The beauty of a wedding day is it’s wonderful unpredictability. You never know what will happen on a wedding day and when you really think about it, that can be a little nerve-wracking. But after all, is said and done, you realize that maybe that’s EXACTLY how things were meant to happen! That’s how it was for Jennifer & Michael! We all woke up to a BEAUTIFUL summer day! By the afternoon when it was time for their first look, it was sweltering hot – we were all guzzling water and the wonderful staff at the Crystal Plaza was serving us cold wet towels on a platter (not one ounce of that sentence is a joke lol)

Jennifer & Michael were jittery all morning. They couldn’t WAIT to see each other! I remember when I first met them Michael had no shame in saying he was the more emotional one between the both of them and would DEFINITELY be crying on their wedding day. He wasn’t lying! He got a little teary eyed when he opened his card from Jennifer and when he turned around and saw her, the look on his face was EVERYTHING. I’ll never forget that moment, it just warmed my heart to see his face light up and tear up all at once.

We grabbed BEAUTIFUL portraits of them, their bridal party and family all around the grounds of Crystal Plaza while keeping them all comfy in the shade. It really was HOT! And we all welcomed the air conditioning while they signed their beautiful Ketubah. I just love the traditions in Jewish weddings and the Ketubah really is one of my favorites and theirs was SO beautiful! But while we were inside photographing that… the weather outside was taking a turn. The unfortunate thing about hot summer days is a heat thunderstorm usually appears and this one came out of NOWHERE. There was NO rain on the radar that morning and then all of a sudden, it was there! And of course, it decided to start raining the minute Jennifer had walked down the aisle. They didn’t want their guests to get rained on so everything was moved inside. And this is the part of the day that I think was meant to be! Watching Jennifer and Michael walk into their ceremony part 2, as I lovingly call it, was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed as a photographer! The room ERUPTED in applause and cheers, their guests stood up and applauded them as they made their way to the chuppah and my gosh, I was crying for sure! lol How could you be upset over what happened when it was followed by a moment that was so wonderful?? As I told Jennifer and Michael later on, it’s bashert! (Fun fact about me: I know a little Yiddish 😉 )

The rest of the night FLEW BY! Their cocktail hour smelled heavenly, their band was amazing and had their guests dancing and singing along all night and I swear Jennifer & Michael rarely left the dance floor! Even when they were greeting their guests, they did it on the dance floor! lol And we snuck out for some beautiful after-dark photos and got them some treats from the bakery for a midnight snack before leaving. And I didn’t want to leave! They just make you feel like you’re a friend they’ve known for years and you automatically feel warm and loved in their presence. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for these two and I really do think that’s what they had! Enjoy my favorite images from this day!! 🙂

VENDOR CREDITS

Venue: Crystal Plaza

Second Photographer: Juliet Macey Photography

Florist: Dalsimer Spitz & Peck

Band: Craig Scott Entertainment (Matthew Friedman & Uptown Sounds)

Videographer: Live Picture Studios

Wedding Dress: Sophia Tolli

Invitations: Shutterfly

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Tuxedo By Sarno

Groom’s Cufflinks: SpecialGiftForU

Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle

Make Up Artist: Christina Dellanno   

Hair Stylist: Danielle Miele