Amanda + Gaston • Asbury Park Engagement Session • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Asbury Park is a lot of fun on any day! 

But especially when you add a cute couple in love, a bottle of rosé and a picnic on the beach!

I had so much fun hanging out with Amanda and Gaston during their engagement session, I loved getting to know them and their love story! 

And wow! Their chemistry is undeniable! They absolutely adore each other.

HOW THEY MET

Amanda and Gaston met through friends during Labor Day weekend ten years ago.

They were both down the shore for a night of fun and dancing.

FIRST DATE

"While we have two days that our love story started we will stick with our reconnection. Gaston messaged me and asked to come down to Atlantic City. We walked in circles for hours talking and catching up on the past eight years as if no time had passed at all. Moments after we hugged and said goodbye we both turned back to look at each other at the exact same moment and smiled. We both knew right then.
"

HOW HE PROPOSED

"Gaston planned the most perfect proposal, all a surprise. He picked a restaurant called Limani in Westfield. He planned a four course menu, ordered a cake from our favorite bakery and bought flowers and decor. To top it all off he invited my family and his to meet for the first time after he popped the question. As we sat down Gaston seemed so nervous he started to tell me how much he loved me and then the moment came and he asked of course I said yes! After we hugged and kissed and had one sip of champagne, both our families popped out. I instantly burst into tears. We all had a beautiful dinner and celebrated our engagement together. It was a day I’ll never forget. I’m the luckiest girl. Oh did I forget to mention it was Valentine’s Day!
"

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO TOGETHER

"Gaston and I love to cook, while he is the chef I am his very best assistant.

We love to travel together.

Fitness is a passion of ours. Amanda is preparing and training for the NYC half marathon.

House hunting has become a big hobby as we have been searching for our perfect dream home.

Amanda loves Gaston’s spice for life, he is always thinking of new ideas for dinner, for travel and for our day to day life. She values having a partner that embraces each day with joy and excitement.

Amanda makes Gaston smile everyday even when the day didn’t go so great. She makes him a better person and makes him want to explore the world, see new places and try new foods. He can’t imagine his life without her.

One word to describe them as a couple? Magical

Congratulations, Amanda & Gaston! 

I cannot wait to celebrate your big day at Bear Brook Valley next April!

Raquel + Brian • The Estate At Florentine Gardens Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Last October I had the pleasure of photographing Raquel + Brian's gorgeous wedding day
 at The Estate At Florentine Gardens alongside Jennifer Larsen Photography.

The couple tied the knot during a ceremony at Our Lady Of Fatima Church,
surrounded by their families and friends. 

Happy Father's Day!

"A dad is someone who wants to catch you when you fall 

but instead picks you up,  brushes you off, and lets you try again."


I could have never imagined or wished for a better father to my children than my husband!
My heart swells up with happiness seeing them together, and knowing how much joy it brings him!
Thank you for everything you do, My Love! We are so lucky to have you!

Happy Father's Day!
Let's celebrate all the wonderful dads today and every day! 

And a very Happy Father's Day to my amazing dad!

Kocham Cię, Tato! 

Nichole + Jorge • Bryant Park Engagement • New York Wedding Photographer

Ahh, I was so excited about Nichole and Jorge's engagement session!
For so many reasons! A couple in love, a sunny spring morning, and, for one, a visit to New York City!
Now, that's hard to pass up!

I met with Nichole and Jorge in Bryant Park in late April while tulips were in bloom. Nichole's office is located nearby, and she had this specific time of year in mind for the engagement photos so we could capture these gorgeous flowers.

It was such a beautiful day! The weather was just perfect to spend some time in the park and to walk over to The New York Public Library for a few photos on its iconic steps.

H o w  T h e y  M e t

"We met at work back in 2011. We both worked in the same building and Nichole would join Jorge's lunch group from time to time. We had both moved on to other areas of the company and to different buildings when we reconnected in the fall of 2012 and decided to go on our first date."

F i r s t  D a t e

"Our first date was at a bar near our office at the time. We are both very competitive and played several rounds of darts and pool there. We enjoyed a few drinks as we got to know each other. This bar also had trivia night. In the beginning of our relationship we would meet up for weekly trivia as an excuse to see each other, although we were never any good at it."

T h e  P r o p o s a l

"We were in St. Thomas on vacation when Jorge proposed. The setting was picture perfect. We were dining at a Waterfront restaurant and we arrived just as the sun was setting. As we were finishing up one of the best meals of our trip (the food was amazing!) when Jorge got down on one knee to pop the question. Nichole was ecstatic and began to cry. The restaurant owner came out with champagne and sparklers to help us celebrate this special moment."

* * *

Both being big foodies, Nichole and Jorge love trying new restaurants and cuisines in their free time. There is nothing like good food, a bottle of wine, and of course each other's company, after a long week at work.

Jorge's kindhearted nature is what Nichole loves the most about him. No matter the situation he always knows what to say and how to handle it. Whether it's comforting Nichole after a stressful day, grabbing some takeout after work, or just making her laugh, he always manages to make her feel special.

Jorge loves the way she looks at him. Every time he looks into Nichole's eyes, he can see that there's a sparkle there that she has when she looks at him. No matter how sick, tired, or upset she is with him. He knows deep down there what they have is special... true love. Looking into her eyes is a constant reminder of how lucky he is to have a bond as special as what they have.

As a couple, Nichole and Jorge describe themselves as easy-going: "Whether we're playing sports, enjoying drinks, or just lounging around and watching Netflix we always manage to have a good time and enjoy each other's company."

Congratulations, Nichole + Jorge!

I cannot wait to capture your big day next April!

Happy Mother's Day!

"When you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know." 

~ Mitch Alborn

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas out there! 

And to The Best Mom in the world! I aspire to be like you!

I love you, Mom!

Kocham Cię, Mamo!

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Morristown Marriage Proposal {Kelly + Jared} • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

When one of my friends, Lauren, reached out to me asking if I was available to shoot her brother's proposal I almost jumped out of my seat! I was so excited and honored!

It was my very first proposal! 

The reality started to set in and I began to feel a bit nervous! It was such an important moment!

I didn't want to miss anything!

But everything worked out so perfectly! It was just meant to be!

Jared and Kelly had a few appetizers at Roots Steakhouse in Morristown, NJ, and decided to take a walk to The Green. I was already there pretending to photograph the trees and newly planted daffodils ;-)

Kelly seemed quite oblivious as to what was about to happen and probably didn't even notice me there and my two cameras!  

Quick nod from Jared and I knew he was going for it!

As soon as they reached the middle of the park he went down on one knee, pulled out the ring box and asked Kelly to marry him!  

She, of course, said YES! (after the initial shock and disbelief ;-) 

Congratulations, Kelly + Jared! 

Happy wedding planning! 

Basia + Daniel • The Royal Manor Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Basia and Dan tied the knot on a hot summer day.
After their ceremony at St. Joseph's Church in Hackensack, we headed for their portraits and reception at The Royal Manor. Both the bride and the groom had their children be part of their wedding party. How special! They are sure to cherish these memories forever!

Their wedding day was filled with so much love, and some Polish traditions and dances to celebrate Basia's heritage.

Congratulations to the Newlyweds! Wishing you lots of love and happiness together!

Tina + Mike • The Olde Mill Inn Wedding • New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Tina and Mike tied the knot during a beautiful ceremony at The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Morristown last September. They celebrated becoming Mr. & Mrs. with their family and friends at The Olde Mill Inn.

I had the pleasure of photographing Tina and Mike's wedding day alongside Jennifer Larsen Photography.

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.