Valenzano Winery Wedding Photos | Caitlin + Ryan | Rock & Roll Wedding Photographer

One of the biggest challenges shooting weddings in New Jersey is the lack of inspiring locations and venues. New Jersey is a breeding ground for wedding factories; you know the kind? Four weddings going on at the same time. Music from one reception leaking into the ceremony of the other. Flaming venetian tables. It can suck the creative life out of a photographer. That wasn’t the case with Caitlin and Ryan’s Valenzano Winery wedding. Located on a picturesque farm in Shamong Township, Valenzano Winery offers access to a vast vineyard and distillery for a ton of different portrait options, which is particular great when the weather isn’t cooperating.

But I’m not here to talk about barrels and wine; I’m here to talk about Caitlin and Ryan, two journalists that fell in love at Rutgers and shared their vows during a moving ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in Mt. Holly. The couple did an excellent job including all of their friends and family in the celebration, allowing each family member to say a few words from the pulpit and recognizing everyone that came out to see them say “I do.”

Afterwards we ran to the winery at breakneck speeds to try and beat a storm that was nipping at our heels. We made a quick stop for photos at Mighty Joe the Gorilla, because giant gorilla statue, and made it to the winery just in time for an abridged bridal and groom portrait session. Within minutes the wind and rain tossed us inside where I continued shooting amidst the massive steel containers that flanked the winery’s inner sanctum.

The rain was soon an afterthought as friends and relatives — some of whom travelled from as far as Nashville and Australia — gathered around the couple for their first dance. Tears were shed, smiles shared and a true happiness was felt that can only come from seeing a couple transcend friendship and get lost in a sea of mutual love, respect and devotion. That’s something you just can’t capture on digital film, but I can’t help but try.

A huge thank you to Caitlin’s sister Suzanne for recommending an old high school friend to capture the big day and being a huge supporter of my work. You rock so much.