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Best of 2022 - Family Sessions
Family sessions are a favorite. This year included in-home sessions, beach sessions, maternity sessions, and the classic Fall sessions. I loved working with all of these families to take a snapshot in the moment.
What if it rains on my wedding day?
You’ve been making plans big and small, and countless decision, but there’s one decision (unfortunetly) that we have no control over- the weather. One of the most common questions I get from brides is, “What happens if it rains on my wedding day?” Here are five stages of rain preparation on a wedding day that I want to let you in on- when rain might be on the way.
1- Don’t check the weather too soon- or too often.
This was a bad habit of mine. If I had a wedding coming up on Saturday, I would be checking the weather starting on Monday, several times a day, and every day after that. Stop! This is completely draining, and the forecast will most likely change SO much. This is a fast lane to panic. Check a few days prior, and not more than once a day after. Which brings us to my next point.
2- If you see rain is definitely in your forecast- make an umbrella purchase.
I love the Totes clear bubble umbrella- paired with Amazon Prime and you are prepared! If it rains, you’ll be all set, and if it doesn’t, you can easily return them. I keep a handful with me, but like all umbrellas, they can break fairly easily, so I suggest brides have some on hand.
3- If it’s raining on your wedding day for sure- let’s take to overhangs.
Now it’s your wedding day and it’s for sure raining. First, don’t panic! This is YOUR WEDDING DAY. The day you marry your best friend- not even rain can stop the beauty that is about to unfold. There is always SOMEWHERE to shoot. It’s my job to make any situation work, so that’s what we are going to do. If it’s spitting or simply not down pouring, we can go for the umbrellas. But say it’s raining harder, and it’s just too much to risk- let’s look for overhangs. Can we put you under the overhang and I can shoot from an umbrella in the rain? Perfect.
4-It’s down pouring and just down right inclement. Let’s find beauty inside your venue.
You chose your wedding venue because you found beauty in it. We’ll look in for all the charming nooks to make sure your wedding photographs are truly unforgettable. This can be challenging but it pushes the creativity of your photographer (aka me)- it’s a great experience to learn and really push the creativity to the next level.
5- You can count on a gorgeous sky surrounding rain.
Whether it’s just about to rain, or it has finally ended- you can count on the most gorgeous sky, creating another photo op for us! So whether there is rain in the forecast or not- no worries, what seems like such a giant piece of the day, will soon become a sweet memory of just how your wedding day unfolded and you’ll have the beautiful photos to relive it.
*A lot of these tips can apply to other forms of inclement weather including extreme heat, winds, or raining cats and dogs.*
The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, New Jersey: Wedding Album
Wedding albums are so important. They are your first family heirloom- a treasure that will be passed on to your children, and your children's children. So when I decided to find the perfect wedding album company- I feel in love with Red Tree Albums. They are timelessly elegant, yet stylish and so high quality. I typically offer my couples leather, but when I saw Red Tree's vibrant Costal Linen collection- I knew it was perfect for Mike and Amanda's beach wedding at The Flanders Hotel, in Ocean City, New Jersey. The linen color is named "seashell," and matches Amanda's bridal bouqet perfectly- meant to be.
See the gorgeous details below!
One of my absolute favorite details about this album is that it is personalized with the bride and groom's name- and I love the font! The album comes in a really soft wrap to protect it- I only wish my pillow was as soft.
The album comes in a white box, great for storage when it's not on display.
I love the thick pages printed on photographic paper.
I love seeing what photographs my brides and grooms choose for their wedding albums. This was a sample album, and I was super excited to include all of the pretty little details!
I love how the image of Amanda's bouquet bleeds to the top and bottom of the page. When it comes to photos in an album- the bigger the better!
I love that you can print right across the spread without worrying about the gutter (aka line down the middle). The pages lay flat, so no worries!
I made this wedding album for The Flanders Hotel, so naturally I had to include their gorgeous ballroom.
So pretty!
