Eastlyn Golf Course and The Greenview Inn, Vineland New Jersey|Chris+April
Ahhhhh, what a beautiful wedding day! When I think of the perfect fall day, that’s the type of day it was for Chris and April’s wedding at Eastlyn Golf Course and The Greenview Inn in Vineland, New Jersey. It was a day full of LOVE with very close friends and family. I am a big fan of smaller scale weddings, as I had one on my own wedding day. When I heard about Chris and April’s intimate wedding day, I knew it would be the right fit.
The day started with April getting ready besides her two very close friends. There were lots of laughs and so much happiness surrounding her as she got into her dress and put all of her details on. I especially love the image of her girls tying up the corset on the back of her dress. The dress fit her perfectly and she looked stunning.
I really loved how simple, but meaningful al of their details were. They incorporated the yellow and blue to signify their love for Harry Potter. And, the gorgeous pearl jewelry was a wedding gift from the groom to his soon wife-to-be.
Chris and April didn’t have a bridal party, so we did some photos outside of her and her girls and then some of Chris and his uncle (best man). I can really appreciate the lack of a big bridal party and just a few close friends or family by your side on your big day. We were able to capture these really sweet but playful, intimate moments. And, of course, I had to get some individual portraits of the two of them as well as their adorable pup!
The ceremony was filled with smiling faces and happy tears, all to congratulate the beautiful couple. Kelly, the maid of honor’s husband was the officiant and Chris’ uncle (best man) stood by him at the altar. It was so nice to see their closest friends right by their side as they said their “i do’s” and committed themselves to one another.
After the ceremony, we took a golf cart to check out the gorgeous ground at the Eastlyn Golf Course and Greenview Inn. Again, so many beautiful moments between these two and the scenery was just amazing. This was my first time photographing a wedding at this venue, but I am hoping it won’t be my last! I can see why Chris and April fell in love with this venue.
Also, more images with their fur baby!!
How stinkin’ cute is this photo of Chris and April?!? It really shows off their playful, fun personalities and that they have a goofy side to them and aren’t afraid to show it to one another…and, I love that!! This one is a framer, in my opinion!
The reception was also intimate, which I really enjoyed. I was able to capture every guest enjoying themselves on the dance floor and the room was filled with love and happiness. The first dance between Chris and April was beautiful and The Bachelor Boys band were amazing all evening. April’s maid of honor, Kelly, gave a beautiful speech and it’s clear to see how much she cares for and loves the both of them. Lots of dancing and good times had by all, especially all the kiddos!
We ended the day with this beautiful night shot in front of the entrance of The Eastlyn Golf Course and The Greenview Inn. Had to get that fall decor in there, since it was the quintessential fall wedding. Chris and April…thank you for choosing me to document your beautiful wedding day. I had a blast working with you both and feeling the love all day long from those that love you dearly.
Congratulations on your marriage!
Asbury Park family session| Napoliello family
I had such a blast with this Jersey shore family session in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Any time a client of mine asks to do a session in Asbury Park, I do a happy dance, lol. It is one of those places that offers so much visual pleasure for photographers. There are so many amazing spots to utilize in addition to the beach area. The architecture and wall murals add a fun and funky twist to your average beach session. So, when this family reached out to me and wanted to so their family session at Asbury Park, I said absolutely, YES!!!
This mama knew exactly how to style her family for the session. Mommy and me matching outfits, yes please! I did not have to even help her out with this, but I do offer wardrobe styling advice for all of my clients prior to the session. I want your photos to look the best they can possibly look, and I am always here to help in any way.
I loved capturing their older daughters personality in these photos. Her little tongue cracks me up! Once we hit the water, she was off in her own little world. Mama warned me that she is a free spirit and may do her own thing, but I love photographing that age for that reason. I just followed her around and she frolicked in the water and played in the sand, in her own little beach heaven.
Thank you, Napoliello family, for letting me spend this awesome time with you in Asbury Park, New Jersey for your adorable family beach session. It was a perfect evening for a perfect beach photo session, and I loved every minute of it.
Drexelbrook Wedding, Drexelbrook, PA| Brendan + Marissa
WOW!! What can I say about this couple and their wedding day. It was such a perfect day and the love between Marissa and Brendan is undeniable. Their wedding day took place on a beautiful fall October day at the Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
We started the day the hotel on the grounds of the venue. I just loved all of her beautiful details and that she had incorporated some vintage pieces that were handed down. She had her mom, her sister, her niece and a close friend with her during the getting ready part of the day and they definitely knew how to have a good time! We had some fun popping the champagne and getting silly by jumping on the bed. You know, girl stuff!!
