Category Archives: New Jersey

Sarah + Louis

Fall weddings are so sublime, but the weather can certainly be unpredictable.  You just never know if there will be a cold snap.  For this beautiful wedding, the temperature was absolutely perfect, but light rain did take over much of the morning and afternoon.  The sporadic rain this day didn't put a damper on anything for this sweet couple though.  Sarah and Louis had such a fabulous wedding day in Hoboken and Jersey City, with the dazzling New York City skyline as their backdrop.

Sarah and Louis have a wonderful first chapter of their story together.  Their parents had known each other years ago, as their fathers worked together in the same company and they both lived in Staten Island.  Sarah's parents actually went to Louis' parents wedding ceremony!  Louis' parents eventually moved to New Jersey, and coincidentally, Sarah's parents moved to the same town a few years later.

Sarah and Louis ran into each other occasionally when they were young, but never really knew each other until their college days.  During that time, they messaged on Facebook and started to get to know each other.  When they returned from college in spring, they went on their first official date and spent the entire summer together.  Sarah and Louis have been together ever since!  And the icing on the cake was how their relationship reconnected their parents, too!

And how did they know they had found the one they were meant to be with?  That's easy.  Life feels so natural and effortless when they're together, and it's been like that since the beginning of their relationship.

On the morning of the wedding, Sarah's hair and makeup were already professionally styled and impeccable by the time we arrived at W Hoboken hotel in Hoboken, New Jersey.  She dressed into her gorgeous bridal gown that featured a strapless, sweetheart neckline, a lovely, delicate pearl beaded belt and a very elegant fit and flare silhouette.  Sarah was an absolutely beautiful bride!

Meanwhile, Louis prepared for the day nearby at his home.  His parents and groomsmen, including his younger brother, were there to help, and of course to celebrate with him that morning, too!  Louis and his groomsmen dressed into their very formal black tuxedos, all looking fantastic and ready for this special day.

Sarah's bridal party all dressed into their long, green gowns and looked so spectacular, too! But first, they celebrated with mimosas with Sarah and had photos taken in their matching pj's.  And we loved how the girls had their own special, first look at Sarah once she was dressed in her beautiful gown.

And as they continued getting ready that morning, the couple took a moment aside to read love notes that each had written earlier.  They were so sweet and so heartfelt.  It's always so wonderful to capture these sentiments and the special moment when our couples read those words that were written straight from the heart.

Then, it was time to travel to the church to make it official!  Sarah and Louis's ceremony was held at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church in Hoboken.  Louis was so emotional at the sight of his beautiful bride as she walked down the aisle.  A wonderful Mass was given by Father Remo DiSalvatore, then after the traditional ceremony concluded, Sarah and Louis were presented to their friends and family officially as 'Mr. and Mrs.'!  Once outside, they released white doves to celebrate.

Our good friend and an amazing photographer, Paul and his team at Paul Francis Photography, took fabulous photos of Sarah and Louis and their family and wedding party that day.  Many of these photos were taken there at their beautiful church.

After the photo sessions, we all headed to the chosen venue for the party.  And what an amazing location it was!  The two held their reception at Hudson House, a fabulous venue overlooking the Hudson River and the exciting New York City skyline.  The rain made no difference in the scenery... those picturesque views were incredible!

And the views inside were spectacular, too!  The elegant reception space was filled with flickering candlelight and with gorgeous floral arrangements in white from A Touch of Elegance.  It could not have been any more warm and romantic!

Sarah and Louis's arrival was announced following their wedding party, then the two shared the first dance of the evening, and their first romantic dance together as husband and wife.  Afterwards, touching parent dances took center stage before guests took their seats for dinner.

During dinner, the couple's parents gave wonderful speeches, followed by sweet toasts given by Sarah's maid of honor, her good friend from college, and from Louis's brother who served as his best man, and from his lovely sister.  Then, the dance floor opened to everyone, and stayed packed all night!  The Joe Baracata Band made sure to keep the party going strong, right to the end!

