Erin H Photography

On May 4th, I woke up to cloudy skies and rain in the forecast. I have to say, I was pretty sad to hear that it was going to rain for my friend Ilona’s wedding.  But with a smile put on my face and excitement in the air, I arrived to Ilonas home and saw her gorgeous face.  What a beautiful person you are, Ilona~ inside and out.  My jaw dropped when I saw Ilona in her gown. It is such an amazing feeling when you get the honor to photograph for a friend. Especially a couple like Ilona and Brian.

When Brian arrived for his “test” it was a hysterical moment.  Ilona is from Belarus and it is traditional to put the groom through a little test.  Ilonas sister, Olga, put Brian to the test by making him draw her face, write out her name with money, guess her lipstick on a balloon and even climb the stairs and state his love for her on every single step. I think the tradition is awesome! Love when couples bring in their culture to a wedding day.

Then, as soon as we stepped outside for portraits in Asbury Park, the skies were blue! It was perfect.  I just kept squealing with joy at every photo I took of them. Ilona is a model- for sure! She knows exactly how to create a beautiful image.  This couple was perfect for the camera.  After an awesome shoot on the beach, we were off to the Lobster Shanty in Point Pleasant.  A gorgeous gorgeous venue.  The lighting in that place is a photographers dream. Soft lighting illuminates the couple as they share their vows and then the chandeliers make a beautiful atmospher during the reception.  I could go on and on about this day but I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Ilona and Brian- I love you both so much! Enjoy the sneak peek. Be sure to leave some love below.

It all started with a Foreigner song…and it was love after that.

A long long time ago- after my days at Ramapo College, Tara and I worked together at a BBQ joint selling ribs.  No, it wasn’t a graceful job but we had so much fun working together. Drinking martini’s after our shift, busting out our rendition of “Rhiannon” on our karaoke nights and talking about boys and our latest sagas.  After that summer, we both found other jobs and started our careers.  It was the wonders of Facebook that brought Tara and I back together.  It was perfect timing. I had just started Erin H Photography and Tara started her company : Parasol Video Productions.   So after  shooting several weddings together , I find out Tara is engaged!!! How awesome is that?!  And how awesome is it that Ilya proposed to her during a Foreigner concert? The perfect way to propose~ in front of thousands of people, a spotlight shining down and an introduction from Foreigner…

Tara and Ilya were a dream to photograph.  The venue was Skyland Manor in Ringwood NJ.  This was my first time photographing there and … oh my oh my… stunning!!! The grounds are gorgeous and lined with beautiful cherry blossoms, oak trees and overlooks the mountains of New Jersey.  I was so in love with every part of this wedding. Tara looked absolutely gorgeous under her bird cage veil and her amazing wedding dress. The parasol was the perfect touch against the pale pink backdrop of cherry blossoms.   And Ilya …was beyond handsome. Perfect hair and perfect modeling skills.  I am so honored to be a part of their wedding.  Please enjoy this little sneak peek and be sure to leave some love below… xoxo