The guys were also getting ready on the grounds of the venue. It was a little more reserved but I love how you can sense the emotion in Brendan’s face in the getting ready photos and also the anticipation of seeing his soon-to-be wife.
First look was amazing with these two. SO much emotion was radiating, which I love! There were lots of happy tears, lots of hugging and kisses, and lots of “wow”!!They are such an adorable couple and obviously just head over heels for one another. When we did their engagment session, I could sense the same emotion and strong connection between them. And, it’s so beautiful to be able to witness that connection between two people and also document all of this strong emotions.
Following first look at The Drexelbrook, we took a little ride over to a cute spot called Friends of the Grange in Havertown, Pennsylvania. It was the perfect place to do portraits for Marissa and Brendan and their bridal party. There were so many little sweet spots that we took advantage of for their photos. Lots of greenery, streams with running water, beautiful buildings with arches and corridors, and on and on. After taking photos of the bridal party, we were able to get some more intimate photos of just Marissa and Brendan. I particularly love the image of Brendan leading Marissa through the pathway t o get to the stream with the mill. I didn’t even prompt him to do this, he just did it all on his own. What a gentleman!!
After portraits, we went back to The Drexelbrook for an indoor ceremony and reception following. Again, so much emotion during the ceremony. I love how Marissa’s mother walked her down the aisle and I really love the moment they had with one another as they were headed towards Brendan. And then I looked at Brendan and saw tears of joy as he watched Marissa walk down that aisle. Such an incredible moment to capture.
Reception time! Time to eat, drink, laugh, dance and party. Their first dance was beautiful and I just adore the way he twirled her around and love how her dress flowed while twirling. The speeches made by his sister and her brother-in-law were beautifully executed and also filled with lots of emotion as well as laughter. The recpetion space at the Drexelbrook is gorgeous and did not dissappoint!
These last two shots were taken at the end of the night, after an amazing wedding day. I wanted to capture their love for one another but also incorporate the venue’s history as well. It’s always fun to end the night with a night shot/lit shot and get creative!
Congratulations to Marissa and Brendan!!! You two are such a an amazing example of what true love looks like. I cannot wait to capture more milestones for you both in your lives.
South Jersey In Home Lifestyle Newborn| Walz family
So, this session was extra special because it was one of my past wedding clients. I absolutely love photographing my clients during different seasons of their lives. I had the pleasure of capturing Ryan + Stephanie’s beautiful Camden County Boathouse wedding a few years back, so when they contacted me to do their In Home Lifestyle Newborn session, I was thrilled!!
As you can see, there was so much love for their baby boy and we had so much fun capturing him in mom and dad’s arms in different locations of their adorable home. We got lots of sleepy shots of this little guy and I really love all the images with him and his binky. We made sure to get some without as well, but I always think crying pics and binky pics are so cute, so I always try to get some of those in there too during In Home Lifestyle Newborn sessions.
So…I really love this particular image for a few reasons. One is that I am ALL about getting reflections incorporated in my sessions, so I really adore the fact that we can see Ryan’s reflection in the mirror looking at Stephanie and their baby boy. It is an image that captures all of the subjects, but in a much more creative way, which I am all about!!
Secondly, this image is particularly special, because on their wedding day I did Stephanie’s getting ready at their home and I took an image of her coming down these exact stairs, in her wedding gown, on her way to have a first look with her mother and all of her bridesmaids.
Thank you Ryan and Stephanie for giving me the opportunity to capture another wonderful milestone in your lives. It means the world to me when my clients continue to use my services and trust me to document these most special moments in life <3
Bridgewater Manor wedding| Bridgewater, NJ |Richard + Kathleen
Last fall I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Kat and Ricky’s wedding at the beautiful Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, New Jersey. These two are not only stunning, but also so happy and full of joy and so in love with one another. They are such an easy going couple, which always makes my work a lot easier and a lot more pleasurable!
Kat’s getting ready was picture perfect. Alongside all of her closest girlfriends, she got into her dress and there were so many amazing moments that happened in that small amount of time and I really loved capturing all of them. Her dress had many ties that needed to be carefully executed, and her girlfriends all took turns in helping tie the dress up. During that time, there were so many smiles and so many laughs and just a ton of really good energy. I could see that these girls had a very strong relationship with one another and the connection was so beautiful to witness. It was probably my favorite part of Kat’s getting ready!
Kat is just such a stunning bride, naturally beautiful in so many ways. I really enjoyed capturing these portraits of her once she was all ready. She just has such a glow about her, right?!
