his favorite! He played another season of football on the Randolph Bulldogs and had his first catch in a game against another town. 

He went to his first NFL game (NY Giants vs. Chicago Bears) and loved the experience so much we were back at the stadium for another game - NY Jets vs Chicago Bears this time (Chi Bears is Steve's favorite team, Go Bears!!).

Jack also enjoys baseball and even got a few tips from one of our neighbors - Wilmer Difo who used to play for the Washington Nationals. He also went to his first Yankees game!

And let's not forget about basketball which he just started to play :) but has been practicing shooting hoops outside and around the house for weeks!

Outside of sports, Jack still enjoys playing piano which, by the way, was his idea from the start, and we get to enjoy his "private" home concerts very much ;) 

A math wiz, solving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division equations the fastest in his class!  (proud mama). And an avid chess player - working on winning against Steve :)

Happy Birthday, Jack! 

Words cannot express how much we love and adore you! 

Here are a few favorite moments from this past year...

(captured on my camera and iPhone)

Laura + Adam • Bear Brook Valley Wedding

   • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Laura & Adam waited a few extra months to finally have their wedding!

They tied the knot in an intimate beach ceremony in the fall of 2020 and planned to celebrate big the following year.

And what a celebration it was!!

From all the gorgeous details, florals, and "Laura & Adam Fun Fact" napkins, to the epic sunset skies and sweeping views of Bear Brook Valley grounds, the day could not have been more perfect!

And the night would not have been complete without an awesome glow stick party!!

Congratulations, Laura & Adam! 

And Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary!!

Aleksandra + Mark • Intimate Mohawk House Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

Aleksandra and Mark were planning a big Polish wedding in the bride's hometown of Jastrzębie Zdrój in Poland. But life had other ideas and due to the global pandemic they had to change their plans. 

Last November Aleksandra and Mark exchanged their vows in a church ceremony here in New Jersey followed by an intimate dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, Mohawk House in Sparta. 

Surrounded by their families and closest friends, their celebration so perfectly matched who they were as a couple.

It was such an honor to not only capture their beautiful day but to celebrate with them as a guest. 

Congratulations, Aleksandra & Mark! 

And a Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary!

I am so thankful for our friendship and your trust in me to document this joyous occasion!

Kaitlyn + Tim • Orange Lawn Tennis Club Wedding

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

This fall wedding was such a beautiful celebration of Kaitlyn & Tim's love and commitment to one another. 

Their day was filled with so many stunning and meaningful details and a few Indian traditions incorporated by the couple to honor the groom's culture.

Before heading to church Tim participated in a prayer and blessing session with his parents and other members of his family. 

Kaitlyn chose burgundy sarees with rose gold blouses for her bridesmaids.

Their Catholic ceremony included two very important rituals: the tying of the thali and the wedding saree. 

Thali is a leaf shaped pendant with a cross made of seven beads that Tim placed around Kaitlyn's neck. It signifies the bond of marriage. 

The wedding saree (manthrokodi) is a gift to the bride from the groom and his family. Tim put the saree over Kaitlyn's head in a veil-like fashion. This tradition reflects the groom's promise to provide for the bride. 

Later, during their reception at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club, Kaitlyn changed into the manthrokodi with the help of Tim's mom and sister. 

It was such an honor to be part of this absolutely incredible day!

Congratulations, Kaitlyn & Tim!

Sara + Dean • New Jersey Botanical Garden Engagement

 • NEW JERSEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER •

It was a perfect summer evening for an engagement session! 

I met with Sara & Dean at the gorgeous New Jersey Botanical Garden and enjoyed getting to know them and their love story. 

How They Met

"Dean and I met sophomore year (2014) at The College of New Jersey. His friends lived on the same floor as me and he was around often. My friends and I became friends with his friends and eventually he asked me on a date."

First Date
"Dean asked me to go to lunch with him in Princeton at Winberries. After lunch we walked around the town and went to different stores."

The Proposal
"Dean and I stayed in Hoboken for a long weekend in November 2021. On the morning of November 6 we went for a walk on the pier where he proposed. Afterwards, we went to brunch looking out to the river and NYC skyline."

Sara & Dean love going out to eat, playing word games together, shopping, relaxing and watching their favorite TV shows.
Sara about Dean: "I love his kind heart, his goofy personality, and how he is always there for me no matter what."

Dean about Sara: "I love how caring and gentle she is and is always encouraging me to be the best I can be."

Congratulations, Sara & Dean! 

I am so excited to capture your wedding day tomorrow!