Windows on the Water Wedding

The bride got ready at the American Hotel in Freehold, New Jersey. I was completely charmed by the light in the rooms. The bride and groom had side-by-side rooms with huge balconies and an abundance of natural light.

When I arrived at the hotel, Allison was getting her hair and makeup done. I love the cloud of hairspray! The getting ready part of the day is always one of my favorites, and this day didn’t disappoint. Allison was surrounded by her mother, her future mother-in-law, and her sweet bridesmaids. They were so calm and collected, and having a great time together.

Hansen Photo and Video were on hand to film the day. I had never worked with them before, and they were utterly delightful. I can’t say enough good things about them, and could not recommend them more highly.

At one point in the day, Allison turned to me and said “This is my dream wedding!” Is there really anything better to hear from a bride on her wedding day?

We had a great amount of time to document everyone getting ready. The bride got dressed in a room right next to the groom, so we had to make sure that no one ran into each other on the balcony outside!

I can’t say enough good things about the light in the getting-ready room! It was exactly what I love, and I think it illuminates the scene beautifully.

See what I mean? The highlights and shadows are so beautiful. I could shoot in that room all day long!

The groom’s mother presented him with a deeply personal gift. I was so honored to be there to document it for them.

The relationship between a groom and his mother is so precious. This entire family was so kind, so sweet, and so wonderful to photograph.

I have a lot of favorite things about wedding days. One of them is “crying grooms.” In fact, that might top my list, right above “crying dads” and “playing Uptown Funk so that my 2015 Bruno Mars streak goes unbroken.”

I had twenty glorious minutes alone with the bride and groom immediately after the outdoor wedding ceremony. The light was utterly perfect. The sun was low in the sky, and created such a gorgeous halo around their bodies.

At every wedding I shoot, I strive to make images that I’ve never made before. This rainbow was created entirely in-camera. I didn’t create it in Photoshop later. How was it done? I’ll never tell!

Allison and Nick were so sweet with each other. Allison is vibrant and joyous, and Nick is so lovely and emotional. It was wonderful to witness.

The Windows on the Water employee who drove us around the property in the golf cart said “I’ve never seen a photographer put brides and grooms in light like that!” That’s one of the highest compliments! I love working with beautiful natural light, and I think this image really illustrates why I feel that it’s so beautiful.

Only twenty minutes for pictures? No problem!

We managed to get to several different locations on the Windows on the Water property in a quick amount of time. It’s all about efficiency! I think the trees make such a glorious background. I love summer weddings!

After a few multiple exposures, it was time to get ready to go back to the reception. I love having time with the bride and groom for portraits, but I never want them to be late to their own party!

This image perfectly illustrates the fun, vibrant personalities of the bridal party. Every single one of them were hilarious, funny, and so very sweet.

I love the look on the groom’s face here. He was so overwhelmingly happy to be married!

After a gorgeous first dance, it was on to the rest of the reception!