Christine & Jonathan

Christine and Jonathan were married on November 8, 2009 at the Full Gospel Church in Livingston, NJ. The small, warm church was packed with family and friends to see this wonderful couple united.

Christine, a long time member of the church was married by her pastor. He didn't hide his emotions as he performed the ceremony for Christine, a one time student in his youth class.

It was a beautiful, warm November day. No doubt a gift from God above. One small glitch in the ceremony came when Christine and Jon went to light their unity candle. The wick was buried in the wax so it wouldn't catch. They tried, and tried, and tried for at least a couple minutes but it wouldn't light! But they didn't need to light a candle to show they were united. You could tell by the light in their eyes! OK, a little sappy, I know.

The reception was at the Liberty House in Jersey City. It was a great evening. Christine and Jon started out with an awesome dance to a Bruce Springsteen tune. They must have practiced for hours because they were flawless. Then they went into their traditional slow dance.

A live band played many of Jon's favorites, many Bruce Springsteen songs. It was a great evening of fun and celebration.

Ben & Kim

Ben and Kim were married on October 10, 2009. This lovely couple were hitched at St. Michael's in Wall, NJ... in a cute little church that looked like it belonged in a Norman Rockwell painting. Small and personal, at least 120 packed the sanctuary for the wedding ceremony.

Ben beamed as Kim walked through the doors in her white dress. Getting all the shots were a bit challenging because of the confined space, but the shot from the balcony captured all the beauty.

The weather was blustery, gray clouds rolled across the sky, but the rains stayed away. So we all headed to the shore for some fantastic shots on a beach. A bit chilly but everyone, especially the girls, toughed it out.

Things warmed up at the reception where Ben and Kim partied with their friends and family. One of the highlights of the evening was when Ben's men pulled a chair out in the middle of the floor and sat him down. A lot of us were a little concerned there may be some adult entertainment on the menu, but instead the guys surprised all of us by singing "Tainted Love" to Ben. It was classic funny.

Because that was such a great part of the entire day, I decided to post Ben and Kim's credits below so you can enjoy the Soft Cell show yourself!

Michelle & Gerald

Michelle and Gerald were married on October 10, 2009. I found them to be warm, gracious, and very popular couple with a large gathering in attendance to witness their union and celebrate their love.

Michelle looked absolutely magical in her wedding dress, while Jerry and his men were dressed sharp. The ceremony at the Church of Sacred Heart in Rochelle Park was beautiful. For this ceremony we had three cameras set up, two in the sanctuary and one in the balcony.

I noticed Michelle and Jerry passing glances at each other through the ceremony, smiling and enjoying their day. That was nice to see.

The weather was very nice. Some clouds whisked through a blue sky. Michelle and Jerry went to St. Lambert's Castle to get pictures, and then headed to the reception at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove. There we got some great video of a huge party with friends and family.

The DJ had a mini light show that enhanced the party nicely. It was an incredible evening, one I really enjoyed. You can see their highlight video below.

Amy & Eric

Amy and Eric were married on September 19, 2009. First I went to Amy's house to get her preparations. There I got some amazing video of Amy in her dress. Her loving, but anxious mother looked on as her daughter was getting ready.

The ceremony at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Orange, NJ was gorgeous. We got an amazing shot from the balcony to go along with shots I got from the front. Eric was nervous but calm at the same time while Amy was spectacular. One small and funny moment for the two of them was when she went to put Eric's ring on. It was a little too small so it wouldn't fit. You can see that moment in the video below.

The reception at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, NJ was awesome. Friends and family danced the night away to a live band that performed favorites of the couple including numbers by Billy Joel, Elton John, and Journey. Amy and her friends took over when they played Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'"

Overall, it was a fantastic wedding, one of the tops of the year for me as I captured some amazing shots. You can see part of the production by clicking on the video below!

Jacquelyn & Gary

Jacquelyn and Gary were married on September 9, 2009. This was my first theme wedding and it was a lot of fun. This couple, being big Star Wars and Star Trek fans decided to get hitched in a way that would make Luke Skywalker and Captain Kirk proud.

Both the wedding ceremony and reception were held at the Berkeley Plaza in Berkeley Heights, NJ.

