New York / Pennsylvania Children's Photographer: HELLO, ABBY!!!

Every time I am driving to a location I'm not familiar with for a photo shoot, I  wonder if it will be a landscape that amplifies my inspiration for the shoot. So, when I drove out to meet Jessica and baby Abby for a shoot on their farm in the country, my excitement skyrocketed when I pulled onto the dirt road that leads to their property. I'm from Franklin Lakes (Housewives, anyone???), but I am a country girl at heart who wholly appreciates the splendor of a dirt road leading to your own parcel of acreage that envelopes you like a cocoon. It's home; it's peace; it's safety... and it's where I now choose to live as well... so I INSTANTLY knew the magic that was in store for me... and I was NOT disappointed!




If that wasn't enough inspiration, ten-month old Abby couldn't possibly be any more adorable than she already is. When I met her, she played the shy card at first, for a moment. Literally... a moment. Then she was all business and for two hours strutted her stuff, played like it was her job, cooperated through numerous wardrobe changes like a top model (except for that small fashion faux pas having to do with the demolition of a hair clip that we then had to attach to her hair with a safety pin), and never once did she tire of me or my Nikon... all in all, a pretty amazing feat for a ten-month old!















Jessica, come be my stylist for shoots, okay? I've never experienced a more prepared mother who, with the help of her mom visiting from Arkansas, had all kinds of props and outfits ready to pop in and out of the settings I was creating. What a team! Two hours flew by like nobody's business and I was sad to leave.










Jessica, Goggie, and Abby... thanks for sharing a slice of your lives with me! TO VIEW MORE OF ABBY'S PHOTO SHOOT, CLICK HERE!

 

Minerals Resort Great Gorge Wedding Photography: AMBRIA AND JAHN

Ambria and Jahn are like cookies and milk. Period. They just go together. 

Like PB & J. 

Like night and day.

With one, you have the other. Without one, something is missing. 

I knew this the very first time I met them and it was reaffirmed the day they became husband and wife at the magnificent Minerals Resort and Spa at Vernon Valley/Great Gorge, NJ.

While the men, children and guests enjoyed the pool, Ambria and her mom, grandmothers, and bridesmaids gathered in the Granite Room to have their hair done by Sam Alba Salon and makeup by Bella Trucco.


Ambria's Casablanca wedding dress had exquisite tulle detailing highlighted by gold threading. Nina Bridal Shoes, Tiffany Jewelry, and Bridal Rings by MS Jewelers completed her ensemble. Her bridesmaids wore Jim Hjelm.

Jahn and his 11...you heard me right... ELEVEN groomsmen looked fabulous in their Ralph Lauren tuxedos from Men's Warehouse.

Dykstra Florist created gorgeous bouquets, boutonnieres, wrist corsages, and table centerpieces.


 

Ambria and Jahn opted for a first look and we found a private area bordering Minerals Golf Club for the occasion, with the rest of their portraits taken at the Pro Shop. 



As a side note, thanks for being such a sport, Ambria, as I navigated the golf cart at full throttle to our destination. On the road, it just putted along, but the corners were exciting!

We followed up with a quick stop to the pool to make some pictures with Arthur, the ice cream man.



(Please let me segue for a moment to say, Arthur... you are BEYOND adorable and I think I am secretly in love with you.)



A beautiful outdoor ceremony was performed by Lee Stein

and was followed by an opulent cocktail hour...



...and one hell of a party! As soon as Octavius fired up the first tune, the dancing began...



and didn't stop all night.

As a side note, I found Rodney Bednarek of Generation Video Productions fantastic to work with. Ambria and Jahn can now enjoy a video production of their day along with their photo gallery of more than 800 images.

A special thank you to Danielle Serpico of Minerals Resort, who orchestrated each detail of this fabulous event, including personally applying every flower to the wedding cake.

Something tells me I know what this look means...



Good call, Jahn!

Danielle took such great care of Ambria, Jahn, their guests, and their vendors. I loved working with her and her magnificent team, who were all top-notch professionals.

Ambria and Jahn, you and your families and friends were a delight to photograph and all epitomized the LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE theme of your wedding to a T! Meridith and I loved being a part of your wedding day. Thanks for having us!

TO VIEW MORE OF AMBRIA AND JAHN'S WEDDING, CLICK HERE FOR THEIR SLIDESHOW.