What a wonderful day this was, and such a beautiful wedding event to capture.  We thank Sarah and Louis for allowing us to film their day and to share in their wedding celebration.  And we wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!

 

Photographer:  Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ

Floral Design:  A Touch of Elegance - Randolph, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Diana Dodic - New York, NY

Makeup Artist:   Kayla Strachan Artistry - New Jersey

Wedding Dress:  Adrienn Braun Couture Bridal Shop - Hoboken, NJ

Bridal Shoes:  Manolo Blahnik

Entertainment:  Joe Baracata Band - Belmar, NJ

Cake:  Calandra's Bakery - Newark, NJ

Officiant:  Father Remo DiSalvatore - Hoboken, NJ

Rentals:  Jersey Shore Doves - Toms River, NJ

Event Decor:  BL Calligraphy - Mendham Township, NJ

Church:  Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church - Hoboken, NJ

Venue:  Hudson House - Jersey City, NJ

Accommodations:  W Hoboken - Hoboken, NJ

 

www.loveframecinema.com

Andrea + Coker

This July wedding event couldn't have happened on a more beautiful, balmy summer day.  With no rain materializing as was predicted and before the upcoming heatwave would arrive, everything about this afternoon was absolutely perfect for a wedding!

Andrea and Coker are such a sweet couple.  They met a few years ago on on online dating site, like most couples do today, however they also happen to work at the same location.  The two fell in love and were engaged on July 2... and planned their wedding event for the same special date one year later.

The couple each got ready for their special day at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey.  With such a wonderfully big wedding party (Andrea had 14 attendants!), the two were sure to book the largest suites in the hotel!

Coker and his best man and many groomsmen got ready in a large, luxury suite at the hotel.  They were all really soaking in this fun and exciting day, a day to honor Andrea and Coker and their relationship.

Andrea then dressed into her gorgeous wedding gown.  It featured a deep-V neckline, delicate spaghetti straps and beautiful lace and beadwork throughout.  In her hair, she wore a long veil for the ceremony.  She looked absolutely stunning!

The two knew early on that they did not want to see each other before Andrea's walk down the aisle, so once they were all dressed and ready for their day, they each traveled by limo straight to their venue for the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony took place at the Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees, New Jersey.  The ceremony space was decorated so beautifully with white floral arrangements on glittering stands lining the aisles and a floral garland filled with white blooms above the altar.   Andrea walked down the aisle and met up with Coker for their marriage ceremony.  The two recited their vows and exchanged rings and before long, Coker saluted his bride, they were pronounced 'husband and wife' and kissed for the first time as a married couple!

After the ceremony, the couple had their formal and candid photos taken there on the grounds of their venue.  With the beautiful weather, it was so nice to be able to film photo shoots taken outside in the middle of summer.

Then it was time for the reception to kick off!  The wedding party's arrival was announced, then everyone got the dance floor warmed up quickly!  Andrea and Coker danced their first dance 'on a cloud', with a sparkler salute from the Mansion.  Then, the couple danced with their mothers, and we heard fantastic toasts from Coker's best man and from three of Andrea's bridesmaids and long-time friends.  Each said they weren't public speakers but that wasn't true, they all had wonderful speeches and toasts to the couple.  And when they had a hard time containing their emotions, it made everyone feel the same.

Andrea then changed into a second amazing sequined dress for the rest of the party at the reception!  Andrea tossed her bouquet to 'all the single ladies' and Coker took off Andrea's garter, one of his groomsmen dressing the bridesmaid who caught the bouquet.

In the sophisticated and glamorous ballroom at the Mansion, the couple and all their guests celebrated the night away!  The DJ for this fantastic event, and Coker's good friend, had such energy and easily kept all Andrea and Coker's guests on the dance floor all night!

Kudos to Lady Ashanti for planning and organizing such a perfect wedding day!  Everything ran so smoothly and turned out so wonderfully, truly an amazing event and we were so thrilled to have been a part of capturing it for this loving, and fun-loving, couple.

Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds, Andrea and Coker!