Crescent Shrine Wedding, Westampton, NJ: Alex and Ali
I couldn't be more excited for Ali and Alex's wedding after their gorgeous golden hour engagement session last August at Cooper River. We started off at the Masonic Village in Burlington, NJ for both Ali and Alex's getting ready. After checking the weather continuously leading up to their wedding day, we lucked out with just a few quick showers while they were getting dressed. The rain had no stopping our plans of shooting around the property. They did a First Look at the Carriage House on the property, where Ali revealed her gorgeous bridal self, and Alex revealed his timeless kilt. We met up with the bridal party and took a trolley ride just down the street to the farm house. While snapping bridal party portraits, I felt like I was shooting a destination wedding because of the gorgeous grounds and the guys in their kilts. We even got a little peek of what a groom and his men wear under their kilts on a wedding day. Yes, you read that correctly. (I'll rate the below photo PG-13 no nudity, just cool undies.) We headed back to the chapel for their unplugged ceremony, followed by a bubble exit! So much fun. The newly married Mr. and Mrs. Churney hopped on the trolley with their closest pals to the reception at Crescent Shrine in Westampton, NJ. Ali and Alex shared a first dance to "You're My Best Friend," by Queen (a personal favorite), followed my SO much more dancing, including a special group dance by the groomsmen. Ali and Alex are such an awesome couple. I could tell by watching them interact with their wedding guests- there was just so. much. love. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Churney, it was simply amazing.
THE DETAILS
Venue: Crescent Shrine, Westampton, NJ
Gown: Stella York
Makeup: Brenda Liz
Hair: Hillary to Go
Kilts: Kilted Bros.
A quick selfie while the girls were getting ready.
The bride wore adorable pink Keds that matched her rose gold engagement ring.
Wedding day jitters! I directed Ali and her mom to hold hands and they couldn't remember how to hold hands. It was hilarious and adorable all at the same time.
Alex sees his gorgeous bride at their First Look.
This hardly feels like New Jersey!
Such a genuinely awesome bridal party!
The gorgeous girls
The handsome men... and their undies.
Bubbles!
I have to give a big shout out to Bob and Lola LoRusso. They are they best photographers I know. They shot my wedding (almost seven years ago) and have been such great mentors, they've been there for me whenever I need them. It was so nice to get them in front of my camera!
Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club Wedding, Galloway, NJ Wedding: Rob and Kelsey
THE DETAILS
Venue: Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Galloway, New Jersey
Hair and Makeup: Dollface by Monica
Florals: Brandy Weierbach
Cake: Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club
DJ: Brian Bangin
When I first met Kelsey and Rob, I was so excited- they were down-to-Earth and fun to be around and just adorable together. They were also getting married in the Winter! Winter weddings are far less common than a Fall or Summer wedding, so I was ecstatic... and lucky for us, there was a dusting of snow on their December wedding day. We started the day in the gorgeous bridal suite at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club for Kelsey's getting ready. Her girls, dressed in cranberry gowns, helped her get ready for her best day ever. Rob and the groomsmen, dressed in gray suits and matching holiday socks (so fun!). Kelsey and Rob met just outside of their reception area for their First Look, followed by their bridal party and family photos just before the sunset. Shortly after, their ceremony took place in the Oval Room, followed by dinner and dancing. I'll always remember the family ties at Kelsey and Rob's wedding. Their entire family was out on the dance floor, arm-in-arm, smiles, hugs, kisses, it was really magical to witness. Congratulations, Rob and Kelsey!
The Seaview Hotel was decked out for Christmas with gorgeous decor everywhere- we needed to take full advantage!
How gorgeous is Kelsey's gown hanging in the bridal suite at the Stockton Seaview Hotel?
The lighting was absolutely stunning in the bridal suite at the Stockton Seaview Hotel- I could have shot there all day long.
Rob's reaction to Kelsey during their First Look was just perfect!
Such a stunning bridal party rocking cranberry and gray.
Kelsey and her gorgeous girls, just as the sun was setting. I love that there was a dusting of snow for their December wedding at Stockton Seaview Hotel.
Rob and Kelsey's ceremony took place in the Oval Room at the Stockton Seaview Hotel in Galloway, NJ.
I love their winter themed wedding, and the Christmas tree in the reception room made for the most gorgeous bokeh.
I love this wood-carved cake complete with a "love you more" cake topper.
