ALLYSON & JOE

Do you know what is better than photographing a wedding? Photographing your friend’s wedding and being a guest! That was the case for Joe and Allyson’s wedding last month and it was a total blast! One of the best parts was being able to be a part of, and celebrate, all the various planning milestones along the way before the big day. I remember the night we were all together and Allyson showed me the dress she said, “yes” to and I nearly dropped on the floor it was so beautiful. We had the preliminary conversations about wedding colors and bridesmaid dresses together; and I spun into wedding bliss, again, when she showed me the succulent and flower arrangements she was going with for the bouquets and centerpieces. I was beyond excited and looking forward to this wedding for SO long! Not only were all the details expertly accounted for and delegated, their wedding truly went off without a hitch, which is quite a feat in this line of work! The week leading up to the big day had showers on and off, but it looked like their day would end up being just fine when we need to be out for portraits. The only thing we weren’t accounting for (but how can you really avoid it mid August in NJ) was the third heat wave of the season. It was HOT. Everyone was a total trooper though and we were able to get beautiful sunny portraits outside without you ever knowing it was 100% humidity in the 90s! Wewph!

Allyson and Joe met through a friend over a couple social occasions before they really started their relationship. The night that stuck out most to Allyson was a random Friday evening at a local restaurant where many of their friends would get together. Allyson went with a friend and Joe ended up there too. Her friend left the restaurant early with another group, but Allyson stayed and Joe stuck behind with her. The two struck up an easy, candid conversation that lasted a few hours before they realized how late it had gotten. They headed out, both sensing that feeling that this could be something real and a few days later, on Christmas Eve, the two went on a “date” to NYC. Since that day, they have been inseparable. Although I do want to get you to the pictures, Joe’s proposal to Allyson shouldn’t go without at least a run through the highlights, which included a walk through a local park, a parkgoer following them around trying to strike up conversation, Allyson (as so many girlfriends tend to get during these escapades) growing increasingly tired of the outing with the feeling that something is slightly off and wanting “to leave,” a surprise proposal, an unexpected (completely unrelated) nose bleed and a quick dash for the car. The most perfectly irreplicable proposal story of all time.

Their wedding day was as unique as their love story thus far and a beautiful representation of their love for each other and customized in ways that truly illustrated Allyson and Joe’s personalities. Allyson wore the most stunning ivory-blush Essence of Australia gown I’ve ever seen! It was a modern day cinderella dress with an exquisite lace bodice, a hint of shimmery sequins and a detailed beading. She paired that together with sparkly gold shoes, one of her theme accent colors, and a cathedral veil. I could just happily stop here and bask in the perfection of her whole bridal style and be content for eternity. But there’s more. Joe and his groomsman work suave blue suits with blush accents and the most perfect succulent and rosebud boutonnieres that I was totally obsessed with. Win! The details Allyson and Joe put together were amazing… you will just have to see the photos for proof. Enjoy!