Bridal Show • The Westin Governor Morris • Morristown, New Jersey

Nothing short of amazing!

That is what teaming up with Jacqueline Cicala and Cristalle Brides has been every single time!

Therefore, my expectations were pretty high when I walked into the bridal show at The Westin Governor Morris last Saturday.
Cristina and Alejandro of Cristalle Brides along with Jacqueline Cicala of Blowout were showcasing their products and services during the event.
Two models, Alexia and Sophia were wearing dresses from Cristalle Brides newest bridal collection that were beautifully complemented by hair and makeup by Jacqueline, and accessories by Letica Bag.

I was blown away! The looks were absolutely stunning!!

Modern Glamour • Winter Styled Shoot • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I am still in awe of how everything fell into place despite a few obstacles along the way. 

Debbie and I met at one of our Tuesday's Together meetings (a local chapter of Rising Tide Society) about a year ago. Later on, she photographed my anniversary session and we started chatting about getting together one day to shoot and learn from each other, both being Nikon lovers :-) 

After a busy fall and holiday season, we were finally able to sit down and start planning. We bounced around a few ideas as to the location, theme, and so on. 

In the meantime, during one of my shopping trips 🙄, I came across this absolutely stunning dress by Badgley Mischka and I just knew this was the dress we would design our shoot around. 

I reached out to a few of my wonderful and super creative friends who were generous enough to dedicate their time, effort and their creations to make this shoot one of a kind.

The weather was not on our side that day- we initially were hoping to shoot outdoor at a park but freezing rain made that impossible. Thankfully, Jacqueline let us move our shoot to her new bridal atelier. I honestly believe it all worked out that much better. 

Modern glamour is what I think about the look we created.
Jennifer Weil of Style Concierge paired the sequin dress with white fur and silver stilettos, and it was a perfection!
Hair and makeup by Jacqueline Cicala could not have been more gorgeous!
What about the flowers??? Kerry Patel is truly a floral design genius! I was blown away by her stunning arrangement.
And let's not forget about the invitations- Patty Gibbons of Little Dress Paperie and her amazing team created this beautiful suite especially for us. Incredible!

Last but not least, a huge thanks to my lovely friend, Aleksandra, who has been my muse and has always made herself available for me and yet another shoot!

I am beyond grateful for the amazing team who made it all possible on such short notice! 

Thank you! Thank you!

Hair + Makeup ~ Jacqueline Cicala

Florals ~ Kerry Patel Designs Floral
Model ~  Aleksandra Brzoza 

Styling ~ Jennifer Weil of Style Concierge

Jewelry + Accessories ~ I Do I Do of Morristown

Paper Goods ~ Little Black Dress Paperie/ Engaging Papers

Silk Ribbon + Styling Cloth ~ Froufrou Chic

Dress ~ Badgley Mischka

Shoes ~ Jimmy Choo

Location ~ Jacqueline Cicala Beauty Bridal Atelier

Inspirational Shoot, Part 2 • Morristown, New Jersey

From a courthouse ceremony to a courtyard celebration...

Here is part 2 of my collaboration with Jacqueline Cicala of Blowout and Jennifer of Style Concierge.

Apparel + Styling ~ Style Concierge • Hair + Makeup ~ Jacqueline Cicala
Model ~ Sophia DeSenzo
Location: Morristown, New Jersey + Blowout Salon
Bike Shoot, Part 1

Bicycle • Inspirational Shoot, Part 1 • Morristown, New Jersey

Back in August Jacqueline of Blowout in Morristown, Jennifer of Style Concierge and I met to brainstorm and plan a shoot that included and was inspired by a bicycle that was custom made for Jackie's salon.

We envisioned something that felt a little vintage with a modern twist and picked Morristown as a location since that is where the salon is located. Jacqueline asked one of her clients, Sophia, to model for us, and Jennifer found the perfect wardrobe and accessories to complete the looks. 

Here is part 1 of our shoot.