Rob and Kelsey made their grand entrance, kissing under the mistletoe. Adorable!
They shared their first dance and then the bridal party attacked them with a group hug.
Are you engaged? Looking for a photographer to capture it all? Fill out the CONTACT page and tell me all about your awesome wedding plans!
Styled Pink Photography is based out of Mount Laurel, NJ and specializes in wedding and engagement photography in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, but open to other fabulous destinations such as Aruba, Italy, and all other gorgeous locations.
Windrift Hotel, Avalon, New Jersey Wedding: Brian and Brittany
When I first met Brittany and Brian on Skype, I immediately knew I really (really) wanted to document their wedding! They described their engagement- how Brian proposed to her on the three year anniversary of the date they met. That while they were deciding to spend their life together, they played Of Monsters and Men, and that they wanted to get married in a place that met so much to both of them throughout their lives- Avalon.
Brittany and Brian decided to start this new chapter of their life at the Windrift Hotel in Avalon, NJ. From the getting ready, to the ceremony, and the awesome party that followed- everything would take place there. It was a windy day, but there was sun (and lots of it) and Brian and Brittany were ready for their First Look on the beach, followed by their bridal party shots right on the beach as well. A heartfelt ceremony sealed their new beginning, followed by an amazing party in their honor. Enjoy all the gorgeousness of this light, beachy and fun aquamarine and tangerine wedding that Brittany and Brian worked so hard on!
THE DETAILS
Hair and Makeup Stylist: Amanda Atoori Beauty Artistry
Venue: Windrift Hotel, Avalon, NJ
Wedding Coordinator: Michael Emens, Weddings Down the Shore
Florals: Coventry Crossing Florist
Cake: Stella Baking Company
Officiant: Reverend Yvonne Rathbun, South Jersey Officiants, LLC
I love the peach and tangerine florals in Brittany's bouquet by Coventry Crossing Florist. They made a great backdrop to shoot her jewelry!
Brittany's lush bridal bouquet by Coventry Crossing Florist, and her BLUE shoes- so fun!
Gorgeous wedding invitations with aquamarine and tangerine- the perfect color for a beach wedding at the Windrift in Avalon.
When we hung the dress, everyone just stared at it- so gorgeous from Allure Bridals.
Brittany and Brian exchanged cards and gifts on their wedding day. I totally wish I did this with my husband.
Finishing makeup touches by Amanda Atoori Beauty Artistry.
When flower girls head toward the wedding gown- you HAVE to document it.
One of the most exciting parts of the day- the bride getting in her wedding gown!
Brittany is such a stunning bride. Stunning!
Brittany's dad had such an awesome reaction- I so love daddy/daughter first looks!
Brian and his guys also got ready at the Windrift Hotel.
Brittany and Brian had a First Look just steps away from their venue, the Windrift Hotel in Avalon, NJ.
I love this perspective that my second photographer captured of their First Look.
We grabbed some formal bride and groom photos on the beach in Avalon, NJ.
Their wedding ceremony was officiated by Reverend Yvonne Rathbun of South Jersey Officiants. I've worked with her before and she does such a lovely job of making the ceremony so special.
When I walked into the reception space at the Windrift Hotel, my jaw dropped. It was gorgeous in every way.
How adorable is their sweetheart table?
Brittany and Brian shared their first dance as husband and wife to "King and Lionheart" by Of Monsters and Men.
Brittany's younger sister gave such a heartfelt Maid of Honor speech. Tears- everywhere!
The gorgeous wedding cake by Stella Baking Company sat by the window overlooking the ocean.
We headed outside for a sunset shot- it's sort of mandatory when you are shooting on the beach in Avalon.
Adam the DJ kept the dancefloor hopping!
Are you engaged? Looking for a photographer? Fill out the CONTACT page and tell me all about your awesome wedding plans!
Styled Pink Photography is based out of Mount Laurel, NJ and specializes in wedding and engagement photography in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, but open to other fabulous destinations such as Aruba, Italy, and other gorgeous locations.
