Two-thousand thirteen truly was an INCREDIBLE YEAR!  When I started my business three years ago, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to be a part of so many beautiful weddings. This year I laughed, cried, and made countless memories with these amazing couples.  Thank you so much to each and every one of you for giving me the opportunity to do something I love so much.  My heart is bursting it’s so full.

For this “Year in Review” post, I thought it would be fun to relive my favorite moments for each wedding day.  Grab a cup of your favorite coffee, cozy up by the fire, and dive into all the fun, heart-warming, quirky, beautiful, silly, romantic, and downright incredibly magical moments that made up 2013!

 

January 5, 2013 . The Waterside

Samantha and Nico are SO in love.  One year after they were married in Chile, they tied the knot for a second time in front of Samantha’s family in NJ.  I will never forget watching them dance together.  There was so much love that could be felt throughout the room as Nico held Samantha in his arms.  It was beautiful.

January 19, 2013 . The Molly Pitcher Inn

Abby and Max might be two of my favorite people.  EVER.  Young and in love…with the kindest hearts you will come across.  As embarrassing at it was, I will always remember Max’s brother and Mekina being called out by the preacher for flirting before the ceremony…in front of all of Abby and Max’s family and friends.

February 16, 2013 . The Skylands Manor

Cheryl and Adam had such an elegant wedding at the Skylands Manor.  Cheryl looked absolutely stunning in her mother’s wedding dress.  For their first look, Adam released two white balloons to see Cheryl standing right in front of him.  The moment was truly magical.

March 16, 2013 . Naninas in the Park

Whitney and Jason didn’t stop laughing together on their wedding day.  With beautiful hearts and a shared love for sports, these competitive lovebirds are perfect for one another.

March 23, 2013 . Oakeside Mansion

Kayte and Brian put so much thought into all the little details that made up their lovely March wedding.  Old books on the tables, romantic lanterns on rustic wooden slabs, and pretty pops of purple made their Oakeside Mansion wedding PERFECT!

May 3, 2013 . Brooklake Country Club

Amanda and Kevin remind me so much of my husband Matt and me.  Amanda played soccer in college, Kevin played football, and they cheered each other on all four years.  Their emotional first look at the Brooklake Country Club seriously took my breath away and I can’t imagine a more gorgeous spring wedding.

May 11, 2013 . Backyard Barn Wedding in Greenville, SC

Liz and Ben…this couple is so near and dear to my heart.  After falling in love in high school, Liz and Ben dated on and off through college. (Ben and my husband Matt actually played baseball together at Gardner-Webb!)  Their backyard wedding in Greenville, SC was so personal and beautiful.  I can’t get through their wedding day slideshow without crying…especially when watching Ben’s sweet reaction to seeing Liz for the first time!

May 12, 2013 . Oheka Castle

Jillian and Lee met by fate when Lee was visiting NYC from the UK with his friends.  He felt such a connection to Jillian that he actually stayed behind to spend more time with her!  Jillian and Lee were married at the incredible Oheka Castle under an absolutely stunning archway of pink cherry blossoms.  Their day was filled with culture and so much love.

May 15, 2013 . Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Okay…so this is obviously not one of my couples.  This is Mekina, my incredibly talented second shooter and beautiful best friend.  Every year since I started my business, I have somehow been able to convince her to model for me in a wedding dress.  This wedding shoot at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens was amazing…but not as amazing as the story behind it.  Read all about it here.

May 18, 2013 . New York Country Club

Katie and John were married at the New York Country Club in May!  Their personal ceremony with beautiful music was so special…along with the non-stop dance moves they busted out all night!

June 8, 2013 . Madison Hotel 

I love Erin and Matt!  This couple is so warm, kind, and head over heels in love with each other.  Their bridal party was a ton of fun and the joy everyone felt could so obviously be seen throughout the day.

June 20, 2013 . Florence, Italy

Brittany and Aaron gave me the opportunity to shoot my first international wedding…in Florence, Italy!  It doesn’t get much more romantic than capturing pretty sunrise portraits on the cobblestone streets of a place with so much history and love.  And their ceremony in the red room where princes and princesses have tied the knot…to DIE for!

