Jessica and David - The Manor, West Orange, NJ Wedding

When I met with Jessica and David for the first time, I knew I wanted to work with them right away.  I loved their laid-back attitudes and general positive disposition, and I knew that would translate to an awesome wedding day.  I was spot on.  Everywhere I looked at their wedding, there were giant smiles and sometimes a few happy tears (which we photographers always love.)  I enjoyed every minute of working with these two and their families, and I couldn’t wait to share these photos with all of you.

Melissa and Ryan's NYC Engagement Shoot

Being that NYC is such a expansive city narrowing down a location for an engagement shoot can sometimes be tricky.   We started in Central Park, which is a fantastic location by itself, and I was pleased to find out that Melissa and Ryan had plans to explore even more unique locations in the city.  I enjoyed adventuring and in the photographs you can see that Melissa and Ryan genuinely enjoyed the experience too.  

Emily and Ken's Highland Lakes Engagement Shoot

Emily and Ken had an idea for their engagement shoot that I was totally on board with (get it?)  Having grown up in a lake community - this lake community that is depicted below - I'd always wanted to do a shoot on the water.  We quickly learned that it wasn't as easy as we'd thought it would be, especially since it was a windy day and rowboats and canoes aren't the easiest to maneuver and keep in place.  Don't worry though, we found a solution and turned what could've been a debacle into a really fun shoot.  Check out some of my favorites below!

Sara and Michael's Rainy Van Campens Glen Engagement Shoot

Normally when I have an engagement shoot scheduled on a day when rain is in the forecast, it's normal for the shoot to get postponed.  Though I understand wanting to reschedule to a nicer day, I've always wanted to photograph an engagement shoot in inclement weather.  I was thrilled when Sara texted me the morning of their shoot saying that they'd love to keep the shoot as scheduled.  As you can see below, Sara and Michael welcomed the rain, and we had a blast adventuring through the wilderness.  I'm looking forward to more adventures with them on their wedding day!

Iceland Trip

If you've been following my work, you know I just got back from a little vacation in Iceland with my wife, my best friend, and his now-fiancé.  Believe it or not, I didn't only take engagement photos there.  Here are some of my favorites from the rest of the trip.  Most of them were taken by me, but some were taken by Melissa or Meghan.  Enjoy!

Meghan and Johnny - Iceland Engagement

Last December, Johnny invited my wife and I on a trip to Iceland with him and his girlfriend, Meghan.  I was super pumped on the idea of exploring such a beautiful country, so obviously we accepted.  It was about a month later that Johnny had shared his intentions with us to propose to Meghan on the trip, and I went from just super pumped to super super super pumped.  Before he even brought up the idea of me photographing it, my imagination was flooded with ideas for the proposal and beyond.  Johnny ended up proposing on the second day of our trip, esentially making the rest of the trip a four-day engagement shoot in Iceland.  If that's not every photographer's dream, I don't know what is. 

Best of 2017 Wedding Photos

It's 2018.  That means 2017 is last year.  Last year, I took a lot of photos, I met a lot of incredible people, I worked with some amazing artists, and I loved every second of it.  From a sunrise-ceremony to a destination wedding in beautiful Florence, Italy, the opportunities I had last year were beyond what I ever expected when I got into wedding photography.  Here's to hoping 2018 brings even more awesome adventures and memories.

I'd be a fool not to thank the people who made 2017 such an unbelievable year.  First, my wife Melissa, thank you for your unending support and for helping me to keep improving.  Dennis of Dennis Pike Photography, thank you for the increasingly amazing opportunities you've provided me over the last 6 years of working with you (like taking me to freaking Italy to second shoot for you,) and thank you for letting me beat you in golf so often last summer.  Tommy of Forever North Photography, it was a blast getting to work with you a few times last year, and I'm looking forward to continuing kicking asses next year.  Brandon, thank you for all your hard work and dedication on the weddings we shot last year.  Anna, thank you for bringing a fresh outlook and unique style to the shoots we work together.  Mark, thank you for taking the time to give me a hand in a pinch (shaka shaka.)

Most of all, thank you to all of the wonderful couples who put their trust in me to capture one of the best days of their lives.  It still amazes me, and it will probably always amaze me, that I'm able to do something creative that I thoroughly enjoy doing as a profession.  Thank you for giving me this tremendous opportunity.  I can only hope that I produce images that make you appreciate as much as I appreciate you.

Now, on to the photos!

Michelle and Matt - Crystal Springs NJ Wedding

Michelle and Matt's wedding was my last of 2017, and they helped me close the year out they way every photographer wants to finish their season - with lots of opportunities to capture great moments, an awesome couple, and a crazy shindig to cap the night.  I never feel like I'm working when I'm shooting weddings, and I especially enjoyed the time I spent photographing Michelle and Matt and their friends and family.

Michelle and Rob's Hudson Valley Wedding at FEAST at Round Hill

Michelle and Rob first contacted me back in January of 2016.  After we met up, I couldn't wait for their wedding, which was 20 months away.  Their wedding certainly justified my anticipation.  Working with Michelle and Rob was a treat, and not once during the day did I feel like I was at work.  Everything about their wedding reflected them as a couple, and that always makes me happy.  Add to that the fact that I love working at FEAST at Round Hill, and you have a recipe for a fantastic wedding.

Holly and Steve's Emmerich Tree Farm Wedding - Warwick NY Wedding Photographers

A classic car, a Dudeist priest, a Hobbit ring bearer, S'mordor, and Die Antwoord on the playlist for the reception.  Holly and Steve's wedding was filled with things to be excited for, and it did not disappoint.  Throw in the fact that Holly and Steve are some of the most relaxed, easy going, fun loving people I've had the privilege to work with, and you have the recipe for an epic wedding day.