GIANDO ON THE WATER

Photos: Courtney Davidson Photography

The day before Thanksgiving I find myself reflecting on the past year. I have accomplished so much and I have so much to be thankful for. I really have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize how lucky I am to be making my dreams come true and making so many couples happy along the way.

Every wedding I work on holds a special place in my mind and every so often a couple truly captures my heart. I can not even begin to describe what a pleasure it was to work with Ron and Zena (pictured above).

Zena and I scouted a lot of venues for her and Ron's wedding day and we were pleasantly surprised when we stumbled upon Giando on the Water. It's one of those places you imagine only exists in the movies...with breathtaking views and a staff that treats you like family. Heading the staff at Giando is Joe Leone, what a fantastic guy!

I was also excited to be working with Courtney Davidson for the first time and her mentor Kenny Pang. Her images of the day did not disappoint. I can't remember the last time a couple of mine had so many amazing portraits of their wedding day to choose from.

One of the best parts of my job are all fabulous people that make the wedding day come to life! A big thank you is in order to Denise Fasanello Floral Design. Denise is a true artist and she always amazes me with her designs and creations, such a rare talent! This was my first time working with Ajalon Printing & Design, famous for their amazing letterpress special. I worked with them to create a custom letterpress invitation for my couple. We were all so pleased with the final result (which included Hebrew as well), that we immediately hired them to design ALL of the paper products for the wedding day, which we offset print. I can't forget to mention East Coast Band, who had the dance floor packed all night!

Wishing everyone reading this a wonderful Thanksgiving and congrats again to Ron and Zena!

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

LOVE THESE TWO

Jonathan | Francine from Couture Motion on Vimeo

I mean, where does one even begin when describing this couple? If I had to use one word it would be FUN. This couple instantly became a vendor favorite across the board. Just take a look at this awesome video by Couture Motion and you will wish you were at this crazy fun wedding. Couture Motion is now based out of CA, but they will travel. If they lived in the NYC area still I would seriously hire them for every event. Every stinky one. They truly capture the essence of each couple. No two videos are the same. Remember this couple of mine? See how different their video is?

I can't wait to share the professional images of this wedding with all of you! Until then, check out their highlight video above...I cry every time!

NJ WEDDING: THE MANOR

Photos: Turn Loose the Art

I'm always a little disappointed right before I do a blog post of a wedding I worked on. Why??? Because the images on my blog are so darn tiny and you won't be able to appreciate them. Luckily you can see bigger images on Turn Loose the Art's Blog! If you are not familiar with Britney and Joe from Turn Loose the Art you must check them out! I'll be blogging another wedding soon that I worked on with them that is the complete opposite of this one...which is always fun!

I loved this wedding. Everything was inspired by Bertini's Italian Plume print. The print was carried through in all of the paper products and were designed by Bespoke Affairs. The print also inspired the color palette which was very natural and organic. Remember this post? Well, I was so thrilled to see the use of cabbage at this wedding. Fresh Art in Millburn, NJ did a wonderful job designing the florals and made the bride (and groom) very happy.

Are you a fan of Bespoke Affairs on Facebook? If so you can see more images here from this event.

NJ VENUES: PART ONE

Image Credit: Laffler Photography at Crossed Keys Inn

Today will be my first blog post highlighting venues I love in New Jersey (in honor of my move to Westfield, NJ). When I sat down at my computer this morning, I was really at a loss on what venue to feature first because there are so many fabulous ones to choose from. First I thought I'd highlight one of my favorites on the Jersey Shore. Then I thought I'd show you a spectacular new venue that is only a 6 minute ferry ride from Manhattan.

To be honest, too many choices and so many different styles were coming to mind...and then I said to myself, let's answer some emails and then revisit blogging later today. I'm so glad I did because a photographer friend mentioned in an email that she lives in Andover and I said to myself, Crossed Keys Inn...that's it!

So today I bring to you Crossed Keys Inn, an updated farmhouse on 12 acres of stunning property and possibly one of the most magical venues our great state has to offer. When you first arrive at the venue you are greeted with a tree-lined drive to a 19th century country estate. The charming grounds are filled with everything from lush meadows to cornfields. Your guests can even stay the night and wake to homemade breads, fresh local fruits and farm fresh dairy products.

After the reception is over, you can even wind down with close friends and family inside their playhouse where the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Groucho Marx once hung out. If that's not enough to win you over, their honeymoon suite is a secluded stone cottage with a jacuzzi for two.

AHHHH. I could talk and type for hours about this amazing venue. You really need to visit there and see for yourself! If that's not possible, check out their website which has tons of pictures and information on it...and they even have a blog!

The images in my blog post are by Laffler Photography, one of NJ's premiere wedding photographers (and NY for that matter!). Just take a look at these weddings he shot there and I dare you to tell me his images don't make you cry they are so beautiful. What a talent! My obsession with his photography began when he shot Kim's wedding, you might remember her from her day after session I worked on.