When I say that I completely fall in love with my clients, it’s no lie…their personalities and stories and styles are just so unique and the final result is authentic and emotional photography. When a bride and groom know their photographer, really know them, magic happens…they’re comfortable, they’re funny and if they become stressed during the day, you have the ability to calm and reassure like only a loved one can. When I first started this business, that was the goal: to forget the stiff and stingy stigmas that a lot of other wedding photographers have and to relate to, befriend and build relationships with my couples. Six years later and this singlehandedly influences my work more than anything else.

I know Stefanie and Dominick through the volunteer fire service…they are from a neighboring department, so I’ve known them and their families for quite a few years but never actually met them officially until after their engagement (someone else was also present during our first meeting…you’ll meet him later in the post!)

The afternoon of the big day, I arrived at Stefanie’s mom’s house and from the moment I saw my bride, it was ALL smiles. From the way she showed me her jewelry and shoes, right down to her custom veil, Stefanie was beaming…and when I say this girl’s smile and laugh is contagious, it’s no lie! Stefanie chose a gorgeous satin gown with an embellished jacket; her delicate jewelry included the earrings her mother wore at her wedding (I love, love it!!) and blue XO bracelet and pretty pearls. Her flowers, one of the most gorgeous arrangements I’ve seen in my career, included breathtaking Autumn tones.

A camo bowtie…how awesome?!? And so Dominick!

Meet Smokey D’Alisera!! The sweetest guy, ever! I wanted mom and dad to bring him to their engagement session but when they didn’t, we vowed to make up for it on the wedding day…and we SO did! Check out his cute skills!

A girl after my own heart!

I can honestly say that shooting at St. Peter’s Church will NEVER get old. The history and the architecture is so unbelievably amazing, that every time I walk though its doors, it always feels new to me.

Stefanie and her dad arrived at the church on a beautiful antique firetruck!

There was absolutely no way this wedding could go on without Stefanie saying hello to her sweet boy! He was SO excited to see her!

Favorite!!

Dominick is a photographer, too and we discussed it before the wedding that the downside of November weddings is the small window for outdoor portraits before sunset. To our horror, their ceremony began much later than expected and so I was frantically watching the clock. Immediately after the ceremony, I told Stefanie and Dom that we had to fly to the park we chose for portraits…the sunlight was not waiting!! When we got to the park, we were unpleasantly greeted by a very angry (and red) park ranger who made it clear we would not be taking a single portrait that night, as he was closing the park and he was in a rush to get home. After much pleading and trying to negotiate (to no avail…even my sweet voice didn’t work, ugh!) the groom made a call and got help from a VERY great friend who was able to close up the park after left. What a SAINT! So with the sun down, my second shooter Susan and I split up our portraits and got everybody’s done as calmly as possible. Aside from the twinkling lights on the river, you would never know it was SO dark out!

Just for fun…here’s what our reality was. Overcast at dusk!

One of my all-time favorite shots/poses of my career…between the twilight sky and Stefanie’s gorgeous dress and that smile plus the old-feel with the truck…ahh!!

Congratulations, Dominick + Stefanie! Love you guys!

VENDORS

Dress

Maggie Sottero

Florist

Pearl River Florist

Ceremony Venue

St. Peter’s Church, Haverstraw, NY

Reception Venue

Old Tappan Manor, Old Tappan, NJ

DJ/Entertainment

Algenis Ferreira + Omar Munoz

Videographer

Wedding Bug

Cake

A Little Cake

Groom’s Cake

Caked Up

Makeup

Manijeh Abasi

Invitations

The American Wedding