Jamie first reached out to me after finding me in a secret Facebook group for New Jersey Brides. Apparently a few other of my brides have found me in this group too. So thank you to those who keep suggesting me, it really means the world to me! Right off the bat I could tell Jamie and I had incredibly well matched personalities and visions for photography. This was certainly confirmed by us texting each other memes and GIFs after she made first contact with me. At their engagement session I learned how much fun Alex is too! Turns out he is a big Star Wars nerd/fan like I am, and you can see this represented in their cake being cut by a “lightsaber” bellow. Too funny. Jamie and Alex were so fun to work with throughout the entire process, and I think their love shows so easily in images. Even when things on the day of didn’t go exactly as planned (more on that in a bit) – they both maintained great attitudes that helped making photograph their wedding a treat for me and my team.

Jamie had the experience of living in both Alaska and Japan when she was younger, because of her dad’s travels and journeys in the military. This came as no surprise to me because of her worldly and unique personality. On the day of the wedding Jamie and Alex had plans for a ceremony that included origami, lanterns, and Cherry Blossom trees as a backdrop. But mother nature did not want to cooperate. After a pretty typical start to the day, we were presented with a situation where there was on and off rain, somewhat coming down hard at times. The temperature had dropped to the point where guests wouldn’t be comfortable outdoors either, so the hard decision was made at the last minute to move the ceremony inside. The reception area which was already set up for the party, was converted as best as possible into the ceremony location. This is where some couples would have lost it, but Jamie, Alex, and all of their loved ones rallied together to keep the mood upbeat and the focus centered around the love between the two partners uniting!

Jamie’s father “Lucky” performed the ceremony, and also gave one of the most emotional speeches I have ever seen. It was too heartfelt and long to call it a toast! Everyone (including my team!) was moved by Lucky’s speech and there were so many great reactions for us to capture. From that point there were a couple more toasts, a lightsaber cake cutting, and a ton of dancing! As the party continued, the sun began peak out from the clouds, and we were treated to a a lovely warm sky with clouds and good light for photographs of course. Jamie and Alex were able to light their special lanterns and we had a quick impromptu photo session with a beautiful sky background. My team actually stayed a little bit longer so we could capture this. It was important to me that Jamie and Alex get a little bit more of a glimpse into what their day would have looked like had the weather been more in our favor. Overall Jamie and Alex helped turn a rainy day into a great day. Thank you to the Views at Mt. Fuji Steakhouse staff and all of the other vendors who helped make this a special day for one of my very favorite couples. I look forward to having dinner with them someday soon and playing some X-Wing with Alex 😉

Vendors

Make-up Artist: Carolyn’s Makeup Artistry

Flowers: You’re The Boss

Videography: Sweetheart Cinema

Catering/Venue: The Views at Mount Fuji

Bakery: Palermos Bakery

DJ: Dave Fuego

Photo Booth: Selfie Mirror with MJ Mirror Entertainment

Jeweler: River Edge Jewelers

Hairdresser: Mandy Liento (La Sorella Bridal)

Ceremony Music: Jaclyn Duncan Music

Wedding Dress: Aleana’s Bridal

Tuxedo Vendor: Biltmore Tuxedos