Katie + Tim • Brooklyn Engagement Session • New York Wedding Photographer

Oh my, did I love photographing Katie and Tim! They were so natural in front of the camera and there were so many genuine smiles and poses I felt like I was a paparazzo following two love birds on a date ;-)

It was my first time shooting in Dumbo and I absolutely loved all the views, cobblestone streets, jetties, and I enjoyed exploring cute little corners and hidden spots in this unique part of Brooklyn with Katie and Tim.

HOW THEY MET

Katie and Tim met in May 2013 through and online dating website. They both lived in Brooklyn at the time. Their first date was at a Thai restaurant in Brooklyn, where they ate and chatted for hours.

THE PROPOSAL 

From the Couple: 

'It was the day after the NYC Marathon 2017. Timothy woke up at 6am with the excuse that his "legs hurt" and wanted to go walk around Central Park. It has become our tradition that we take the day after the marathon off from work to roam around NYC and relax. So, by 6:30am, we were walking into Central Park. We should mention that Timothy asked no less than 3 times if we should stop to get a snack or a coffee because Katlynn, without fail, is "starving" pretty much all the time. Due to the weather being less than ideal and misting with rain, we had the majority of the park to ourselves when we came upon Bow Bridge. Katlynn was taking pictures when she was tapped on the shoulder and annoyingly yelled "WHAT!" Annoyingly, because by this point (30 minutes after entering the park) her "hanger" was full blown and the only snack she had found in her purse was a pack of golden raisins. She turned around to find Timothy on one knee. To this day, we cannot see golden raisins and keep a straight face.'

In their free time, Katie and Tim enjoy trying new restaurants and craft breweries and have a passion for traveling.
Katie loves Tim's drive and ambition which inspire her to be a better person and to never lose sight of her goals, personal and professional.
Tim loves Katie's fun personality and how he is able to be completely open and silly with her, and not have to take everything too seriously.

I am so excited to photograph their wedding this September!
Congratulations, Katie + Tim!

Samantha is 7!!!

Wow! That was fast! And what a year it was for my baby girl!

She seems to have grown so much in the past 12 months. 

Mature beyond her age! She’s no longer interested in little kid shows or little kid toys. No more Barbies and doll houses! 😞 She’s now into chapter books, tween shows and basketball.  

She loves school and learning new things. 

She has become an awesome reader (4th grade level!), and her favorite chapter books are: "Junie B. Jones", "Amelia Bedelia", and "Who Was...?" (she is currently reading “Who was Walt Disney?” - go figure 😉

 She loves to travel and visit new places, and was beyond excited about our trip to Poland to see her babcia (grandma) and dziadek (grandpa) last summer. She and her brother, Jack, are still talking about the trip and cannot wait to go back. But Disney trip first!

Her independence is admirable. I don’t think she needs us, her parents, anymore! She makes her own breakfast, gets dressed and packs her backpack in the morning. But yet, I love how she still wants me to hold her hand while walking to the bus, or lay down with her before she falls asleep. I am cherishing these moments and wishing time could slow down a little.

Samantha’s excitement was difficult to contain when her first tooth started to wiggle! She couldn’t wait till it finally fell out. Followed by another one and one that’s been loose for a few weeks now. Ugh, it seems like they just came out! Why is this happening so fast?? 😩

She loves helping with house chores, empty the dishwasher, clean the kitchen table, or vacuum the floor. 

Yet she cannot keep a clean room for the life of her! Her bedroom floor is littered with art supplies, markers, shreds of papers, and clothes she doesn’t seem to know how to put away!  I blame it on her creative side because it must be hard to be creative and tidy all the time.

Her laughter is infectious and her sense of humor super silly. She’s clumsy and trips over invisible objects 🙈 but coordinated enough to dance and play sports! She’s strong willed, determined and persistent! 

There are no words to express how much we love this little human! We are so proud of  her and all her accomplishments. She continues to amaze us with her brilliance, and we cannot imagine our lives without her! After all, she made us mom and dad! 

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! 

We love you to the moon and back million times! 

And the Happiest of Birthdays to her Birthday Twin, Nana Sheila! 

* * *

Here are a few photos from our recent shoot and a quick look back at Samantha's past year. 

The House of Mac & Zoe at L'Fay Bridal Part 2 • New Jersey Photographer

We just couldn't stay away from L'Fay Bridal in Chatham for too long! 

After shooting at the beautiful bridal boutique just a few weeks ago (see it here), The House Of Mac & Zoe planned to photograph her newest headpieces there yet again. 

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot!

Brenna + Kevin • Winter Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

It may have been one of the colder days this winter but seeing the way Brenna and Kevin looked at each other truly warmed my heart. There's no doubt they belong together and they even share the same passion for dirt bikes! Kevin loves Brenna's adventurous spirit and willingness to try new things. 

We met at their house and hung out in their backyard, trekking through the snow, taking their dirt bike for a ride and warming up by the fireplace in their garage/bike workshop.

Brenna and Kevin met when she was 11 and he 14. Kevin was friends with her older brother and she recalls how she always wanted to hang around with them.