The ceremony was a riot. Jacquelyn and Gary wrote their own pledges of love for each other, riddled with endearing references to their favorite movies and characters. But it wasn't a silly display. Both Gary and Jacquelyn became emotional at certain points (Gary a little more than his beautiful wife) But even then, Gary was able to provide a little comic relief for everyone in attendance. As he gruffly choked back tears he guarded his manhood by announcing to family and friends, "I'm sick." (I believe he indeed was fighting a bit of a cold) But he didn't fool anyone. We all knew the tears that flowed were because of his deep love for Jacquelyn.

The reception was not like any I had ever been to. Their music selection was unique. No "Electric Slide" or "Single Ladies". Instead, they played some classics such as "Fish Heads", "Rainbow Connection", and "Time Warp". Everyone had fun, especially with the mini-light sabers provided at each table.

The introduction of the bridal party was classic too. The couples came down a spiral staircase and formed an arch with light sabers which Gary and Jacquelyn walked through, a metaphor perhaps of their journey into a new life together.

Other highlights were the best man speech that had me laughing behind my camera, and the childlike energy of many of the guests as they danced the night away. You just have to check out their highlights posted below. Thank you Gary and Jacquelyn for a fantastic evening!

Clarivic & Kilbert

On a very hot summer's day... August 15, 2009, I was privileged to be part of the union of Clarivic and Kilbert. They said their "I Dos" at Il Vilaggio in Carlstadt, NJ in front of more than 100 family and friends.

Clarivic and Kilbert, got ready in the same house for their special day. Clarivic's girls looked beautiful while Kibert's men looked - dare I say, hot? Ok, I'll let the ladies describe them like that... the guys looked gooood.

We went to Lambert Castle in Paterson, NJ to get some good video of the two. Kilbert's groomsmen and Clarivic's girls were very accomodating as we took some fun shots there.

The ceremony was very special, and was conducted in both Spanish and English. When Clarivic came down the aisle, you could see Kilbert working hard to keep his composure.

The reception, also at Il Villaggio, was fantastic. Two Latino families celebrated and danced to a live band that played a variety of Salsa and Maranga songs. I was impressed with the level of dancing skills by many in attendance. Kilbert and Clarivic are excellent dancers and were out on the floor a lot.

A touching moment was watching a tearful father/daughter dance.

The entire evening was special, one I'll remember for a long time. Watch the highlights of their day below.

Stephanie & Rafael

Stephanie and Rafael were married on August 14, 2009. It was a rather warm day, as one would imagine - being August - but nothing was hotter than Stephanie and Rafael. This good looking couple made it easy for the camera. But more imporatant, they were a pleasure to work with.

S&R were married at St. Joseph's in Lodi, NJ... a church with a brightly lit sanctuary. Stephanie looked amazing as she came down the aisle, and we got a good shot of Rafael swallowing hard with nervousness. Some of our best shots came from this ceremony, one being a wide shot from the back of the church of Stephanie and Rafael kneeling to pray - Stephanie's amazing dress elegantly spread out behind her.
A very emotional moment came before the ceremony where Rafael's family performed a tradition at his home. His mother, in tears, hugged him like only a mother could.

The reception was a lot of fun, with the bridal party getting into the mood early. A classic moment is when Rafael's men picked him up and held him upside down as he went for Stephanie's garter. The DJ appropriately played the tune from the movie Mission Impossible during the scene where Tom Cruise is suspended to steal the NOC disc!

The photographer that evening was a pleasure to work with, Nicole Marie. She was fantastic with the couple, and was able to get all the shots she needed and more without being rude (as some photographers can be)

Check out their highlights below!

Liuva & Daniel

Liuva and Daniel of Hoboken were married on August 1, 2009 in Clifton, New Jersey. They quickly became one of my favorite couples because, like my wife and I, Liuva is Latino while Daniel is from the old country (he's Swiss) Now I'm not Swiss, I'm of German decent, but like Daniel, I speak German and like Liuva, my wife speaks Spanish...

Ok, enough of that nonsense... onto this couple's amazing day.

The ceremony at St. Paul Church was absolutely breathtaking. We got a fantastic shot from the balcony along with my angle from the front of the church.

Daniel anxiously waited for Liuva to walk down the aisle. He prides himself of being cool, calm, and collected... and he is, but he'll admit, he was getting nervous waiting for Liuva! And when the door opened, and she started walking down the aisle towards us, I believe a saw Daniel's knees knock a little. But he kept his composure and looked dashing.

Now, I don't say things unless I mean them in these blogs - and this is for sure, their reception was the BEST I've been to so far. This couple put on a great night for friends and family.

