The Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge: Katherine & Ben: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Ben and Katherine met in 2007 at Georgetown while she was a Sophomore and he was a Junior. They were living in apartments that shared a wall.  They were friends for a few years while Ben was at school - Katherine specifically remembers enjoying his 90s themed dance parties, but they didn’t start dating until after Ben graduated.

Ben went down to Georgetown frequently in the autumn of 2009 (he had graduated the prior Spring), and the couple became even closer.  On December 10, 2009 Ben took Katherine to his fraternity’s winter formal.  Rather than going to dinner with the rest of their friends, Ben asked if Katherine wanted to go out just the two of them. She did, and they talked for hours, ending up being quite late to the formal.

Katherine said yes to a second date the following night.  Over winter break that January, Ben drove out to NJ to take her on their third date.  That night, he met her parents for the first time, along with her grandmother, Nannie.  After Ben left, Nannie turned to Katherine's mother and proclaimed that Ben was the one, and someday he and Katherine would get married.  Sadly, Nannie died just before the wedding, but she got to know and love Ben, and knew that her premonition was about to become a reality.

Ben proposed on December 20, 2013, but the story starts earlier than that.  Ben asked for Katherine's father’s permission to propose on Thanksgiving weekend.  Since her other sisters had known when their husband’s were asking for permission, Katherine's dad figured that she did too.  About five minutes after Ben asked him, her dad said “It’s about damn time” - among other nice “welcome to the family” things. Her dad later told her what had transpired.  After the shock wore off, she started wedding planning immediately, and actually booked The Stone House at Stirling Ridge the very next day, before they were even engaged. 

So then, on December 20, 2013, exactly one year before their wedding - Katherine came home after work to find their apartment completely decked out with red roses, candles and white lights.  It was a beautiful proposal that ended with Ben on bended knee.

With the venue booked, Katherine went to work finding just the right individuals to work with to make her dream wedding come true. Carissa DeMarco from The Stone House worked as the couple's party planner, helping in any way possible.

On the day of the wedding, Amy Jones Baskin of Beauty on Location came to Katherine's home and skillfully created the perfect bridal makeup.  Katherine then moved upstairs and got into her elegant Augusta Jones gown from Kleinfeld.  Her mother then helped her add the finishing touches - a pair of earrings that her father had given to her mother before they were given to Katherine on her thirteenth birthday (which just so happened to be the same pair of earrings that Katherine wore on her first date with Ben), a necklace that had been a gift from Ben, and a bracelet that had belonged to her father's mother, Katherine.  The veil held a special place in everyone's heart as it had been purchased for Katherine by Nannie before she passed away.

Despite the cold, Katherine's warm smile kept everyone in high spirits.  When it came time for portraits before heading to the church, the bride tossed on her gorgeous cape from Alexander Furs and went out onto her parents' front porch, followed by friends and family.  Her stunning flowers, beautifully done by Jardiniere Fine Flowers, were red roses with her grandmother's rosary wrapped around them. For a simple touch of winter, her bride's maids carried ivory roses with pine cones and greenery, a simple touch that added timeless beauty.

The ceremony was held at the Church of Christ the King in New Vernon, where Katherine and Ben proudly stood before all their family and friends and promised to love one another entirely and endlessly.

Guests then moved on to the Stone House at Stirling Ridge, which Jardiniere Fine Flowers had outdone themselves decorating with trees, candles, and alternating white and red roses.  The lighting design, set up by Craig Scott Entertainment, completed the room's transformation. The Craig Scott Orchestra did an excellent job getting everyone on their feet as the couple made their entrance, Mike Simons Video Productions capturing every amazing second. Dancing and laughter carried on late into the night, ending with the traditional tossing of the bouquet and cutting of the cake.

Special thanks to Geraldine Pritchard for helping us capture Katherine and Ben's special day!

Trump National Golf Club: Kaitlin and James: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Kaitlin and James met at Villanova University in the middle of their sophomore year. Kaitlin had gone with some of her friends to an event their sorority was throwing, and James had been set up as another girl’s date. A mutual friend introduced them, and they ended up dancing and talking the entire night - even after finding out that they were from rival sports cities once “Sweet Caroline” came on (she’s from New Jersey; he’s from Boston).

Fast-forward to graduation, and besides separate semesters abroad at the beginning of junior year, Kaitlin and James had been together since the moment they met. After graduation, Kaitlin moved to New York, and James headed back to Boston—but not for long... He moved down to New York a few months later.

After four more years together, James decided it was finally time to propose. In August 2013, he asked Kaitlin to marry him in her apartment - she had warned him not to do anything big or public multiple times!

They chose November 8th, 2014 as their special day, and Kaitlin's childhood church as the special place. She got ready at her parent's home, with makeup done by Tara Pagliara and hair by Lindsay Bert of Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. Kaitlin looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine in her Cymbeline gown and custom made veil.  She and her father shared an emotional moment together when he first saw her in her dress.  Afterwards, everyone stepped outside, Kaitlin's bridesmaids in blue Jim Hjelm dresses with gorgeous bouquets from Jardiniere Fine Flowers.

