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.

To start the day, we arrived to Debbies house in Freehold and our jaws dropped.  The backyard is a photographers dream!! Beautiful trees, two barns along the yard, an awesome fence and amazing lighting.  When Debbie said to me that she wanted the portraits in the backyard I will admit- I was a little confused.  But dang, how gorgeous!

After the ceremony, the bride and groom drove off in a vintage volkswagen and met us at Holmdel Park. The cherry blossoms were in their final phase of being in bloom and it made all the images just gorgeous.  Awesome Debbie created so many things for the wedding: the place cards, throw away bouquet (crocheted by hand) and the invitations! Absolutely awesome.

Thank you so much to Debbie and Mike for having me and John document your wedding day.  Love you both!! xoxo

Photo above by John

photo above by John

P.S. Alligator photos coming soon…

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

Katie and Jesse could not have asked for a more lovely wedding than this one.  It all began with the bridesmaids helping Katie prep into her amazing dress.  Katie was beaming with happiness the entire morning as she got ready to step into her gown.  This wedding gown is one to remember.  So beautiful with little elegant features.  I loved  all the layers and the beautiful ribbon that brought it all together. They had a beautiful ceremony at the Chapel at Georgian Court.  And while Jesse gazed at his gorgeous bride as she walked down the aisle,   you honestly felt this amazing love between the two of them.  While photographing them under neath the beautiful cherry blossom trees, they so lovingly kissed and laughed at each other.  I was so excited about all these photos and of course had my outbursts of ” Oh my gosh, shut your face, this is freakin’ gorgeous”.  I  mean come on- with this kind of couple and the beautiful landscape to work with- you are bound to have awesome photos created.

Rita of Rita Rojas Photography, joined me on this wedding and we are so lucky to be a part of it.  With an extraordinary reception at the always amazing Clarks Landing, we got to have fun photographing everyone dancing.  The dance floor was packed the entire night, thanks to Elite Entertainment. Delicious food, amazing couple and a gorgeous sunset made this wedding one to remember. I love you guys! Thank you so much for having me be a part of your wedding day.

Enjoy this sneak peek of Katie and Jesse. And be sure to leave some love below.  xoxo

I can’t wait to photograph your wedding! Enjoy the sneak peek. xoxo

The baddest kid on the block.  The master of the tricycle.  The swiftest SuperMan you will ever see.  The hero of the piggy face.  The cuddling cutie. The gobbler of chocolate ice cream.

He’s cute. He’s strong. And he knows how to work the camera.

Last week I met up with the Mareno Family to have some fun shots in Princeton NJ.  John came along to help me with this hysterical photo shoot.  I don’t think I ever stopped laughing at this kid.  He makes the cutest faces-ones I have never seen on a little kid before.  It was making John and I crack up.  This little boy knows exactly how to work the camera.  From his awesome moves on the tricycle and to his wicked eating skills with chocolate ice cream….We got some awesome shots and I’m so excited to share this sneak peek with you.  Enjoy!

John and Jackie had their first date in Atlantic City. The luck of the Irish must of been with them, because these two hit the jack pot that night with winning some extra cash and finding their soul mate.  As fairy tale as that may sound- it is so true.  John, my PIC, was my sidekick on this day.  We were so excited about photographing this couple.  The instant you meet them, you feel so at ease.  And the laughter was just rolling out of all of us.  John and Jackie had me and John cracking up. It’s usually the other way around!

Thank you so much to both families for being so amazing.  We can not think of a better way to celebrate St Patricks Day then with this awesome couple.  I hope you guys enjoyed your honeymoon in Lake Placid and hopefully there is a beer left for me??

xoxo  See all the photos ~ HERE ~

Be sure to leave some love and comments below…