Because the gathering was at least half Latino, you knew there was going to be a party with lots of dancing (I can say this because, as previously stated, I'm married to a Latin woman!) But I can't slight the Europeans in the house that night, they were having lots of fun too!

Liuva and Daniel also surprised everyone with special dance performances. And then Liuva surprised Daniel with a special cake made to look like the Swiss Alps!

By the time the final two songs were played (one being a fave of Daniels "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N Roses) no one was ready to leave. But alas, all good parties must come to an end. Or do they? I think Liuva and Daniel's will last forever.

Marisa & Corey

On July 25, 2009 Marisa and Corey said their "I dos" at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, New Jersey. Marisa looked beautiful in her amazing dress while Corey stood out among his men.

The ceremony was like out of a movie, with an amazing view from a balcony for one shot, while I got the close ups below. We captured all the excitement, including Marisa's nervous energy as she waited for "Here Comes the Bride" to start playing to mark her entrance. She took one deep breath and then the doors opened, not only to the church, but to her future.

The best moment of the reception was without a doubt the amazing dance Marisa and Corey performed. Their first dance started to an unassuming song, "Feels Like Home", by Chantal Kreviazuk but then they surprised all their guests by busting out in a well choreographed number to a medley of songs to include, "You Can't Touch This, "Axel F", and "Beat It". Hopefully there were a decent number of doctors in the house because sides were splitting.

Overall it was an amazing night. Highlights are posted below.

Serena & Rahul

Serena & Rahul were married on July 20, 2009 at the Sheraton in Parsippany, NJ.

Being a combination Christian - Indian event, it was an all day affair with lots of video to be shot! If you've ever been to an Indian wedding, you know they are very festive, energetic events and this one was no different.

Rahul rode in on a horse for the baraat. Friends and family celebrated as they dance their way to where the bride's mother and sister were waiting to receive him. Fortunately the day's rain held out long enough for the procession. It didn't matter what the weather was like, nothing was going to ruin this beautiful union.

When inside, the traditional Indian wedding commenced. The guests, Indian and non-Indian alike, sat and watched as the traditional Indian rituals unfolded.

If you're not familiar with a Hindu wedding, here are some of the highlights...

The priest or Brahmin officiates the ceremony that begins when a curtain is removed and garlands of sandalwood chips are placed around the necks of the bride and groom.

Then there is the bridal upliftment of Dharma where the bride's father gives his daughter to the groom for the upliftment of Dharma. However, Serena's mother did this as her father has passed away.

After the bride applies sandalwood paste to the groom's forehead, he makes a round red mark on her forehead for her to display as long as they are married. The offerings of puffed rice and purified butter from the hands of the bride and groom are thrown into the fire, representing the Radiant One, while the priest removes the darkness by chanting more mantras, which are blessings.

Vows in a Hindu marriage are made before a fire that represents the deity. The husband accepts his wife as a token of good fortune so they can assume their Hindu life together. The groom vows to always include his bride and to consult her.

While the groom takes the bride's hand and leads her around the fire, mantras are said. These mantras include accepting the responsibilities of fidelity, love, mutual respect, and procreation for as long as they live. As the priest chants the seven steps, the bride and groom step closer to each other. The couples start walking where the rice is heaped on one side. Holding hands, they take the sapta-padi, seven steps symbolic of their common journey through life. As they circle around the sacred fire pot, they agree to...
* Earn a living for their family and respect their abundance.
* Live a healthy lifestyle for each other.
* Be concerned for the partner's welfare, happiness and friendship throughout their religious-centered lives.
* Eat and drink together and be with each other on special occasions.
* Desire children for whom they will be responsible and love.
* Adapt to the other person at any given time and place.

Then, the bridegroom recites the traditional mantras to the bride, including... "I am the words and you are the melody, I am the melody and you are the words."

Then the bride's parents present gifts to the groom. Cotton is tied around the bride and groom while blessings for a long and happy life are given. The bride washes her hands, then bride and groom pray that their prosperity, success, and Dharma will be fulfilled.

Placing of the floral love necklace: The bridegroom places a floral love necklace around his bride's neck while he asks her to accompany him in his Hindu activities.

Another wedding necklace, a gold or silver chain with gold semicircles and black beads from both families, symbolic of the union of the two families, is also worn.

