Johnson's Locust Hall Micro Wedding: Meghan + Kyle

I’m looking back at this gorgeous day- the day Meghan and Kyle decided getting married was not going to wait. With just as much joy, attention to detail, purposefulness, and love- they were married in the winter of 2020 (aka Covid times). But the story gets better- the following year, they would get the celebration they deserved with extended family and friends at the same great venue- Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm. There were so many negatives to Covid times, but the one (and maybe only) amazing positive was the chance for a second wedding! I would jokingly say to clients (pre-Covid), “This was SO much fun! Let’s do it again next year!” Well, for some clients during theses times, it actually happened!

Their First Dance was so magical in the barn… just the two of them!

There’s no getting in the way of the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom. I love this photo so much!

If you’re ever wondering, “Should I wear a fur shawl to my wedding?” The answer is always yes. 100%.

New Jersey Backyard Micro Wedding: Connor + Katie

Connor and Katie planned on a big wedding on September 12, 2020, but when COVID hit, they had a decision to make. They decided to postpone their big wedding and gather with family and a few friends in Katie’s parents’ backyard for a micro wedding. With their ceremony starting an hour before sunset, we experienced the most perfect lighting paired with the vibrant trees, making a stunning backdrop. They livestreamed their ceremony on zoom so all their guests could witness their vows. After portraits with friends and family, speeches were made and the cake was cut. One thing that will forever stick with me from this wedding is the speech of Connor’s best man (his father). Because it was a small wedding, everyone gathered around in a circle to listen to his speech and I could easily see everyone’s reactions to this heartfelt speech. Tears. Smiles. It was truly amazing to witness. I’m so excited we will get to do this again in September 2021!

Congrats!

Backyard Wedding in New Jersey: Linda + Kyle

Like so many couples this summer, Kyle and Linda had made their plans long in advance before Covid was ever known to be married on June 13th. Like so many others, they too would have to reschedule their celebration with friends and family, changing their date three times with the uncertainties that we are all experiencing. They decided they absolutely wanted to be married on their original date, surrounded by only 10 other people to comply with social distancing.

I started at their home, where they had a first look in their backyard, while their pup, Linus ran around them. They exchanged gifts- Linda worked together with her new Mother-in-law to gift Kyle his late father’s watch. A handful of guests met them at The Palace in Blackwood for their outdoor ceremony before heading back to Kyle and Linda’s for BBQ under the string lights in their backyard.

I love grand weddings, they are mostly what I photograph, but there is something so special and sweet about an intimate wedding. There is no audience or crowd, every person there is a major contribution to the event, and you feel all of the emotions because you are so close to them. I feel so honored to be invited to document Kyle and Linda’s special day and I’m so excited because they are planning on a large celebration with friends and family next summer!

Hair/Makeup: Christine Swope

Gown: BHLDN

Ceremony Space: The Palace, Blackwood, New Jersey

Ramblewood Country Club Wedding, Mt. Laurel, NJ: Brian and Christine

This wedding was so special to me because I met the bride’s mother two years before her daughter’s wedding. The bride’s mother was a teacher in my daughter’s preschool classroom- what a full circle moment- Mrs. Fox (as we call her in the classroom) had taken care of my daughter and now it was time for me to take care of her daughter- a new first!

After meeting Brian (groom) and Christine (bride) at their engagement session - I was SO excited for their wedding day- they had such an adorable chemistry together. The beginning of their love story was out of a movie- Christine and Brian (both teachers) had met in the classroom and fell in love. I’m sure their students caught on to ALL of it!

Their wedding day was a brisk, November day. Christine and her bridesmaids got ready at her mother’s home before heading over to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Moorestown, New Jersey for a full catholic ceremony. Christine and Brian opted to see each other at the aisle and you could feel the excitement as their eyes finally met as Christine walked down the aisle escorted by her father. After a beautiful ceremony, we headed over to Ramblewood Country Club for a gorgeous golden hour portrait session. We couldn’t have planned for better- the soft winter light as we drove the golf carts to the best spots for photo ops! We headed back into the warmth of the country club to begin their reception. Brian surprised Christine with a dance featuring himself and the bridesmaids (surprise dances are the best). Brian and Christine snuck outside to cuddle by the fire pit and a few nighttime portraits while their dance floor was hopping. Congrats!

THE DETAILS

Venue: Ramblewood Country Club, Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Florals: Flowers By Gina

Hair: Dawn Manzer of Holiday Hair

Makeup: Camryn Corris

DJ: DJs Available

Cake: Stella Baking Co.

Video: Alliance Video Productions

Flanders Hotel Wedding: Krysta + Rich

Krysta and Rich’s December wedding was the last wedding of 2019 for me and boy was it a great one to end with! This couple is clearly fun to be around with over 300 guests, it was a big party from start to finish. Krysta and her ten bridesmaids got ready on site at The Flanders Hotel, with Your Day Your Way, on hair and makeup. After a jitney ride to St. Augustine’s Church for their ceremony, everyone headed back to The Flanders Hotel, for a beer garden (the first I’ve seen at a wedding) and live music by Goody Blue Shoes. The bridal party quickly snuck out for some photos on the Ocean City boardwalk with some gorgeous winter sunlight. Their wedding details included florals by Spinning Wheel Florist and a gorgeous cake by Blue Dolfin Sweets. The extra Christmas lights and oversized flocked trees (decorated by the hotel) made the perfect setting for their wedding. Krysta and Rich cut the wedding cake, and then cute the pizza (a new tradition at the Flanders Hotel), before heading outside for a night shot by the ferris wheel overlooking Castaway Cove. Dessert included Christmas cookies and coffee. From shawls, to twinkling lights, to Christmas cookies- I declare winter weddings to be amazing!

THE DETAILS

Venue: The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, New Jersey

Florals: Spinning Wheel Florist

Hair & Makeup: Your Day Your Way

Cake: Blue Dolfin Sweets

Band: Goody Blue Shoes

Gown: Martina Liana