Jess and Joe’s wedding day is FINALLY HERE! Jess first reached out to me close to a year ago. So it’s kind of surreal that their wedding day is finally happening! Their wedding day started out with a thunderstorm, but turned into Jess & Joe’s best day ever!
We started the day at Jess’s getting ready room at a local hotel. I loved that it had a big window that let in tons of gorgeous natural light. It was perfect for getting all of these sweet styling photos of their rings, invitation suite, her gorgeous shoes, and jewelry. Jess did her own makeup and looked flawless as always! I love when my brides let us work in a lot of getting ready time so that I can tinker with my styling props to create gorgeous bridal detail images. These are the little things that you’ve dreamt of and fussed over for months so why not have them documented in a stunning way? Jess wore a super cute robe that said “the bride” on the back and her bridesmaids wore matching baby blue ones.
After these photos I went over the their wedding venue – Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, NJ to meet up with Joe and his groomsmen. I took some quick styling shots of his details and then he got dressed and ready for his first look with his bride.
The First Look
Jess & Joe’s first look was definitely one of the more emotional ones I’ve seen. Joe had insane jitters and couldn’t wait any longer to see his bride! Jess was beaming from ear to ear and started crying as soon as they embraced. I just love them so much!
After the first look both J&J went to rest and do some final touchups before walking down the aisle. I spotted this staircase earlier in the day and made a note to snag a shot of her bridesmaids carrying her dress. Their ceremony was short and sweet and chock full of family members! I love this shot of her dad smiling as they begin their walk down the aisle.
After the ceremony we dashed outside for portraits with the bridal party and family. I just love the colors that Jess chose for her bridesmaids dresses. That baby blue photographed beautifully!
Chinese Tea Ceremony
This was my first time seeing a Chinese tea ceremony. It was a gorgeous ceremony with many of Jess’s Chinese family members being offered tea by the new couple. Many offered gifts in exchange – the coolest (in my opinion) were these beautiful gold bracelets that Jess’s bridesmaids helped her to put on.
Time to party!
Finally reception time, let’s party! Jess & Joe’s reception was full of sweet toasts, amazing food, and awesome music! The whole family came to party on the dance floor and Jess and Joe looked just so cute swaying together.
Look how gorgeous their cake is! Palermos bakery did an amazing job and it was so delicious too! It’s not like I’m a wedding photographer just for the cake, but it sure as heck isn’t a bad part of the job! ? Joe plopped a ton of frosting right on Jess’s nose so she returned the favor by swiping it on his cheek. Their frosting filled kisses were more than adorable.
One last congrats to the happy couple and a sincere thank us for including you on your #bestdayever ? I was so happy to be there to support you through the day from. From helping put your shoes on, shielding you from guests who arrived before your first look, and just partying with you on the dance floor – I was happy to be by your side! It was also awesome to have my husband Tony there as my second shooter! Photo-booths are kind of our favorite thing so we had to jump in at the end of the night. Oh and I promise I ONLY kiss my second shooter when it’s him! ?
If you’re getting married, shoot me a message through the “contact” button at the top of my website! I’d love to hear about your dream wedding day and help you make it a reality! I promise to dance with you and your bridesmaids to all of the best songs!
Photography – www.lyndsaycurtis.com
Venue – www.grandmarquiscaterers.com
Food – www.grandmarquiscaterers.com
Flowers – www.grandmarquiscaterers.com
Cake – www.palermobakery.com
DJ – www.hurricaneproductions.com