I got a little insight into their relationship and their love for simple things. Their favorite thing to do is  staying home and watching movies with their dogs and a pig! And, of course, they both love riding their dirt bikes and quads, and spending time at the beach.

Because that is where they went on their first date and where Kevin proposed! Manasquan beach to be exact.

Brenna: "For the proposal Kev took me back to Manasquan. He told me he wanted to do the aquarium, walk on the beach, then get dinner since we haven't been down the shore all summer! We went down the shore and did just that! When we got to the beach he said he wanted to walk out on the jetties. As we got further and further out he cut me off, got down on on knee, and proposed! I was absolutely shocked to say the least!"

Brenna + Kevin are getting married this November and I cannot wait to capture their big day!
Congratulations! 

The House Of Mac & Zoe at L'Fay Bridal • New Jersey Photographer

I was in awe as soon as I stepped into L'Fay Bridal in Chatham, New Jersey. 

The place is not only beautiful, bright and spacious but it also carries the most stunning bridal gowns and accessories. 

I was super excited to collaborate with Tammy of The House Of Mac & Zoe to photograph her newest collection of bridal headpieces and accessories right there at L'Fay! 

Take a look!

Stephanie + Brendan • Indian Trail Club • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Everything about Stephanie + Brendan's wedding day was absolutely stunning. 

The venue itself, Indian Trail Club, provided the best backdrop for an outdoor ceremony - a beautiful lake.
Brendan along with his groomsmen started the day playing a few lawn games before getting into their  tuxedos. After photographing his details, Brendan and I walked outside to prepare for his and Stephanie's first look. It was such a beautiful moment followed by their portraits. Their golden retriever, Rooney, joined in for a few shots. So cute!

Stephanie and Brendan exchanged their own written vows in an outdoor ceremony in front of a stunning floral arch. It was emotional, funny, sweet and touching, and it gave me a little insight into their beautiful relationship. {#relationshipgoals}

Their reception was filled with dancing and celebrating the new Mr. & Mrs.
Congratulations to The Newlyweds!

• shot for Jennifer Larsen Photography •

Ally + Steve • Maternity Session • Cross Estate Gardens • New Jersey Photographer

I was so excited to photograph Ally and Steve's maternity session! Because what can be more special than photographing the excitement and happy anticipation of the expecting parents!

We met at one of my favorite places to shoot- Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, New Jersey, to capture a few moments before they became a family of three.

Ally and Steve's baby boy was born early this month!
Congratulations to the new parents! 

Something Blue • Styled Shoot • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I love the softness of blush pink juxtaposed with the boldness of dark blue. I had no doubt these colors would be so perfect for a summer wedding.. romantic, dreamy, elegant and classy. 

This inspirational shoot had been in the works for a while and I was so excited it was finally becoming a reality! 

Everything that day exuded romance- the beautiful tablescape by Stacey Sainato of Peony Events designed around French dining set which was provided by Melissa and Jennifer of Chelsea Forge, the gorgeous florals by Conroy Florist, the hair and makeup by Jacqueline Cicala (how romantic was that braid?!), the invitation suite and menu custom designed by Little Black Dress Paperie, not to mention the breathtaking gown courtesy of Elizabeth Johns Bridal Couture and cobalt blue suit by Cozy Tux! Absolute perfection! 

When visiting Chelsea Forge a few days before our shoot I was immediate drawn to the beautiful window in the downstairs of the barn, envisioning our bride posing there as she awaited her ceremony. The beautiful light seeping through, the framing of the ivy, the unique vintage armchair… all added to this romantic setting. 

Chelsea Forge outdoor property had so many great spots to photograph! We all agreed on setting up our table right in the center of an open field with this huge tree in the background. 

Our gorgeous models, Alexandra and Matt are a real life couple who has been together for eight years. Their chemistry was undeniable and it was so easy to see how much they enjoyed each other’s company. They were so adorable, I couldn’t stop snapping! 

I am still in awe! It was such an incredible experience to work with so many talented professionals! I cannot describe how thankful I am for everyone’s work and effort, and days of planning to make this shoot one for the books.

Not to mention - our shoot was featured on Red Oak Weddings!

Fall Family Sessions Part 2 • New Jersey Photographer

When life gives you.... well, snow... you run with it and hope the family sessions look extra gorgeous! 

The snow was definitely not what we expected to see when booking these November sessions. 

But I must admit it added a little magic to the images. 

I was so excited to see a few of the families again and  spend some time with them on a chilly fall weekend. 

Here is part 2 of my fall family sessions. 

Part 1 can be found here.

Fall Family Sessions Part 1 • New Jersey Photographer

Fall must be one of the busiest seasons for most photographers. I once saw a joke on Facebook that said "October is to photographers what April is to accountants", and I have to agree. 

It was a busy time of year, no doubt, between weddings, family sessions and my regular clients, my schedule was filled to the brim!
But that also meant I got to see so many of 'my families' back for their annual session! 

It's so much fun to see how much the kids had grown and to catch up on what they had all been up to since we last saw each other. And I truly feel honored that they choose me to capture their memories year after year! 

I had so many favorites that I wanted to share that I decided to split them into two posts! 

Here's part 1!