Carousel Park, Delaware Engagement: Heather & Tom
I love everything about Heather & Tom's wedding plans. Their wedding will be my first December wedding and of course we are all hoping for just a pinch of those big, fluffy snowflakes that make for gorgeous photos- but not too many! I was so excited when Heather told me she wanted a snowy engagement session. We started watching the weather forecast and hoping for snow. It would be predicted... then it didn't snow, and again... and again... until finally one day IT HAPPENED! We met at a gorgeous location that Heather and Tom found, Carousel Park in Wilmington, Delaware. Highlights of their engagement session included a large party of feathered friends that crashed a couple of photos (see below), as well as a soft, dusk sky to end the session. Heather and Tom were willing to do just about anything to get the shot including not wearing jackets for quite some time, holding snow, and handling wildlife (well, almost). I'm so excited to see these two again, on their wedding day!
The Merion Wedding, Cinnaminson, NJ: Rob and Laura
As a wedding photographer, you never know how you'll meet your next client. I met Laura's mother when my husband and I closed on our house in August of 2013. I was about to have a baby the next month and life was hectic! (Ps- Never move when you are 30+ weeks pregnant!) Laura's mother was bright, cheery and sharing in the excitement of our new house and soon-to-be new baby! We had plenty of time to talk during closing and she told me her daughter was engaged! Some time went by, and me, Laura and her mother were chatting all about her wedding! It was such a pleasant surprise because Laura and I were such a great match! It's so important to love your wedding photographer because they are going to be next to you so much of the day! Now let's focus on the most important people here- Laura and Rob.
I knew Rob wasn't thrilled about having to commit to being photographed for an hour for an engagement session-honestly, most guys aren't crazy about it... but the results are always the same- they LOVE the photos and they actually had fun! Haha! I love it! We even got to incorporate Rob's killer car for their engagement session AND their wedding day!
When their wedding day rolled around in late October, it was perfect. There was just a little breeze in the air and the sun was shining. When I walked into Laura and Rob's Palace Ballroom that day, I was taken back. Everything they have been planning was all coming together. Gorgeous centerpieces, tables named after wine, framed artwork of loved ones past, the matching uplighting... you could tell that they truly poured their souls into all of the planning. It also helps that The Merion, in Cinnaminson, NJ does such a beautiful job setting up their gorgeous ballroom. Laura and Rob saw each other for the first time down the aisle, it's always such an exciting moment, and for me it NEVER gets old. My heart is racing and there's so much excitement in the room! After a beautiful ceremony, we headed to the patio to get some photographs of the bridal party and headed back in so they could enjoy their cocktail hour. This gave me plenty of time to photograph all their gorgeous details. The party started and they had quite a dancefloor. We were able to sneak out to get some wedding photos with Rob's car, which made him so happy! I imagine Rob has a framed photo of this shot in his garage (please tell me yes!).
As I write this blog post, it was Laura's birthday yesterday, Rob's birthday today, and Valentine's Day tomorrow- these two have a lot to celebrate!
Barclay Farmstead Photographer: The Kyler Family
One Sunday morning, I met up with this adorable family of four, to capture their first family photograph. (Holy alliteration.) We headed to Barclay Farmstead, and what an awesome little spot it was! Rustic, rustic, and more rustic. They are such an adorable family with such fun and well-behaved kids, and just all-round awesome parents.
Shooting for a cause: Broadway Sings for the Children of Honduras
When Renee (a fabulous wedding planner) called and asked if I would be interested in helping out for a great cause, I couldn't turn it down. Amigos De Jesus is an orphanage in Honduras which was co-founded in 1997 by a Philadelphia Priest and supported by many local residents. This event was all about embracing everything the orphanage has become and continuing the support. Orphans from Honduras were in attendance and the love and gratitude they displayed was absolutely heartwarming.
Held at the Kimmel Center, Braodway stars from Wicked, Shrek, Next to Normal, and In the Heights performed for supporters and they did not disappoint! It was such an amazing opportunity to give back to the community as well as catch a really great show! It's hard to pick a favorite performance, but when Robin De Jesus performed "Let it Go" in Spanish I had goosebumps.
For more information about Amigos De Jesus and how you can help, click here.
For more information about Events by Renee, who helped lead the success of such an amazing event, click here.