The ceremony at Resurrection Parish was particularly special, with Kaitlin's grandfather, a deacon, marrying the couple.  The celebration of the love between Kaitlin and James was done beautifully, and the happy couple got into the limo hand-in-hand, excited to continue the celebration at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

Before heading into the cocktail, Kaitlin and James took a short walk around the club, taking time to be one-on-one without all their guests present.  As the sun set, we were able to capture some perfect autumn portraits, shining bright with smiles and love.  Inside, the reception hall was beautifully decorated and the Joe Caroselli and Masterpiece Orchestra were calling for the attention of everyone present.  They announced the entrance of the party before getting everyone on their feet for the arrival of the new Mr. and Mrs.  Surrounded by family and friends, the couple shared their first dance.  Kaitlin's grandfather said a prayer and toasts were given.  The lively group then got on their feet and stopped only for dinner, quickly back on the floor once it was done.

Kaitlin and James, having met at and both graduated from Villanova University, made sure to take a moment and celebrate with all their fellow alumni in a photo with the school banner.  All in all, Kaitlin and James's wedding was exactly what a wedding should be: a lively celebration of love, friends, and family.

A special thanks to David Willems for helping us capture the day!

Bernards Inn: Gabby & Ian: New Jersey Wedding Photography

There is nothing more beautiful than two people in love. On their wedding day, Gabby and Ian weren't just another smiling couple - they shined.  The love between the two of them was so bright, it couldn't help but melt our hearts.

The bride and groom had a perfect Autumn day for their October 4th wedding.  Gabby looked breathtaking in her Rosa Clara gown that sparkled with a hint of 1920s elegance.  Before the ceremony, the elated couple took a short walk (just a block from the Bernards Inn) in order to calm some nerves and capture a few stunning photos before the daylight faded.

Back at the Bernards Inn, the ceremony was conducted by Gabby's brother, making the celebration just a little bit sweeter.  Gabby's mother contributed as well, designing all the stationary for the special day, ranging from the invitations to the place cards, which were each handmade origami cranes. The reception, which was artfully decorated with flowers by Jardiniere Fine Flowers, was warm and intimate, filled with the people that the couple loved most. Beat Train Productions did a fantastic job lighting the room and making this wonderful couple's reception a night to remember.

Trump National Golf Club: A Summer Solstice Wedding : New Jersey Wedding Photography

On a perfect Saturday in June, Jenna and Jim stood outside in front of a large gathering of friends and family, and said "I do" to happily-ever-after together.  The couple first met after Jenna's cousin did a bit of matchmaking, picking Jim out of her husband's group of friends as someone who may hit it off with Jenna. Two years later, on Jenna's birthday, Jim proposed.

Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, was the ideal location for the elegant summer wedding.  The ceremony took place outside in front of an extravagant fountain and beautiful flowers. Jenna wore a stunning gown from Elizabeth Johns, accompanied by her mother's veil and earrings handpicked by her groom.  Jim could not have been any happier as he stood at the top of the stone steps in an Armani tuxedo, eyes locked on Jenna as she walked down the aisle with her father.  The bridesmaids lined the left side of the steps in their Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaid and bouquets by Mike Pellegrino of Jardiniere Fine Flowers.  On the opposite side of the stairs stood Jim's groomsmen, most of whom Jim had known since high school.  Together, Jenna and Jim stood beneath a beautifully adorned arch and proclaimed their everlasting love for each other.

Inside, Jenna's mother and grandmother had worked endlessly to get everything perfect.  Without them, the wedding would not have been the amazing event that it was, helping Jenna immensely with each detailed decision, from the stationary by Linda Gamba of Paperazzi, to the lighting design by Eggsotic Events, to the amazing Jason Craig Band.  After cocktail hour upstairs on the veranda, guests came down into the spectacular ballroom decorated in hues of purple.  From the start of the reception, with Jenna and Jim's first dance, through the speeches from Jenna's parents, sister, cousin, and Jim's best friend, until the end, with dancing and cutting of the cake, Jenna and Jim shined with love and happiness on their perfect day.

The Bernards Inn: Classic Hollywood Glamor: Somerset County Weddings

We are so excited for the up and coming Bridal Showcase at The Bernards Inn! For more details, check out their site by clicking the link.  Below is one of our favorite weddings from The Bernards Inn.