June 28, 2013 . Latitudes on the River

Autumn and Perry are so much fun and seriously have hearts of gold!  Their Christian/Jewish ceremony was really special and the flowers Autumn’s sister (a true artist) created for the entire wedding were GORGEOUS!

June 29, 2013 . Meadow Wood Manor

I smile every time I think about Allison and Matt!  Allison, an amazing planner, did a great job pulling together all the details for their lovely pink and white wedding. And who could forget the sparklers?!  Thinking about Mekina running around them in the parking lot after midnight to get the perfect shot has me laughing until I cry every time!

July 6, 2013 . Oaks Castle, Kingsport, TN

Kelli and Brian are another couple so close to my heart!  Kelli was one of my best friends in high school and I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in her wedding!  As Mekina took on many of the “first shooter” roles, I had the opportunity to break it down on the dance floor with all of my friends.  This is one of my favorite moments.

July 20, 2013 . The Mill at Spring Lakes

Jess and Brian‘s first look was so so special!  They actually decided to see each other for the first time on the same bridge where their parents had their wedding photos taken!

July 21, 2013 . Crystal Plaza

Nothing gets a wedding reception started like the hora!  Tara and Steven‘s wedding at the Crystal Plaza was no exception!

July 27, 2013 . Dolce

Jen and Brian make my heart melt!  It is obvious how much they care for their family and friends, and for each other.  Their unique wedding portraits in front of this antique Dr. Pepper building are some of my favorites!

August 3, 2013 . Mallard Island Yacht Club

What can I say about Kristen and Will?  Their wedding day was literally the perfect definition of a real life FAIRYTALE!  Watching the tears pour down both of their faces during their emotional ceremony had to be my favorite moment of their absolutely beautiful day.  Mekina and I felt so welcome by Kristen and Will…just like family.

August 10, 2013 . Woodcliff Lake Hilton

Elise and Mike‘s warm and caring personalities reach not only one another, but everyone around them!  Their sun-filled portrait session will leave you swooning and Elise’s magnificent wedding dress was one of my favorite details of their beautiful day…along with their ombre centerpieces of course!

August 25, 2013 . Il Villaggio 

When I think of Kristin and Dennis I think of one thing…the DANCING!  A smile never left my face as they sashayed around the dance floor to Darte Un Beso.

August 26, 2013 . Central Park

Sheryn and Jarrod‘s NYC wedding was magical!  My favorite part?  Riding in a vintage taxi they used in the filming of my favorite movie of all time…When Harry Met Sally.  This Australian couple is super sweet and I couldn’t be happier for them!

August 31, 2013 . Glen Cove Mansion

Sara and Michael had a beautiful bridal party and a gorgeous wedding!  I fell in love with the elegant chandelier that hung over them during the ceremony and their pretty sparkler exit.

September 4, 2014 . Central Park

Li and Henry are from Singapore, my home in the 8th grade!  Their classic NYC portraits in Central Park, along with Henry’s sweet proposal to Li while singing and playing the ukulele for her in Paris make my heart so happy.

September 6, 2013 . Crystal Plaza

Ashley and Jose make me smile!  They were so excited to be marrying one another and you can just tell they have that once in a lifetime love that everyone hopes for.

September 7, 2013 . Eventi Hotel

Larissa and Mike‘s NYC wedding takes my breath away!  After falling in love while living in Tokyo, these two love birds re-kindled their relationship when they returned to the states.  Larissa and Mike were married on the rooftop of the Eventi Hotel, with views of the World Trade Center to their right and the Empire State building to their left.  It really was magical!

September 8, 2013 . Westmount Country Club

Oh how I love Olha and Nazar!  Besides being two of the nicest people I have ever met, their colorful Ukrainian wedding was simply STUNNING!  I especially loved the crowning during their ceremony.

September 14, 2013 . Holston Hills Country Club, Kingsport, TN

Kristen and Andrew‘s sweet Tennessee wedding was oh so beautiful!   Kristen did an incredible job bringing every personal and adorable detail together (they even had a biscuit bar!) and Andrew’s tears as he watched his gorgeous bride walk down the aisle were very touching.  Their super cute chocolate lab even got to play an important role in their ceremony.  Check him out here.

