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! 

Mariam + Andrew • Ballyowen Golf Club Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Mariam & Andrew's wedding day could not have been more perfect! 

The venue, the weather and all the details were just gorgeous. 

Mariam and Andrew tied the knot during an outdoor ceremony at Ballyowen Golf Club with sweeping views of this picturesque golf course, followed by a night of dancing and celebrating the new Mr & Mrs. 

HOW THEY MET

Mariam and Andrew met on January 1, 2018 and went on their first date to Morris Tap and Grill in Randolph two weeks later. They talked and laughed for hours, and met again the next day.

HOW HE PROPOSED

"Andrew proposed to me in his simple and steady fashion - at our favorite park in Randolph (Hedden Park where we love going to)."

Mariam loves Andew's selflessness and the fact that he always puts her first. 

Andrew loves Mariam's sense of humor and how kind she is. He says she makes him a better person. 

In their free time they love going to restaurants and parks.

Congratulations, Mariam & Andrew! 

I am wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness! 

Cheers to the Newlyweds!

Kari + Dave • Aviation Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

This must have been one of the coolest sessions I have ever done! 

When Dave mentioned he was a pilot I knew I wanted to incorporate that into their engagement session. Because when planes are involved, you know it is going to be extra fun!

I met with Kari and Dave at The Essex County Airport where Dave is a pilot and an instructor. 

He was able to wheel out one of the planes he flies for a few shots. And we got to sit in it, too! 

Wait till you find out how Dave proposed! Eek! The coolest and not surprising, really!!!

Part two of their shoot took place by the lake since they really enjoy fishing, boating and kayaking in their free time.

I had so much fun with these two! They would laugh the whole time, really enjoying each other's company, and not taking things too seriously 😉

HOW THEY MET

"They say you can't buy love but a membership to Match brought us together. ;)"

THEIR FIRST DATE

"We met at The Windlass on Lake Hopatcong. Dave got very lost getting there and asked Kari how to get there but she is very directionally impaired. We ordered the same thing and Kari forgot to cheer to our first date and drank before. We then spent the rest of the weekend hanging out and getting to know each other. Dave took Kari on her first motorcycle ride, to Hawks Nest, then on a plane ride!"

HOW HE PROPOSED

"Dave decided to surprise Kari and told her that they were going to fly to a restaurant to meet with friends. While flying around and looking at the fall scenery out the window Dave popped the question! They then landed and met up with their parents for a celebratory dinner."

Kari loves how Dave always makes her laugh. They can always make a good time out of anything they are doing. He understands and supports her through good and bad. He feels like home and is truly her soul mate.

Dave loves Kari's eyes, smile and her laugh. He loves how she works hard at her job and how she is compassionate towards all her patients. She is his rock, giving him confidence through this journey called life.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THEM AS A COUPLE? (per Kari & Dave ;)

Comical!

Congratulations, Kari + Dave! I cannot wait to celebrate with you in just a few days! 

Audrey + Clinton • Cross Estate Gardens Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I had so much fun with Audrey and Clinton during their spring engagement session!
There was no shortage of beautiful blossoms, dancing and lots of giggles!
I could tell these two have a lot of fun together!
Plus, they are the sweetest! They surprised me with a birthday card and a bouquet of flowers!!

HOW THEY MET

'We met in the fall of our Senior year of college, October 2013. We were both on the patio at this bar's College Night they held every Thursday. Clinton was sitting at a table with some mutual friends, and I came over to talk with them. Clinton introduced himself, and by the end of the night, we were the only ones still talking at the table. We exchanged numbers that night, and then started seeing each other from there. We started dating that November, and have been together ever since.'

THEIR FIRST DATE

'We went to New York City to celebrate the holidays. We walked throughout the city that day visiting the tree, looked through the Macy's window display, and stopped at Magnolia Bakery for a few treats before heading back home to New Jersey. When we got back to my apartment we cooked together and had a wonderful dinner. '

HOW HE PROPOSED

'Clinton asked my father for his permission earlier that summer on vacation. Obviously my father said yes and followed up with a million more questions asking Clinton when he was going to do it; however, Clinton wanted it to be a surprise for everyone. November 14th is our anniversary and this year I was up in Boston for a speech language pathology convention. Clinton came up for the weekend and met me when I got out from the convention. The night before the proposal I asked Clinton if he had any plans for the weekend and he simply responded "just dinner reservations at 7". The next day we walked around Boston and Clinton was very persistent about checking into our hotel and going to a bar before dinner. Of course I was confused as to why we were going to a bar before dinner but I just rolled with the plans. As we were leaving the hotel, Clinton grabbed my hand and told me the quickest way to the bar was through the park. In the middle of the park there is a small, white bridge that we were crossing when Clinton confessed to me that he forgot his anniversary card for me (cards are a big deal to us) and told me he thought he could show me how much he loves me in another way. Before I knew it, Clinton was on his knee asking me to marry him! I was in complete shock and when he stood up I heard cheering in the background which was our close friends and family. He surprised my family and friends earlier that week with a detailed plan so they would be in the right spot at the right time. We all then went to the bar to celebrate the best night of our life! '

Audrey and Clinton really love to do anything and everything together. They enjoy being outside, going on hikes, finding restaurants with delicious food, or going into Montclair for a drink.

The things Audrey loves most about Clinton is how passionate and supportive he is. He makes her feel like she can conquer anything in this world and she is so glad to have him by her side through everything. Audrey says: 'I know he loves me with his whole heart and will be there for me always. He is my best friend and I cannot wait to see what life has in store for us.'

What Clinton loves most about Audrey is the way he feels around her. She makes him laugh uncontrollably all the time, and she simply makes him feel happy. She expects the best out of him which makes him want to be the best version of himself for her.

One word to describe them as a couple? Fun!
   

Congratulations, Audrey & Clinton! 
I am so excited to capture more special moments for you next April! 

The Price Family • Avalon Beach Session • New Jersey Family Photographer

The setting for this family session was absolutely stunning! Not to mention beach sessions are one of my favorite!

I am always so excited to capture families and their little ones, more so, when they happen to be one of my beautiful couples! It's such an honor to be part of their special moments and to be able to capture their milestones!

I had the pleasure of photographing Katie and Clint's wedding day last year and was so happy to hear that their family was growing! Their baby boy, Trevor, was born on New Year's Eve! As if 2018 couldn't get any better!

It was such a treat to spend an evening with this sweet family while vacationing in Avalon, NJ.
Such a great coincidence that we all happened to be there around the same time!

Trevor is absolutely precious and totally stole my heart! 

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!