A December to remember… The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, NJ. The last time we had seen Mike and Kim, it was 85 degrees and sunny, as we shot their engagement session at their beach house.  Well, it was not quite as warm this time around! With the help of a willing bride & groom and a extremely elegant venue we were able to make some hot images!  The day started in Pompton Lakes NJ at Kim’s house where she got ready and into her dress by Maggie Sottero. The ceremony took place around the corner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  With the sun down, we headed off to The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, New Jersey.  Upon arriving the staff gave us free run of the venue to get the images we needed.  I have seen some really, really nice rooms in the last 7 years, but by far, this was one of the most elegant wedding receptions I have ever seen.  It’s all about the light! Not only true in photography, but the lighting in this room was phenomenal! Up lights, pin lights, candles, hanging sconces, trees wrapped with christmas lights visible thru the 25” foot windows behind the head table. Creating all this light and room decor was the super talented NYC Floral and Event Designer, Diana Gould. Friends and family kept the dance floor full as the band, Dave Clark and the Renegades provided non-stop energy playing everything from the classics to just released hits.  With the reception ending, the old saying “you don’t have to go home, but you cant stay here” was not quite true!  In a room around the corner the after party was just getting started!  Again with cool light and even cooler furniture brought in by Diana Gould just for this party, the DJ pumped smoke and super high energy music into the crowd which raged until almost 3am.  What an event!  We also had the opportunity to work with a extremely talented videographer Damon Dietz of Absolute Media Productions.

Congratulations to Mike & Kim… we had a wonderful time and wish you nothing but the best!

With torrential rains the day prior to the big day, it was not looking good.  But the skies finally turned blue, and the rain held off the whole day for a whirlwind tour of the Atlantic City area, before heading to the Water Club at Borgata for Rachel and Marc’s incredible pool-top wedding reception.  Rachel was stunning in her dress designed by Jim Hjelm, and of course, a girl can’t go wrong with a pair of Dolce and Gabbana shoes on her feet.  Rachel and Marc first met each other by chance (thanks to her brother) right next door to Lucy the Elephant in Margate.  Having never seen Lucy myself, I was in shock as I turned the corner and saw the largest elephant in the world!  You have to see Lucy if you are ever in the Atlantic City area.  Rachel & Marc have fond memories of Lucy, and it was important to them to have their First Look there–less than 100 feet from where they first met each other all those years ago.  And so, their first look happened right under a 60′ trunk of an elephant! Still cracks me up!  Thanks to the kind folks at Lucy, we were even able go to the top of Lucy for a photo op before heading out to the beach.  With the beach all but deserted, we snapped some cool images of the soon-to-be newlyweds.  After that, we hooked up with the wedding party at Casino Pier in Atlantic City.  Of course with nowhere to park and not much time, we just left the vehicles parked in the Caesars Fed Ex delivery spot!   I figured I would add to the pile of Jersey Shore parking tickets I have been accumulating this year  The wedding party  hit the boardwalk and it seemed as though we were swarmed by half of South Philly wearing their Chase Utley jerseys! There were a few Victorino jerseys running around also. Making our way out onto the Casino Pier, we were able to grab a few shots of the AC boardwalk and casinos with the wedding party in the foreground.  On our way back we found the side of the building that was totally covered in diamond plate.  I thought this would make a really cool backdrop for a groomsmen pic! My favorite part about the shot? If you look closely on the right side of the frame, you can see the reflection of all the girls huddling around, doing whatever girls do when they huddle After the boardwalk we headed over to the Water Club at the Borgata where the Ceremony and reception were held.  The Water Club is an absolutely unique wedding venue!  The ceremony was held outdoors on the pool deck with a great view of the Atlantic City skyline as the clouds started rolling in.  The real treat of having your wedding at the Water Club is that the reception is held atop the indoor pool.  Literally on top of the pool, like above the water!  Think, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but you can see through the floor. And of course no Jimmy Stewart splashing around.  The staff of the Water Club turned the indoor pool into a tropical oasis.  I know what you’re thinking…indoor pools are quite warm and have a distinctive scent.  Without standing above the water and looking down, you would have no idea a pool was there!  The temperature was perfect and the strongest scent was coming from the beautiful, fragrant floral arrangements provided by Betina’s at Parkview The room was amazing!  The Eddie Bruce band was the perfect compliment for this elegant event.

It was wonderful working with both of you and your families… Congratulations!

Wonderful wedding this past weekend at the Borgata Water club in Atlantic City, NJ.  Here is just a peek of Rachel & Marc.  Enjoy, full post will be up shortly.

Update  Check out the full blog post of Rachel & Marc’s wedding at the Water Club at Borgata here!

We recently had the pleasure of working at Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, NJ providing wedding photography for Jaime and Mani.  With Jaime ready, we headed down to Clarks Landing to meet Mani.  The foyer  was the perfect setting for Jaime and Mani’s first meeting.  Jamie walked down the elegant flourished stairway towards her husband-to-be touching him lightly on the shoulder. Without a doubt Jaime and Mani’s first meeting was the most emotional Lola and I ever witnessed.

Prior to the Ceremony, time was set aside for a “Man Cruise”… Mani and his groomsmen made their way  to a1930′s 75 ft Nevins Cigarette yacht and spent and hour or so cruising the bay enjoying some fine Cognac.

The ceremony was extremely touching with speeches by fathers and siblings that spoke of the love and admiration these families have for Mani & Jaime.

As PJ from Unforgettable D.J.’s whipped the crowd into a frenzy,  the mirrored doors flung open to reveal Mani dipping Jaime and sharing a long kiss (see pic below).

Congratulations again Jaime & Mani!

NJ Beach Wedding

With the help from the lovely ladies at Kleinfeld Bridal in NYC Jaime selected this incredible dress.

Jimmy Choo.. a girl’s best friend.  Walking back from the beach, Jaime gingerly walked across some gravel.  Mani asked “why don’t you put your shoes back on”?  Jaime just smiled and kept walking.  I think she would have rather walked on hot coals than risk ruining these shoes!

Jaime’s grandfather built this house 47 years ago, the light was spectacular

While out cruising the bay, a bottle of King Louis XIII Cognac appeared from a state room.  Soon after, instructions from a groomsman on the 3 noses of drinking such a fine cognac followed. With many toasts to Mani, the finely crafted bottle in the end, held only the vapor of its blend of over 1200 cognacs.

As the party raged on, Mani & friends busted out some old school break dance moves.

Well, we’re finally getting caught up on our blogging!  So stay tuned for the rest of the 2010 goodness which about to grace this blog!  We’ve been absolutely blessed & honored to work with so many wonderful couples  & families in 2010 & 2011 and we just can’t wait to share the images!

First up are Jen & Sal.  Yes, they had an oh-so-fabulous wedding!  I think my favorite memory was Jen & Sal’s perfectly-executed first dance. The love & teamwork that went into every step was a sight to see!  I’m sure you guys were a little nervous, but we couldn’t tell—move over Fred & Ginger!  Jen & her dad also burned up the dance floor to the crowd’s delight.  Just look at them!  The night ended on a sentimental note when Jen began crying (happy tears) while she and Sal watched the wedding day slideshow we made for them.  The day was perfect.

Congratulations again Jen & Sal!
Philly Wedding

Contact us to see if your date is available or visit our web site for detailed information about pricing and services.

American Gothic…:)