Also, Kat is a cancer (like me) and I had sensed that right off the bat! Us cancers are good at knowing this. She is full of emotion and clearly wears her heart on her sleeve, which are strong traits of a cancer woman. There were so many beautiful, emotional moments throughout the day. This image of Kat is one of my favorites from the day, because there is just so much emotion conveyed. You can just feel how she is feeling as she reads Ricky’s beautiful words to her.
Kat and Ricky’s first look at Bridgewater Manor was so magical. They had such a picturesque background with the water and the willowy trees, and he was clearly smitten with how she looked. Lots of smiles were exchanged and a few kisses too!
Bridgewater Manor has a beautiful outdoor ceremony space in the back of their property, which is where Kat and Ricky’s ceremony was held. More emotions were shown during this beautiful gathering and exchanging of rings, vows, and love. I love how big the smile on her dad’s face was as he walked her down the aisle. And, I love how Kat cried happy tears as Ricky vowed his unconditional love to her.
Kat and Ricky’s wedding reception was the perfect end to a perfect day. More emotional moments as speeches were given, more laughs as dance moves were made and just so much love and happiness radiating from friends and family in the room. They even had a prosperity dance at the end of the evening, which is something that is done in Kat’s culture. In this dance, the wedding guests dance around the couple and pin money on to their attire. It is significant of showing generosity and bringing good fortune to the newly married couple. It was so fun getting in there and taking photos of everything happening around me. Such a fun addition to an already uplifting reception filled with good energy!
Congratulations Kat + Ricky!!! To many years of continued love and happiness <3
South Jersey In Home Lifestyle Newborn| Unitis family
Since Valentines Day is almost here, I thought it was appropriate to post this In Home Lifestyle Newborn session that took place this time of the year. I was invited to the Unitis family’s home to capture the new appearance and presence of their adorable little guy. It was very apparent just how smitten mom and dad were with their new bundle of squishy goodness! I had such a great time with this little family and loved photographing them in their beautiful home.
I just love seeing mom and dad’s face as they look at and admire every little movement and facial expression that their little babe gives to them. As usual, lots of cuddles and kisses and snuggles (since I love a lot of that during and In Home Lifestyle newborn session!). I also really enjoyed using all the different rooms in the home and love the uniqueness that their home offered. Exposed brick makes my heart so happy, so as soon as I spotted that wall in their home, I just knew I had to incorporate it into their photos.
I also love doing somewhat of an arial shot in the home. I always take the opportunity to grasp different angles during my sessions, and if I can get up high and shoot down onto the scene, I will definitely do it! So, I really love this images of the family cuddling on their couch from this different perspective.
Another gorgeous In Home Lifestyle Newborn session in the books! I get so lucky with a lot of my In Home session clients, and this family was no exception. They were so easy to work with and just had such a calming, laid back presence and their little guy was just as relaxed and at ease the entire session.
Hope everyone enjoys their Valentines Day! Happy LOVE day to all <3
Icona Avalon Wedding| Avalon, NJ|Alex & Susan
Alex and Susan had the most gorgeous beach wedding day at the beautiful Icona in Avalon, New Jersey. They deserved every bit of it, since they had waited so patiently for this day to arrive. We had their engagement photo session in the late summer/early fall of 2019 and their wedding was planned for 2020, but we all know how that panned out! So, after a couple of reschedules to their wedding date, they finally got married in the summer of 2022. The day of anticipation had finally arrived.
With all of their closest friends and family, the day went perfectly. And, the Icona in Avalon, New Jersey is such a beautiful venue that fit their taste impeccably. After getting ready, the first look took place outside in a private beach location, with all of their friends and family watching from the hotel room above and of course, cheering them on. We did some of the bridal party photos on the beach and then also did some on the hotel grounds. We finished up with family formals and some of the portraits of Alex and Susan inside with the bright beach decor. I love getting a variety of indoor/outdoor portraits of the couple throughout the day.
The indoor ceremony was filled with emotion and was absolutely beautiful. And, to end the evening they had a gorgeous reception with music by Animal House the Band.
At the end of the night, I love taking my couples away for a quick night shot. I loved incorporating the Icona sign int their photos, since they clearly chose the Icona Avalon as their wedding venue for a reason! I also used their ceremony space with the greenery wall from earlier in the day to get a fun little lit shot for them.
Wishing all the best to these two! Hope you enjoy your happily ever after <3
South Jersey In Home Lifestyle Newborn| Niszczak family
I had the pleasure of working with this family last April for their In Home Lifestyle Newborn session in their beautiful home. Mom, Dad and baby were so easygoing and so great to photograph. And, their home offered so many great little spots to capture, which is always a bonus!
