Fast forward 45 minutes, and I’m barreling down Route 287 with Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” blasting from the stereo of my little black Ford Focus. I’m trying not to freak out. It’s a beautiful day and I’m ignoring the incessant texts from my best man, Josh Goldfarb. I get there with a few minutes to spare. Peel off my denim jacket. Throw on my tux and run to the ceremony. It turns out I have an half hour. Joy.

The ceremony was very special for us. We searched high and low for an interfaith minister that could blend the Greek and Jewish traditions into one uber ceremony. Rev. Ren Porter did it flawlessly. I read my vows, lit a candle for my grandmother that passed on a few months earlier, and said “I do” without shedding a tear. It was hard. Allison was stunning in her dress. She looked like an angel with her porcelain skin and beautiful smile. She was the one thing that kept me from thinking this was all a dream.

We put together our whole wedding ourselves, keeping it to the bare minimum of guests—close friends and family only. We wanted this to be a party, not a formal reception. We wanted fun music, lots of great food and wine, and smiles all around. We succeeded. All 48 guests (yes, only 48 guests) partied the night away and we were actually able to enjoy the festivities.

Many people call their wedding the best day of their lives. I find it hard to say that, because it truly felt like an out-of-body experience. It was almost as if I was watching someone that looked like me get married, cut the cake, and dance with the most stunning woman in the world. I look back at my photos, taken by the amazing Kristin Reimer of Photomuse, and smile every time. She did a fabulous job capturing memories that I would never have remembered unless they were caught on film.

Five years later, and I’m happier than ever and still as much in love with Allison as the day she took me to be her husband (maybe even a bit more). I’m blessed to have an awesome family and great friends, and look forward to decades upon decades of fun and excitement.

ALL PHOTOS © PHOTOMUSE

It rained the day before, and it looked a bit dreary that morning, but a few minutes before sunset the clouds cleared up and the sky lit the couple like nothing I had ever seen. I left the family at the alter waiting for formals as I swept the bride and groom into the parking lot for an impromptu portrait session. The light only lasted a few minutes, but the photos and memories will last a lifetime. Congrats Michelle and Ed on the awesome wedding. Enjoy Austin. Many more photos are coming.

This past July, I had the pleasure of documenting the vows of Shelli and Michael in a wedding that was equal parts elegant, classy and serene. The ceremony took place in Michael’s parent’s backyard, a lush stretch of grass nestled in the New Jersey suburbs. Shelli’s father handmade the ketubah – a stunning wedding contract featuring brilliant calligraphy with colorful etchings. It truly is a work of art.

The two joined hands and shared rings under a small chuppah while close friends and family watched on with tears of joy and smiles all around. One by one, Shelli and Michael’s relatives said a small speech and prayer for the couple, and as luck would have it, the rain held out until the first kiss.

The good news was that the reception was being held at the Liberty House. Overlooking Manhattan, The Liberty House is one of the most amazing restaurants/reception halls I’ve had the chance to photograph. Between the views, the open spaces, and the huge chess board outside, the location is simply to die for.

This was the first Polish meets Persian reception I’ve been part of and between the great food and constant dancing, I didn’t want to leave. DJ Gaza mixed middle eastern and modern music all night long as the bride and groom tore up the dance floor. This was a feast for the eyes and the soul, and I was so glad to be part of the festivities.

Special thanks to Joe Papeo for second shooting for us, and as always, a big hug to Allison for running the show and keeping me sane.

The ketubah was hand drawn and lettered by Shelli's dad. The photos don't do it justice.

The photo on the left is a great candid by Joe as Shelli was heading for the first look.

No one photographs children like Joe Papeo.

Shelli's smile lit up the room. I swear, she had this same glimmer all day long.

Shelli's mom saw the photo on the left as I was taking it and told me her daughter was an angel. She is so right.

Michael looks so damn suave in this photo.

A long glance at twilight.

The Liberty House is simply a stellar place to host a wedding reception.

And the inside of the Liberty House is just is dazzling.

The cake: minimalist, yet eyepopping. It also tasted as good as it looked.

The bride and groom make a heck of an entrance as the sun begins to set along the Hudson. Another great shot from Joe Papeo.

Shelli's sister gave a moving speech.

Shelli's face is simply histerical. I've never seen a look of fear so real.

The first dance.

Boogie down with dad.

The dance floor was packed all night. I don't think anyone stopped to eat.

I was warned that there was going to be sparklers during the cake cutting but I never imagined they would be so big.

These last few photos are lit entirely by sparkler, no flash at all. I love the look on dad's face in this one.

And one last kiss to end the evening.

Second Shooter: Joe Papeo
Venue: Liberty House, Jersey City, NJ
Caterer: Foremost/RAM
Gown: Mahrokh Design
DJ: Gary Hoffman, aka DJ Gaza
Hair: Lovemore & Do Salon
Makeup: Christie Lee
Flowers: The Plant Shed
Guitarist: Dan Nadel

Saturday comes, and I get a call in the early morning from Tristan. Russ is feeling better and is going to go outside come hell or high water. We packed our bags, loaded the trunk and headed off for an afternoon in lovely Allentown, Pennsylvania. Russ was a trooper, standing in the still cold just barely out of Winter weather while I made the two of them run all over this lovely park just off the main drag. We hopped in the car a few times to warm up, but the chilly weather was more than worth it. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the session.

I have no idea if anyone lives in this house, but it sure is cool looking.

The shot on the right is my favorite. I just love a good black and white photograph. It just looks timeless.

I promise, after this shoot, no more tall grass for a year. I swear.

I tend to fall into water, which is why I don’t do too may reflection shots. This one turned out quite nicely.

The horse wasn’t planned, and I couldn’t stop reciting that Old Spice commercial. “I’m on a horse.”

This is Allison’s favorite shot. The way Tristan is staring at Russ with those adoring eyes is just lovely.

Our all around favorite shot from the session. A gorgeous couple, stunning light, and a really cool looking wall. I need to get out of the city more.