On a beautiful August day this summer, Genevieve & Ryan  got married! Literally, it was a perfect day. The moment I arrived – Gen’s bridesmaids, sisters & mother were so helpful not only in helping me photograph every beautiful detail of her day but keeping their beautiful bride calm. The bride had one simple request, “don’t look at me!” While she had her hair and makeup done, she simply asked her ladies not to watch her because it made her more nervous. When hair and makeup was all done and it was almost time to slip into her STUNNING Justin Alexander dress (Seriously, photos do not do it justice!), she jumped onto Instagram real quick and delightfully found a photo up of her Groom and his handsome groomsmen. Suddenly, all the nerves were gone and the smile didn’t leave her face the rest of the afternoon. She wasn’t nervous anymore but now even more excited to see Ryan. When she walked down the aisle to “To Make You Feel My Love” by Adele, I photographed both Gen & Ryan’s reactions to seeing each other for the first time – and could see him holding back his tears. Her whole walk down the aisle with her father, they didn’t lose eye contact and the smile on her face only grew. It was a simply romantic ceremony quickly followed by popping champagne and starting the celebrations! My absolute favorite part of the day? Taking their portraits where it all started… on Ryan’s Aunt’s boat where he proposed! It had all come full circle on this beautiful summer day in August.

Gen & Ryan – Jose & I had a BLAST photographing your wedding day! I never wanted it to be over. We hope you love and cherish your photos and wish you nothing but continued happiness, laughter & love! 🙂

 

Gen & Ryan’s dog – Murphy – hung out with the ladies the morning of their wedding and dressed the part! And look at Gen’s dress… that lace detail! GORGEOUS!

Jose hung with the guys in the morning and photographed them getting ready 🙂

Walking into the room to photograph Gen putting on her dress and details, I couldn’t help but gasp. She looked absolutely stunning. That’s the best word to describe her, sorry if I keep using it! 🙂

LOVED the sash Gen wore with her dress!

This delicate necklace was Ryan’s wedding gift to Gen and was the perfect finishing piece!

Murphy never left Gen’s side and even as she walked out to put her jewelry on, he knew something was up. I caught him staring at the dress a few times thinking in his head “wow, my mama looks beautiful!”

What gorgeous ladies!

Their reactions to seeing each other for the first time 🙂

Jose caught this fantastic shot of Gen & her father walking down the aisle 🙂

Husband & wife!

Gah I LOVE this shot (below)… just perfect!

We took their bridal portraits at Ryan’s Aunts’ house – right by the lake where they got engaged.

Love this dock & how the light changed SO MUCH when we made our way there – love love love it

Gen – you are seriously, too much! Stunning!!

Gen had a few fun request shots she wanted… and this was one!! Serious kudos to those bridemaids’ for holding up Ryan so well!

LOVE this shot…

Such handsome guys working that GQ pose!

This was the other shot Gen requested… and it was AWESOME!

We arrived at the beautiful Greenbrook Country Club for their reception and snuck away to take their portraits in the most perfect light 🙂

This photo needs to be on a canvas… it’s just PERFECT!

We than made our way inside to photograph their details! What a beautiful welcome table 🙂

We loved seeing their baby pictures on each of the tables…and how they haven’t changed much!

Their DJ’s, Elite Sound Entertainment, had the dance floor packed all night long!

I couldn’t help but laugh at Ryan’s best man & brother – who put the rest of the bubbles from the ceremony exit to good use!

After the sweet dances and toasts – it was party time! Gen & Ryan didn’t STOP dancing!

Loved seeing our past bride & groom, Allie & Frank, back from their honeymoon in wedded bliss at their wedding! (below)

Gen & Ryan LOVE the cupid shuffle and specifically requested it to be played! Obviously, everyone else loves it too!

Their adorable little cake and those cake toppers!

After the cake cutting – Ryan’s groomsmen surprised the couple with a tradition they’ve held for years! Passing around pitchers of beer until it’s empty to ACDC’s  “thunderstruck”!

I got myself smack in the middle of the circle photographing each person chug… and when that pitcher was full, another one came along!

And when the second pitcher emptied, it was just drink whatever we can! I can’t listen to that song now without a smile on my face from that – one of the BEST times I’ve had a reception in that circle there! 🙂

And the last surprise of the night – Ryan & his groomsmen representing!

 

It was a BLAST! So much fun reliving their day in this blog post! Leave them your love and sweet words in the comments below! 🙂

 

CREDITS

Church: St Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, NJ

Cocktail & Reception: Green brook Country Club

DJ: Tom Monaco from Elite Sound Entertainment

Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander

Invitations: The American Wedding

Grooms Tux & Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom

Cake: Cassandra’s Bakery

Brides Shoes: BCBG

Make-up Artist: Jane Ruffo