Melissa + Bradley • Cross Estate Gardens Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Cross Estate Gardens is one of my favorite locations for an engagement session. 

There are so many different types of beautiful flowers there, making it the perfect backdrop for photos.

I loved spending the evening with Melissa and Bradley, getting to know them and their love story. 

How They Met

Melissa and Bradely met in December 2012 in the anatomy lab at Ramapo College. They technically met in June 2011 in summer physics class, but Bradley says Melissa doesn't remember this.

Their First Date

Brad picked Melissa up an hour late because he stopped on the drive over to help a man change his tire in the snow (she teases him that this is a made up story, but knowing him, she says, it's probably true). They got 2 for $20 at Applebee's, then saw the worst movie ever, Movie 43. It was ridiculous, but they laugh at the whole thing now!

The Proposal

As a complete surprise to Melissa, Brad proposed on August 10, 2018, at Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ. Both of their families were watching from a distance, and beautiful photos were taken. It was perfect!

In their free time, Melissa and Brad love going to the beach, watch TV on their cozy sofa, have dinner together, or go to concerts ('We will again, one day!'- They say).

From Melissa: 'Bradley always sees the bright side of things. He is optimistic, funny, generous, smart, creative, silly, and incredibly handy. Best of all, he is warm and loving to me and everyone around him. He is the greatest partner!'

From Bradley: 'Melissa would go to the ends of the earth for the people she cares about. Her love for her family, both the one she was born into and the one she's marrying into, is both unconditional and second to none. Without her support and affection, I wouldn't be who I am today.'

When asked to describe themselves in one word, Melissa & Brad said: 'We are people pleasers and feel best when making others around us happy... so, thoughtful?'

* * *

After having to postpone their wedding, Melissa + Bradley are finally getting married this weekend! 

Congratulations, Melissa & Bradley!! 

I am so excited to capture your Big Day! 

Happy Father's Day!

" A father’s tears and fears are unseen, his love is unexpressed, but his care and protection remains as a pillar of strength throughout our lives."

~ Ama H.Vanniarachchy

Happy Father's Day to The Best Dad I could ask for my children (they absolutely adore you, Steve!!!), and to all the amazing fathers out there!

 I would also like to celebrate my dad - this year more than any other! 

It was a rough couple of months after my dad suffered from another heart attack and needed bypass surgery.  Countless amount of phone and video calls, holding back my tears each time we spoke, praying and never losing hope! God is good! 

Words cannot describe how incredibly thankful I am my dad is still with us and doing well. 

Kocham Cię, Tato! 

Happy Father's Day! 

Melissa + Chris • WoodsEdge Farm Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

 It was the most perfect fall day! 

Melissa and Chris tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony at WoodsEdge Farm, officiated by the bride's older brother. The couple knew the ceremony would be personal and meaningful having it done by someone who knew them and their relationship. 

 They chose to get married under a big oak tree with llama enclosures on either side.  WoodsEdge Farm was the first venue they visited and it just fit their personalities perfectly. 

The couple added another personal touch to their ceremony- tree planting before exchanging vows.  They chose an indoor potted olive tree as a symbol of peace, hope and love and a nod to their dog, Olive.  They collected dirt from their childhood homes and poured them together into the olive tree pot which now sits in their living room as a reminder of their wedding day. 

Their reception was held in the barn at WoodsEdge Farm, a few steps away from their ceremony.

Wood farm tables decorated with greenery, pillar candles and tea lights over delicate lace and sheer table runners in ivory along with blush tones brought a bit of rustic yet elegant vibes to the space. 

Melissa and Chris shared their first dance to Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love”, a quintessential love song with a sweet message.

Congratulations to The Bride & Groom!

Melissa + Chris' wedding was published in Spring/Summer edition 

of Contemporary Weddings Magazine (pages 64, 65 & 66) and on their blog!