Meredith & Matthew meet at Moravian College and started dating after he graduated the New York City Police Academy and she moved to New York to study pediatric nursing.  After four love filled years Matthew proposed in Paris!   For the big day Meredith selected a Romona Keveza gown with flowing tulle and lace detailing from Gabriella Bridal Salon paired with a Lady Dior veil and silver Badgley Mischka heels. We just loved how make up artist Ashley Frato accentuated Meredith's radiant smile with just the right shade of color!  She looked as if she could have stepped out of a scene from a classic Hollywood movie.  Matthew and his groomsman were dapper in Jos. A. Banks suites with navy and green ties to accent the bridesmaids J.CREW navy one shoulder sheath dresses.   Jardiniere Fine Flowers selected peonies and green hydrangea for the bouquets creating a fresh from the garden spring look.  Their ceremony was held at the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, a beautiful white columned church from 1851.  The couple chose The Bernards Inn for their reception site.  There is a classic ease and elegance to The Bernards Inn where Jeffrey B. Haines of Butler’s of Far Hills presents the Signature Style of Entertaining.  Brian Kirk and The Jirks were amazing as always and on hand to keep the party moving.  It was a night to remember!

The Bernards Inn: Classic Hollywood Glamor: Somerset County Weddings

  Meredith & Matthew meet at Moravian College and started dating after he graduated the New York City Police Academy and she moved to New York to study pediatric nursing.  After four love filled years Matthew proposed in Paris!   For the big day Meredith selected a Romona Keveza gown with flowing tulle and lace detailing from Gabriella Bridal Salon paired with a Lady Dior veil and silver Badgley Mischka heels. We just loved how make up artist Ashley Frato accentuated Meredith's radiant smile with just the right shade of color!  She looked as if she could have stepped out of a scene from a classic Hollywood movie.  Matthew and his groomsman were dapper in Jos. A. Banks suites with navy and green ties to accent the bridesmaids J.CREW navy one shoulder sheath dresses.   Jardiniere Fine Flowers selected peonies and green hydrangea for the bouquets creating a fresh from the garden spring look.  Their ceremony was held at the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church a beautiful white columned church from 1851.  The couple chose The Bernards Inn for their reception site.  There is a classic ease and elegance to The Bernards Inn where Jeffrey B. Haines of Butler’s of Far Hills presents the Signature Style of Entertaining.  Brian Kirk and The Jirks were amazing as always and on hand to keep the party moving.  It was a night to remember!

Trump National Golf Course Bedminster: A Wedding That's Pretty in Pink: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

When Scott met Jackie in Morristown NJ on a beautiful summer day he knew there was something special about their connection.  Five months later, the day after Thanksgiving, at Scott's family in California he decided the time was right.  A hot air balloon ride took them over beautiful scenery as he proposed, later they drove back to Scott's parents home where Jackie's parents had flown in from NJ to surprised them. For the big day Jackie went to Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC to pick out a stunning Romona Keveza gown paired with sparkly Jimmy Choo shoes and her grandmother's sapphire earrings.  Amy Jones of Sally Duvall Makeup Artistry did a wonderful job bringing out Jackie's stunning natural beauty.   Dieci Spa & Salon created a chic classic look for Jackie and her bridesmaids.   For the girls' dresses she went to Bella Bridesmaid in Madison NJ and opted for simple sheath dresses in a lovely shade of pink.  Scott & his groomsmen looked dashing in their Hugo Boss Tuxedos from Nordstrom.

Laura Grusky of Elegant Events by Laura planned this beautiful event and Zeke of Zeke Torres Films from CA came in to capture the day on video.  With the ceremony in New Vernon at The Church of Christ the King and an elegant reception at Trump National Golf Club of Bedminster it was a day to remember. Jardiniere Fine Florist of Fair Hills created the look Jackie and Scott envisioned.  Jackie chose a simple lily of the valley bouquet for herself and pink roses for the girls.   DJ Jack Bertmeo of LJ Projections provided the entertainment for the night.  A beautiful cake by Gourmet Touch Bakery was accented with pink roses and ivory orchids.  The couple drank from a traditional German marriage cup after cutting the cake.  The guests were treated with with chocolate hot air balloon favors from Enjou Chocolat in Morristown a sweet reminder of their proposal.

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster: A Wedding to Trump! New Jersey Wedding Photographers

The last thing we expected from our delicate blond-haired blue-eyed bride, was to hear that she was a Harvard ice hockey player with a penchant for collecting rubber ducks and Jimmy Choos!  Courtney and her twinkly-eyed husband Brian met at ESPN.  She was the 'girl' in marketing and he was the 'guy' in PR.  Their first date was dinner & a U2 concert!  Almost ten years later this fun loving couple decided to take the leap. Courtney was glowing in a Liancarlo creation from Bridal Couture of Short Hills and silver peep-toed Jimmy Choo's of course.  Her bridesmaids wore one shoulder sheath dresses in a lovely shade of currant by Jenny Yoo of Jenny Yoo NYC.  The ceremony was at Christ Church in Summit NJ.  For the reception nothing else would do but the Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster.  The rolling hills and soft sunset light made a surreal backdrop heightened by bagpipers brought in to welcome the guests.  Jardiniere Fine Flowers of Far Hills created rich wine & gold arrangements and the Essence Band kept the party moving!