Most of my wedding couples book about 12-18 months in advance, but it isn’t uncommon to also have a handful of bookings within 12 months, and very occasionally there will be last minute work that comes. Jocelyn and Daniela broke this record though, reaching out to me only weeks before their nuptials! I quickly learned that they had to make a last minute/emergency change. They originally had plans to get married on a cruise with all of their loved ones onboard to celebrate, and enjoy a nice vacation together. However with the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, their cruise-line changed policies on passports. With such short notice, Jocelyn and Daniela couldn’t possibly ask all of their guests to obtain passports in time. They reached out to the news (ABC, USA Today/Asbury Park Press, and more) to share their dilemma, looking for help. The owner of the James Ward Mansion in Westfield approached Jocelyn and Daniela about hosting their last-minute wedding and very generously hosted their event.

I am so grateful that the James Ward Mansion connected me with Jocelyn and Daniela, who are both two truly special human beings. As you can imagine planning a wedding in 2-3 weeks is not easy, and likely came with some stress, but these two really got everything together in an impressive fashion. Based on how graceful, kind, and lovely Jocelyn and Daniela were on their wedding day, you would have never guessed that this was all thrown together at the last moment. Sometimes when I’m photographing a wedding, it is so easy to feel the support, love, and care from the couples families, and all of the guests. This was one of those kinds of weddings. Additionally, all of the vendors worked together in harmony, and did their part in putting together what was a luxurious, memorable event. Mayor Shelley Brindle of Westfield was there to do the officiating as well. What a nice gesture! It was truly a pleasure to work with all of my fellow creative partners on this beautiful wedding day.

Venue: The James Ward Mansion

Planning/Coordinating: La Bella Planning + Design

Cake: Pattycakes NJ

Officiant: Mayor Shelley Brindle

Hair + Makeup: Beauty and The Blush

Bridal Makeup: Chelsea Giannone

Catering: T&L Catering