You can see much of this in the video posted below. You can also see the amazing reception they had. At least 250 friends and family gathered for an amazing celebration. It was hard not to get caught up in the excitement and get out and dance myself! (but of course I didn't because I'm a professional!)

Serena and Rahul hired Jeffery Vock as their photographer. Based out of Jersey City, Jeffery is a very pleasant person but more importantly, he is a fantastic photographer. I enjoy working with him very much and his clients love him.

Pam & Fred

Pam and Fred were married on July 11, 2009. I actually wasn't able to shoot this wedding myself as I was working another wedding in Geneva, NY but I was able to edit the material.

I met Pam in Hoboken and there's no doubt, Fred is a lucky fella. Pam was sweet and as nice as could be. And as you will see by the video, the two make for a gorgeous couple.

Their ceremony and reception were at The Boat House in Hoboken, New Jersey. They held an elegant, classic wedding complete with a live band.

The day was very windy, and was a bit cloudy, but the rains stayed away so Pam and Fred could be united!

Pam's sister gave one of the better toasts I have heard. She lamented how, as the older sister, Pam always copied her. First it was toys, then clothes. Then she goes onto say, "I move to Manhattan, Pam moves to Manhattan, I become a pharmaceutical rep, Pam becomes a pharmaceutical rep, I have a blond Jewish husband - PAM has a blond Jewish husband!" The crowd erupted in laughter, I did too.

A touching part of the day was Pam's father who, despite being weak and in a wheel chair, was able to see his daughter married.

Katie & Richard

Katie and Richard were married on July 4th, 2009! No, they didn't have fireworks at the ceremony or reception, the fire marshall wouldn't allow it. =) But their wedding was a blast.

Their ceremony at Christ the Savior Roman Catholic church was festive and beautiful. The traditional Roman Catholic service kept me on my toes as there was a lot of movement by the couple. The ceremony contained a lot of rituals to include the crowning of the couple.

The couple's families are very close knit, traditional people and so it was perfect that they had the reception in the church. They all gathered for food and cake down stairs - the cake was actually a suprise for the couple because they had decided not to have one but the parents didn't honor their wish!

After the reception, the photographers Ken and Fay (of Ken & Fay Photography) and I went to a beautiful park nearby for photos. The scenery really enhanced their final video.

If I had to work on the 4th of July, this was the perfect job.

Jessica & Michael

There are adorable couples, and then there is Jessica and Michael. This couple from Jersey City warmed my heart as I witnessed a true love story completed on 6/19/09.

Ok, maybe a little sappy, but I really enjoyed being part of their day. Some highlights include a beautiful ceremony at St. Stephen's Church in Kearny, NJ. Michael was as nervous as a groom could get. And he got choked up when he saw Jessica. You can see it in the video below. No doubt about his love for this woman. You can also hear their story about how they met in the second video posted below.

The reception was elegant and classic. And what a surprise for Jessica when Michael grabbed a mic and sang to her. He doesn't have the best pipes in the world, but I'm sure it sounded as sweet as could be to Jessica.

Christine & Drew

Christine and Drew were married on June 14, 2009 at The Mansion on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University. Christine perhaps smiled more than any other bride I have covered. Her wonderful personality coupled with Drew's wit made for a very enjoyable day for me.

The weather was very nice for their big day. Perhaps it was a little hot for some, but it was hard to notice the heat, especially when Christine came down the aisle!

Sarah Postma photography captured the day for Christine. Sarah is a wonderful photographer who gets the shots she needs without being abrput, abrasive, annoyed, whatever word you want to use!

The entire wedding was classically elegant, without a lot of hype. Instead of a wedding cake, they went with an asortment of delicious cupcakes - such a sweet touch that really exemplified what this couple is about.

They elected to go with a live band that kept the party going at the reception held in The Mansion, an old historic building where one could not help but try to envision similar types of celebrations held their 100 years ago.

Maureen & Nathaniel

Maureen and Nathaniel came to me just a few weeks before their wedding date of 5/25/09 looking for video of just the ceremony. They quickly became a dear couple to me. They have a beautiful family and my prayers are with them always.

Their wedding ceremony was at St. Thomas Aquinas in Brooklyn, New York. I enjoyed taking mass transit to get there! I took the subway into Brooklyn where a nice straphanger made sure I got off at the right stop and onto the right bus. He was no doubt sent from above because he approached me and asked if I needed help! I must have looked a little stressed.

But the beautiful ceremony quickly turned my stress into joy as Maureen and Nate were married.