Melissa and James met walking down the street in New York City on a beautiful summer day, fast forward six years and here they are on their beautiful Mansion at Mountain Lakes wedding day! Pretty awesome that in a city as big as New York, you could be walking right by your future spouse. This spring has had us under the constant threat of rain and storms, but Melissa and James had a beautiful spring day for their wedding at the Mansion at Mountain Lakes.
The Mansion at Mountain Lakes did some relatively recent renovations and made this beautiful bridal suite…
double selfies…
Beautiful Martina Liana wedding gown…
Melissa’s mom and sister help her get into her wedding dress…
I don’t often have the space to create a bridal portrait like this, but when I do, I have to take advantage of it!
Melissa had an emotional first look with her dad…I used to experience first looks with fathers very differently because my dad died when I was 10, but now that I have a daughter I get to experience these first looks in a different way because rather than envisioning the loss of my own dad, I envision my husband and my daughter and their bond.
The groomsmen got ready at the Mansion at Mountain lakes as well…
Wedding ceremony time!
James watches as Melissa walks down the aisle…
The Mansion at Mountain Lakes has a beautiful indoor wedding ceremony space…
I’ve always been good at reading people. Even as a little kid, I was very aware of my surroundings and reading adults. I don’t think it is all coincidence that I ended up as a photographer that focuses on storytelling and moments. Part of being a good wedding photographer is not just technical skills, but people skills. Many people are uncomfortable being photographed and you need to know how to handle that and when to back away. Kids are my favorite, though, because they aren’t shy about their emotions and you don’t need much skill to read them like when Melissa and James’ flower girl made it very clear that she didnt’ want her picture taken. They furor in her face and the shaking of the fist just cracks me up, and to be fair, I only grabbed this shot and didn’t bother her more. 
Some beautiful in-camera warm sun flare…
Too cute…
Photobomber!
Make ’em laugh…
Make ’em cry…
Party time… great working with DJ Alfredo again!
Being a little one in a conga line can create some challenges… problem solved!
One thing I’ve never accomplished in life is the ability to do a backflip. Now I just see it as a liability for my career. Adulting can be pretty lame sometimes…
One of my favorite wedding day additions is the percussionist! 
A beautiful Mansion at Mountain Lakes wedding day in New Jersey with Melissa and James. It was a pleasure working with them and their friends and family from start to finish. Thanks to Kelsey Davis for assisting me.