 

Wedding Planner:  Lady Ashanti Events - Barrington, NJ

Venue:  The Mansion on Main Street - Voorhees, NJ

Accommodations:  DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Mt. Laurel - Mt. Laurel, NJ

 

www.loveframecinema.com

Robin + Ryan

Robin and Ryan met in London while they both lived there for their work.  They were introduced by a mutual friend and had their first date at the Market Tavern in London where they shared their very first pint together!

So how many can say that an avalanche warning was the reason for a last minute change of plans for their wedding proposal?  It was right before Christmas in 2019 and Robin and Ryan were in Courchevel in the French Alps.  Ryan had prepared to propose to Robin at the top of the mountain, but had to quickly send Robin to the spa when he found the ski lifts closed.  But his "Plan B" was just as lovely!  Ryan asked Robin to marry him outside their hotel on the side of the mountain, with a bottle of champagne at the ready.  And she said "yes"!  They enjoyed the rest of their special weekend together in France before flying home to celebrate with their families.

On the morning of their wedding, Robin and Ryan each got ready at their families' homes in the shore town of Bay Head, New Jersey.  The team at L Studio were just finishing up with hair and makeup when we arrived to find Robin celebrating with her family and bridal party and enjoying their fantastic photo shoot.

Robin then dressed into her beautiful Suzanne Neville gown that featured a deep V-neckline and equally stunning deep-V back detail.  It had a delightful minimalistic chic, A-line silhouette, a delicate sash and pretty buttons to fasten in back.  And she completed her wedding attire with a long flowing embroidered veil for her photos and ceremony.  Robin was such an absolutely beautiful bride!

Before their ceremony, the couple met up for a special first look on the beach at Strickland Street in Bay Head.  It was so sweet to see them kiss, hug and even high-five after seeing each other all dressed and ready for the big day!

We loved filming their photo shoot with Julia Wagner of Therese Marie Wagner Photography, right there on the beach.  We loved filming the couple as they strolled along the beach and boardwalk on this spectacular, sunny day!  And the photos continued on at their venue, Bay Head Yacht Club in Bay Head.

Robin and Ryan's wedding ceremony took place in Bay Head Yacht Club's Dale Building, also known as the Boat House.  The cutest ring bearers and flower girls joined in the processional before Robin entered on the arm of her father.  The homily given was so moving and meaningful, then Robin and Ryan exchanged rings and recited their vows, their forever promises to each other.

Following the ceremony, Robin and Ryan left by boat, celebrating with champagne as they traveled across Bay Head Harbor to meet their friends and family awaiting their arrival at their venue.  Then it was time to celebrate Robin and Ryan's fantastic reception at the clubhouse at Bay Head Yacht Club!  Flowers by Melinda decorated the nautical inspired ballroom so beautifully with blush and ivory blooms and lovely floating candles.  And the market string lights made the room feel so warm and romantic.

Robin and Ryan entered the clubhouse ballroom and danced a wonderfully choreographed first dance together, then we were treated to beautiful toasts from Robin's father, her sister and maid of honor and from Ryan's best man, his brother.  After dinner, Robin and Ryan shared very touching first dances with their parents, a sweet tradition we always love to watch.

Dancing continued well into the evening as Escapade, from Craig Scott Entertainment, totally rocked the house!  Then, the couple cut and shared their delectable five-tiered wedding cake, each layer adorned with delicate blush and ivory flowers.

This was such a beaufiful wedding event and we were so blessed to have been a part of capturing it for Robin and Ryan and their family.  To echo the words of Robin's father that evening, we wish Robin and Ryan many years of love and happiness!

 

Photographer:  Therese Marie Wagner Photography - Julia Wagner - Allentown, NJ

Floral Design:  Flowers by Melinda - Lavallette, NJ 

Hair Stylist:  L Studio - Red Bank, NJ 

Makeup Artist: L Studio - Red Bank, NJ

Wedding Dress:  Suzanne Neville

Entertainment:  Craig Scott Entertainment - Escapade - New York, NY

Officiant:  Pastor Lee "Chip" Bristol

Venue:  Bay Head Yacht Club - Bay Head, NJ 

 

Erica + Kris

In mid-November, we filmed a beautiful wedding at one of our favorite venues, the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and with one of our favorite photographers, Drew Noel.  But the best part for us was getting to work with this fantastic couple and their sweet family.