Mom and Dad were so smitten with their new baby boy and there were endless snuggles and cuddles. I love getting this shot of Mom with baby on the bed, getting super close and snuggly. It makes for such a beautiful image and it makes my photographer heart very happy!
As mentioned earlier, this home was such a dream to do a session in. I mean, look at all these gorgeous patterns and textures that I had to use as backdrops. I love incorporating these different patterns on beds, rugs, walls, etc. into all of the images from the session.
I also love shooting through lighting fixtures (as seen above) and also REFLECTIONS!!! You will often find me capturing a reflection through a mirror or piece of glass. My creative mind is always running, even at an In Home Lifestyle Newborn session!
And, as I always say…always include your dog/cat/pet in your session. It gives the session another dynamic and also, they are part of the family so why not include them!!
Look at all of these images of sleepy baby boy cuddling up with mom and dad. We utilized many rooms in the home during this session, while getting his super cute, squishy face and mom and dad’s reactions to their beautiful new babe. I say it all the time, but In Home Lifestyle Newborn sessions are my absolute favorite!!
South Jersey In Home Lifestyle Newborn| Giuliano family
Last January I had the pleasure of meeting and working with this adorable family in Philadelphia. I absolutely adore In Home Lifestyle Newborn sessions…in fact, they are my favorite type of session! This one was perfection, too. So, many great details to focus on and everything just went smoothly. I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome of this In Home Lifestyle Newborn session. What a great way to start off my year!
We started the session just hanging out in the living space and the kitchen area and then worked our way into the nursery as well as the master bedroom. I always utilize the areas of the home with the best natural sunlight and take full advantage of those spaces. I had them hanging out (with their cute dog!) in the living space and then get more cuddly and intimate in the bedroom spaces.
Their little guy was so sweet and did amazing throughout the session. He only cried a little bit, at the very end of the session, as you can see below. But, I always tell mom and dad that I actually like getting a few images of the baby crying! With his mama consoling him, it is super adorable and makes for the cutest shot.
I also LOVE that their dog was always by their side and in so many of the photos from the session! When my clients ask if their family pet can be in the session, the answer is always YES!! I mean, look at how sweet their pup is and how protective he is over his little brother. Just the sweetest thing.
Another thing I really loved about this session was the color scheme. Notice how they incorporated coordinating + complimentary colors, orange and blue.They are still neutrals, but those complimentary pops of color are everything and really make the images stand out. A tip I always give to my clients…wear coordinating colors!
Such a beautiful session all around. And, so much love captured in every single image. This is WHY I absolutely adore In Home Lifestyle newborn sessions. There is nothing like getting up close and delving into those emotions and capturing all of the smiles, cuddles, kisses, touches, etc. all while being in the most comfortable surrounding… the home <3
Swan Lake Resort Wedding| Galloway, New Jersey| Doug & Randi
On a cold, blustery March day I had the pleasure of capturing Doug and Randi's wedding day at Swan Lake Resort in Galloway, NJ. The day started out rainy and gloomy during Randi's getting ready, but she did not let that effect her attitude. She was positive and radiating happiness and also absolutely stunning! I love how unique her dress was. It always makes me giddy when I see a bride choose a dress style that is something different than what I see all the time. I also loved how intimate her getting ready was. Just her, her maid of honor (best friend), her mother and step-mother.
As Randi was getting ready, the rain started to let up and the sky looked like it might actually clear up as well. We did a beautiful first look with her and her dad out on the covered porch, once she was all ready. And, then it was time for the ceremony to begin.
The most beautiful thing happened during the ceremony. Just as Randi was walking down the aisle with her father, the sun decided to come out. It shone straight down on everyone as they continued to walk down the aisle. The ceremony space at Swan Lake is so beautiful as it looks out onto the water and it is perfectly quaint.
We continued on with some family formals and portraits of Doug and Randi out by the water and along the wooded trails. Even though it was a cold, wintery March day, Doug and Randi powered through it and gave us some amazing images. They are such a wonderful couple, so in love with each other and so easy going and fun to work with. Makes my job that much better!!
It was an early night for this particular wedding celebration, but I did still get to capture some great reception shots of family and friends. It was a smaller, more intimate wedding (which I absolutely love, since I had a smaller wedding myself!) so I was able to focus more on fun moments that were happening around me. The Ever After Band played on while guests danced and socialized. And, the bride’s dad even made the cake himself, since he used to be a baker. Lots of meaningful touches!
I am so glad that I met Doug and Randi and that they chose me to be there to capture their special day. They are one of those couples that I just knew we would be a good fit for one another, from the get go. Congrats to this beautiful couple!!