Taylor + Philip • NJ Botanical Gardens Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Taylor and Philip chose one of the most gorgeous locations for their engagement session. 

Skylands Manor and New Jersey Botanical Gardens are absolutely stunning in the spring with their many blossoms, lush greenery, and very unique fairytale-like architecture. 

I had a blast exploring the grounds with them and getting to know their love story. 

How They Met

Taylor and Philip met during their senior year of high school- in economics class… Taylor heard Philip was able to fix the back of a phone so when she shattered hers, she knew he was the one to go to :) 

Their First Date

Taylor: "He took me to Panera in our town! I had numerous coupons so I basically paid for the whole date ;) "

The Proposal

"Philip proposed on top of Cadillac Mountain as we were watching the sunrise. First place the sun rises in the United States :) We had been talking about going to Acadia National Park for a while and when he was able to get a last-minute vacation from work, we planned the trip in about 3 weeks! My engagement ring arrived the night before we left.

Taylor and Philip love to travel together and have many trips planned out via Pinterest. They love to experience new things together but also love to just relax, watch Netflix, and enjoy each other’s company. 

Taylor about Philip: "I love his selflessness and how he would drop everything to help me out. He’s someone I can truly rely on and trust with my life and heart." 

Philip about Taylor: "I love how much she supports me and has my back. She supports my career, goals, and my love for the Giants. "

One word to describe them as a couple: 

Dependable 

Congratulations, Taylor & Philip!

I cannot wait to capture your wedding this September!

Nicole + Jaime • Bear Brook Valley Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

 

Nicole + Jaime had to wait 11 months longer to tie the knot. Their May 2020 wedding had to be postponed but that did not take away from their beautiful celebration! 

Their day could not have been more perfect! 

Although it was an early April, I was so excited that the weather allowed them to have an outdoor ceremony at Bear Brook Valley!

I couldn't get enough of all the gorgeous florals by Pink Dahlia Floral Design including Nicole's bouquet, welcome sign and their unique seating chart - all custom made by Kim and her husband!

Their ceremony was followed by an evening of dancing, eating, and celebrating the New Mr. & Mrs. Arias!!

How They Met

Nicole and Jaime met at work in March of 2017 and started dating in September 2017. Their first date was a hiking trip that ended with ice cream. Nicole was unaware it was a date until they pulled up to Cliffs - her favorite spot!

How He Proposed

"Jaime proposed the day after Valentines Day. We went to dinner at the Liberty House which we always said we wanted to try when we live in Jersey City but never got around to it. Our first kiss was on the walkway of the water with the city in the background and Jaime proposed with the same backdrop - the spot for our first and last."

Favorite Things To Do Together

"We love to do so much together! Our favorites would be hiking, take out with a good movie, and traveling. We also try to incorporate our dog in as much as we can! We got him together early on in our relationship and he has proven, together we can handle anything!"

Nicole about Jaime: "For starters, he has to be the funniest person I have ever met. I love that everything isn't so serious all the time and he makes me laugh more than anything else every day!

I also love the person he is, he is my support system, my cheerleader, my confidence, and my compass pointing and pushing me in the right direction."

Jaime about Nicole: "There are too many to name. But one important one is her personality. I am my real self when I am around her and don't have to worry about being any different. We are both so comfortable with one another that we love each other for our raw true selves."

One word to describe them as a couple: 

Unconditional <3

Congratulations to The Newlyweds!

Gabrielle + Ryan • Central Park Engagement • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Is it possible for Central Park to be any more beautiful in the spring?

It was such a perfect location for Gabi & Ryan's engagement session last May.

So many trees and gorgeous flowers were in bloom that time of year, and I truly enjoyed wandering the many paths of the park while capturing a few sweet moments between these two lovebirds. 

How They Met

Gabi and Ryan met in college at the University of Delaware in 2012, at the end of our junior year. They were introduced by a mutual friend at a party, where Ryan invited Gab to his 21st birthday party that summer at his parents bar in Point Pleasant, called Marlins Cafe. Though Gab thought he may have been just being nice, Ryan followed through and shared the invite to his Bday Party Facebook Group the next day. 

Gab was feeling adventurous, and ended up going to the party with her friends! Little did she know she'd meet her future in-laws and family that night.  The two reconnected in the Fall when they returned to school for senior year. After "bumping into each other" all over campus for weeks, they finally shared their feelings for each other and as they say, the rest was history. 

"We have been officially together for 9 years on January 16th!"

Their first official date was dinner at a favorite restaurant of theirs called Taverna, in Delaware.

How He Proposed

On August 29th, 2020 Ryan surprised Gab by planning a day at a vineyard with his brothers in New Jersey called the Working Dog Winery. While taking a walk together through the vines, he dropped on one knee and proposed to Gab. She was surprised and overjoyed, it was the best day of her life.  

They celebrated with their immediate families and closest friends at the McKenna's nearby, surrounded by so much love and happiness.

Favorite things to do together

Gabi & Ryan love to spend time together with their friends, see their favorite country artists in concerts, explore New York City, and dine at great restaurants.

Gab says that Ryan is the most loyal and authentic person she knows.

Ryan loves that Gab is down to do anything, and lets him watch every football game.

One word to describe them as a couple - fun!

Congratulations, Gabi & Ryan! 

I cannot wait for the next chapter of your love story this June!

Here are some of my favorites from their session. 

Samantha + Bret • Sunset Ballroom Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Samantha & Bret tied the knot in a church ceremony last March. 

Before heading to the venue, we stopped for their portraits at the beach. Although sunny, it was a chilly winter day - but you could never tell by looking at the bride and groom.  They truly braved the cold!

The celebration of the newlyweds continued at The Sunset Ballroom in Point Pleasant. 

Congratulations to the New Mr. & Mrs. Viola!

Brianna + Kyle • Willowwood Arboretum Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Brianna and Kyle's garden engagement session makes me so excited for spring!

It was so much fun getting to know the two of them as we strolled amongst cherry blossoms and along fields filled with tulips! 

Congratulations, Brianna & Kyle!

I cannot wait to capture the next chapter of your love story this May!

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

 

One of my favorite things while visiting Avalon each summer is seeing this beautiful family.

I absolutely adore Katie & Clint, whose wedding I photographed back in 2018, and have been so honored to capture their growing family ever since.

Here are a few favorites from their session this past August. 

Prepare yourself for a major cuteness overload!