Erica and Kris met each other after being set up by mutual friends. And they had a very fun first date, roller skating!  It wasn't too long before Kris knew he had found 'the one' and was excited to propose to Erica.

Kris's proposal to Erica was a total surprise to her!  While they were enjoying a date, walking through a sunflower maze one afternoon, Kris had sprouted plants set up in window boxes on the ground to read, “Will you marry me?”  He chose the little sprouts because a seed is a symbol of new life growing, and those sprouts were a poetic symbol of their lives sprouting and growing together.  What a creative and thoughtful way to recognize the new life they're forming together and to ask the most important question to the love of his life.

Erica and Kris each got ready in separate cottages on the grounds of the Ryland Inn.  Kris dressed into his classic black tuxedo, looking so very handsome with his dapper groomsmen by his side.  After they were all primped and polished, they joyously toasted the groom outside!  Meanwhile Erica had fun with her mother and bridal party in their matching or coordinating blue shirts, enjoying a drink and having photos taken as they readied for the day.  Erica's mother made a beautiful shawl for her to wear over her gown for when the temperature was cool at her reception.  And her gown was absolutely gorgeous too!  Erica wore a strapless ball gown from Provonias that featured a sweetheart neckline and a beautiful lace overlay.  She was such a stunning bride!  And we were touched to see her father as he was treated to his first look at his beautiful daughter on her wedding day.

After they were all dressed, Erica and Kris met for their first look outside.  It was so sweet to see their excitement and joy!  Following their first sight, first kisses, first slow dance and first hugs on their wedding day, the couple enjoyed their wonderful photo shoot with the team at Drew Noel Photography.  We're sure the entire wedding party had such a ball posing for those iconic formal photos and for all the fun and artistic candid shots too.

It was on to Erica and Kris's Catholic ceremony at Saint Luke Parish in Long Valley.  Kris's sister played the violin beautifully, and during their traditional ceremony, Erica and Kris participated in the lighting of a unity candle and presented flowers to Mary.  The couple recited their sacred vows, their promises to each other for their lifetime, and after being pronounced as 'husband and wife', they kissed to the applause of their family and friends.

Erica and Kris's reception at the Ryland Inn was absolutely perfect.  Laura Clare Design layered the venue with gorgeous floral arrangements in deep burgundy, blue and green.  And a live event painter, Amanda Hawthorne from Live Well Paint Often, created a portrait of the evening's events as they happened.  Sweet and heartfelt toasts were given that evening from Erica's father, from Kris's best man and from Erica's matron of honor as the couple sat in front of the roaring and romantic fire.  Then, RPM Entertainment got the party started with music to keep everyone out on that dance floor!

In the words of their officiant, Father Michael Drury, we were all there to celebrate an amazing moment in the lives of Erica and Kris, a moment that will never be the same because it's all moving forward wonderfully in a positive direction.  Congratulations and best wishes to Erica and Kris!

 

Photographer:  Drew Noel Photography - Ewing, NJ 

Floral Design:  Laura Clare Design - Bernardsville, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Bloom Salon & Spa Morristown - Jessica Chapman - Morristown, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Bloom Salon & Spa Morristown - Aline Rizzo - Morristown, NJ 

Wedding Gown:  Provonias

Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Entertainment:  RPM Entertainment - Union, NJ

Live Event Painter:  Live Well Paint Often - Amanda Hawthorne - New York, NY

Cake:  La Bon Bake Shoppes - Edison, NJ

Officiants:  Father Michael Drury - Clifton, NJ; Deacon Thomas Healy 

Church:  Saint Luke Parish - Long Valley, NJ

Venue:   Ryland Inn - Whitehouse Station, NJ