The big difference between wedding photography and other genres of photography is that no two weddings are the same. I can prepare as much as I want and be ready for the unexpected, but you just never know what the day is going to bring in regards to emotions, lighting, weather or timing. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I love photographing weddings; I’m always being pushed creatively. Sometimes documenting a wedding is physically and mentally taxing, but more often than not it’s exciting and joyous. Christina and Andrew’s fell squarely in the latter category. In fact, Christina might be the most laid back, relaxed bride I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

I arrived at her parent’s home to find a bride ready and set to go and a bridal party amped to party. Christina looked absolutely dazzling in her Maggie Sottero gown and her ladies were equally lovely in their subdued purple bridesmaid’s dresses. After a quick prep, we headed down the street to Holy Cross church in Harrison for a full Catholic ceremony that gave me plenty of time to capture the smiles, tears and jubilation.

A little about Andrew: Two years ago, I had the pleasure of photographing his mother’s wedding to her childhood sweetheart (you can read her amazing story here). Towards the end of his mom’s reception, Andrew took me aside and told me how much it meant to him that I was there capturing these memories for his mother, and how important that day was for her considering the lengths she had gone through to find happiness. I fought back tears and jokingly told him to call me when he gets engaged. He promised to do just that and stayed true to his word.

After the ceremony, we made the journey to the Skylands Manor in Ringwood, NJ. This was the first time I had worked at the venue and was blown away by the size of the castle and the acres of manicured landscape that stretched around the stone building. We spent an hour walking through the gardens taking full advantage of the beautiful late summer day. Once obligatory portraits were done, Andrew and Christina lit the dance floor on fire as Mirage Music filled the room with a rocking blend of Latin and American dance music. Typically, I have to beg the couples to hit the dance floor, because most of their evening is spent going table to table thanking guests and making small talk. That was not the case for these two. If you wanted to find Andrew and Christina, you had to make your way to the center of the room and pry them apart. From the beginning of the night right to the last number, these two owned the room and everyone else had to keep up. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect couple. 

VENDOR INFO

Ceremony
Holy Cross Church
Harrison, NJ

Reception Hall
The Skyland Manor
Ringwood, NJ
www.frungillo.com

Entertainment
Mirage Music
Bayonne, NJ
www.mirage-music.com

Catering
Frungillo Catering
Mountain Lakes, NJ
www.frungillo.com

Florist
Santos Florist
Newark, NJ
santosflorists.com

Make-up artist
Sabina Sackett
New York, NY
www.sabinasackett.com

Hair Stylist
Plaza Madrid Salon
Bloomfield, NJ
www.plazamadridsalon.biz

Wedding Gown Designer
Maggie Sottero
www.sotteroandmidgley.com

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