Bridal Show at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club || Bedminster || New Jersey

Gorgeous Sunday afternoon and a perfect setting for this bridal shoot. 

Last weekend I joined Jackie and her talented team at a bridal show held

 at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. 

This stunning venue is located on over a thousand acres of scenic countryside and
it features three championship golf courses.
The show took place in the newly-renovated Somerset Ballroom of the English
 manor style Clubhouse. Its floor-to-celling windows flooded the space with beautiful light.
 

Hair & Makeup: Jacqueline Cicala Beauty Bridal Atelier
Gowns & Jewelry: I Do I Do {Morristown, New Jersey}
Florals: Lisa A. DeAngelis Designs {Stockton, New Jersey}
Venue: Fiddler's Elbow Country Club
Models: Olivia, and twin sisters: Nina & Danielle

~ Bridal Show at The Westin Governor Morris | Morristown ~ New Jersey

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending a bridal show at The Westin Governor Morris
 in Morristown, New Jersey.

Many wedding industry professionals were showcasing their products and services.

I joined Jackie Cicala of Jacqueline Cicala Beauty Bridal Atelier who,
along with her talented team, is the master of making the brides look and feel beautiful on their special day.

Surrounded by so much beauty I was swooning over the dresses, hair and makeup.

Take a look!

Hair & Makeup: Jacqueline Cicala Beauty Bridal Atelier
Dresses: I Do I Do Bridal Studio
Jewelry & Hair Accessories: I Do I Do Bridal Studio
Beautiful models: Lyrie | Twin sisters~ Danielle & Nina | Hannah
Venue: The Westin Governor Morris

Samantha Is Four!

A leap year will always bring back one of the best memories. 

Four years ago on February 29th my water broke and I was heading to the hospital to give birth to my daughter.
I kept thinking to myself: 'Not a leap year baby! Not a leap year baby! Please!'

That was my 'fear' during the pregnancy, even though my due date was March 5th. 

So, there I was, praying and hoping she would wait until after midnight. 

And she did :-)
She was born at 3:57am on March 1st which is also her grandma's Birthday! 

And February 29th will always feel special, too.

Here is Samantha.

A very independent four year old who loves clothes, shoes, Disney princesses, and Frozen.
She loves to dance and sing, and would never let me cut her hair- Rapunzel's hair is her goal ;-)
She never seems to stop talking or asking questions.

And she adores her little brother, Jack!

Kim + Nick ~ Valentine's Day Sweetheart Session

Ahh, how I love photographing people in love!

And with Valentine's Day just around the corner I was so excited to hang out with this gorgeous couple.

There were balloons, confetti, dancing in the middle of the sidewalk, lots of laughter,
and a stop at a local coffee shop to warm up on one chilly winter afternoon.

Meet Kim & Nick!

Beauty Rest

Because exploring Mother Nature in high heels and a red gown can be oh-so tiring...

To see more red dress photographs go to Red Dress.

Red Dress

I have had this vision in my head for some time now... 

Bare winter trees and a long red dress in the middle of the forest... It was finally going to happen!

The search for the perfect gown began but it was quite unsuccessful. Nothing matched what I had envisioned.

So... I decided to dust off my sewing machine and make my own red dress!
It took two days, six yards of fabric and a lot of improvising! No forms or patterns, just a mannequin and pins.

The dress was here! And my vision became a reality on one chilly Sunday afternoon.
We even had light snow falling down..

Model: Aleksandra | Dress by me ;-) | Shoes: Zara | Hair & Makeup by me

Merry Christmas!

May your Christmas and every day ahead

sparkle with happiness 

and new surprises!

Have a Very Merry Christmas! 

CHRISTMAS 2014 | CHRISTMAS 2013 | CHRISTMAS 2012

Turning Two!

Oh boy, oh boy! Where did the time go?!

I still remember awaiting Jack's arrival, nervous as we were getting too close to Christmas. 

He must have liked the coziness of the womb because he had no desire to come out ;-)

We finally got to meet him two years ago on December 20th!

The Best Christmas gift!

He is the sweetest little man!
He loves anything blue, blue cars, blue trucks, Thomas The Train,
his airplanes PJs, and hats! It is amazing how he keeps it on everywhere he goes.
And of course, he loves his big sister, Samantha =)

Here's a quick look back at his second year...

Oh, how I wish they could stay this cute forever! 

Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Event at Jacqueline Cicala Beauty Atelier | Morristown | New Jersey

How often do you get to hear skincare and makeup secrets from the beauty experts of the world-class celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury?

Last week I got the chance to join an exclusive event at Jacqueline Cicala Beauty Bridal Atelier

and explore this luxurious beauty brand available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman
 in New York City. 

Danielle and Tommy went over each product they used to create a few of 

Charlotte's signature looks, and they answered every question we had.

I must admit I fell in love!
You know what's on my wish list this year ;-)

If you would like to join Jackie's next Charlotte Tilbury beauty class, 

be sure to follow her Facebook page for future announcements. 

Here are a few images from the event and a couple before and after photos.

Sparkle & Shine

The holiday season is here!
Let's celebrate with some sparkle and shine!

Parties, dinners, or a night out on the town with your BFF... these gorgeous cocktail dresses
will  make you look and feel fabulous.

You can never go wrong with sequins, lace or metallics. 

All the looks are available on Viva La Jewels site or her Instagram
Hair and Makeup by Blowout in Morristown, NJ
Models: Jianna & Aleksandra

A Special Thank You to Jackie who let us use her courtyard for this shoot!