A sunny Sunday afternoon out on the town and a quick stop at a local market. 

Then, just a short bike ride to The Green to relax and get lost in a good book... 

Apparel + Styling ~ Style Concierge • Hair + Makeup ~ Jacqueline Cicala
Model ~ Sophia DeSenzo
Featuring Jacqueline's vintage Gucci handbag

Fall + Holiday Family Sessions • New Jersey Family Photographer

It must have been one of my busiest seasons thus far. 

Every weekend in the past few months was filled with family sessions- outdoor and indoor at the studio, fashion shoots, engagement sessions, headshots, product sessions,
and our own family events and activities. 

Here are a few images of the families I had the pleasure of photographing this fall.

Gowns and things • Fashion Photographer

Dreaming of gowns... 

I met Sophia last summer while collaborating with Jacqueline Cicala of Blowout and Jennifer Weil of Style Concierge {See it here: Bicycle • Inspirational Shoot, Part 1}.

That shoot sparked Sophia's interest to explore modeling a bit more, as a fun thing she could do in her free time when not studying or preparing for her finals. 

She later walked in Fashion For Hope show, wore Cristalle Brides gowns at their bridal line launch party and modeled for their lookbook. 

Her portfolio started to grow and she only needed a few simple headshots. 

When we scheduled our studio session, I thought to myself - why not use this opportunity to create something beautiful.

So my mind got to work.
My best ideas come to me late at night when I am about to fall asleep. I start brainstorming and pray that I remember it all the next morning 😉Thankfully, I did and I was super excited to make it come to life. 

The day before our shoot I pulled out my sewing machine and made this long tulle skirt that I paired with a black backless top from Zara {it's really a bodycon dress but you couldn't tell 😊}.
We added a pair of fabulous heels and statement earrings, and we were ready to go. 

Here are a few images from my afternoon with Sophia.
How beautiful is she?!


{Dress ~ top by Zara | tulle skirt by me • Shoes ~ Windsor}

Our Christmas Photos • New Jersey Family Photographer

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

We dressed fancy on one chilly afternoon and went outside for a few holiday photos 🎄

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Hope this holiday season is filled with love and laughter, and creating new memories.

❄️  ❄️  ❄️

"There's more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer;
It's the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all year.
It's thoughtfulness and kindness, it's hope reborn again,
For peace, for understanding,
And for goodwill to men!"

{Big Thanks to Aleksandra for helping with a few family shots!}

And he's 3!

How is this even possible?!

Just like that- three years went by in a blink of an eye. 

I still remember that snowy December 2013 when we were awaiting Jack's arrival and he would not want to come! Five days after his due date we were scheduled for an induction. We were finally going to meet him! 

I will never forget that overwhelming feeling when he was laid on my chest for the first time, the emotions that filled my heart, and the instant love that would just grow with each passing day. 

How lucky was I to experience that once more! {Jack has an older sister 😊}

Christmas 2013 was definitely one-of-a-kind! 

Here is a look back at Jack's third year ❤️

Amy + Brian • Parents-To-Be Session • New Jersey Photographer

I love nothing more than seeing two people so much in love and so excited about becoming parents it warms my heart.

I have known Brian for a few years now so when he reached out to me and announced this wonderful news I was beyond happy and honored to photograph such special time in their lives.

They decided to keep their baby's gender a surprise but the wait is almost over and they should find out in just a few days 😊

Congratulations, Amy and Brian!

Autumn Blues • Fashion Photographer

It was one of those shoots that happen last minute with very little preparation.

One of my clients had to postpone their session and I thought to myself - I must NOT 'waste' this beautiful afternoon!
I needed to photograph something or someone!

My friend Aleksandra happened to be available that day  so it was just a matter of finding the perfect dress. 

And I must say, I got pretty lucky with this one!

See for yourself!

Dress by Tahari Arthur S. Levine {available here}  •  Shoes Steve Madden •  Hair + Makeup by me