Andrea & Chris’ Shadowbrook Wedding Photos

Andrea and Chris hold a very special place in my heart. Andrea is first cousins with one of my closest friends, Kathryn McNally, and when Andrea started the search for her wedding photographer, Katie was quick on the draw and mentioned that I had recently made the switch to wedding photography. After an impromptu consultation, we instantly clicked. Andrea and Chris get my relaxed and fun style of photography and I love their excitement and energy. Chris and Andrea complement each other phenomenally, and play off each other’s traits and personalities. She’s a bubbly school teacher, who loves her students dearly and is just so loving and nurturing. Chris is gearing up for the police academy and pulls off the strong, silent type act perfectly, but you know he would have your back no matter what. In other words they are simply adorable together.

The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Piscataway, NJ. The service would have been a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony; however, Andrea arranged for all her students to come to the alter towards the end of the liturgy, and take part in one of the most special days of their favorite teacher’s life. In was a truly special moment. After the vows were exchanged, we headed off to the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, NJ to celebrate the night away.

The Shadowbrook is quickly becoming one of my favorite NJ wedding venues. The place has the perfect balance of old-school style, lush landscapes, and a ton of great photo options. I spent a solid hour photographing Andrea (who was showing off a stunning Alita Graham wedding gown) and Chris throughout the gardens and in many of the Shadowbrook’s elegant rooms. The reception was an absolute blast. Chris tore up the dance floor with his TKE brothers and friends. Andrea danced her heart out with family, and all the bridesmaids joined Chris McNally for a rousing rendition of the B-52’s “Love Shack.” I’ve watched the man perform the song at three weddings now and I don’t think Fred Schneider could hold a candle to McNally’s croon. I love photographing weddings, but there’s just something wonderful about documenting an event surround by people you know and love.