September 21, 2013 . The Bethwood

Laura and Dan are two of the most vibrant people I have ever met!  It is such a joy to be around them!  Their Devil’s themed wedding was one of a kind, packed full with so many unique details.  My favorite moment was when the voice of the Devil’s announced Laura and Dan’s entrance into their red and black reception!

September 28, 2013 . Crystal Point Yacht Club

Patti and Steve are so wonderful!  I tell all of my couples I would love to meet them for coffee anytime, but Patti is one of the only brides who has taken me up on it!  Both located in Madison, we met at our favorite coffee shop Drip three or four times before the wedding day.  When September 28th arrived, I felt like we were close friends.  Their super fun bridal party portraits on the beach are some of my favorites!

October 5, 2013 . McLoone’s

Aly and Joe are amazing.  The sweet glances they were shooting each other all day and the gentle way Joe would take Aly’s hand  made their relationship rival Noah and Allie’s in The Notebook.  Add in the fact that they got married in Red Bank, NJ (one of my FAVORITE little towns ever) and you can see why this wedding is so close to my heart.

October 6, 2013 . Hilton Pearl River

Maria and Nick‘s day was straight out of My Big Fat Greek Wedding!  (Maria said it herself!)  Their traditional greek dancing- money flying and all – has to be one of my favorite moments of their incredible day.  At the end of the evening Nick was still holding Maria close as they whispered and laughed together by candlelight.

October 11, 2013 . Knoll Country Club

I see so many different types of love, but Brianne and Joe‘s was truly special.  Brianne and Joe shared the love of family, a love so strong it literally made my heart melt.  As they danced their first dance with their son Joey, I couldn’t even hide the tears that were falling from my eyes.  It is a moment I will never forget.

October 12, 2013 . Mayfair Farms

Tre and Eddie are teammates, partners, and best friends for life.  Their cake that so perfectly told the story of their unshakable relationship is one of the most incredible wedding details I have ever seen.  And that dress!!!  One of a kind and truly made for Tre.

October 13, 2013 . Indian Trail Club

Danielle and Matt‘s wedding was straight out of a magazine!  These two got married under the changing leaves of two fall trees, one yellow, one orange.  As the sunset behind them, they promised each other forever while friends and family wiped away tears of joy.  My favorite part of the day had to be their romantic canoe ride on the glistening water.  It really was straight out of a modern day fairytale.

October 19, 2013 . Il Tulipano

Janine and Kyle are a couple after my own heart!  A few short months after they got engaged, Janine and Kyle tied the knot in front of 19 of their closest family and friends.  They didn’t care to have a long engagement, they just wanted to be married to one another.

October 26, 2013 . The Stone House at Stirling Ridge

I knew I loved Theresa and Anthony the first moment I met them.  Theresa and I share the desire to live in a Disney movie so it was fitting that their wedding day truly was a fairytale!  The love, hope, and pure joy that radiates from Theresa and Anthony really is contagious and I feel so blessed to know them.

November 2, 2013 . The Stone House at Stirling Ridge

I could live in Rose and Nick‘s wedding day.  Every unique detail…Rose’s beautiful broach bouquet, the multi color bridesmaid dresses, and the collected cigar box centerpieces were so perfect for the couple.  Their vows made me cry and their sparkler photographs are so much fun!  Thank you Rose and Nick for allowing me to be a part of your incredible day.

November 16, 2013 . Sao Paulo, Brazil Penthouse

Carol and Eder‘s wedding took me all the way to Sao Paulo, Brazil!  After playing tennis with Carol in college, I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to capture her beautiful wedding day!  My favorite moment occurred at midnight when Carol and Eder jumped into the pool with all of their guests!

December 8, 2013 . Central Park Boathouse

It doesn’t get much more magical than Jessika and Vincent‘s wedding at the Central Park Boathouse!  The photos of Vincent twirling Jessika in the snow are filled with so much romance and love that my little heart can’t stand it!

December 21, 2013 . Sound View Inn

I am so blessed to say that my last wedding of the year was for one of my beautiful friends!  Megan and Kris were married as the sunset over the water behind the Soundview Inn.  Kris’ father officiated their very emotional Christian ceremony and I loved every minute of it!  The Darlingside band were amazing…keeping Megan and Kris and friends and family dancing all night long!

Thank you so much to each and every couple who allowed me to be a part of your wedding day.  You will all hold a very special place in my heart for years to come.