Congratulations! You are planning your wedding and you are at the stage to book your photographer! This is such a fun and exciting time. You have made the decision to marry that one person that completes you. So, when selecting your wedding photographer there are certainly things to consider.

What is their style and does it match who you are as a couple?

What do I mean by this? I don’t necessarily mean light and airy or rich and romantic. While, yes those are styles of photography, I am more so asking the question of does the photographers style of shooting align with your vision. Allow me explain that deeper. Does your photographer give you and your new partner the space you need to feel each other love, emotions and all of the things that happen on wedding day? Do they get up close and personal, and does that sit well with you? Does your photographer give you instructions, or do they allow you to be organic? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself, your partner and your potential photographer.

Does the photographer use lighting, and do you need lighting?

Lighting is such an important aspect to consider when Selecting your wedding photographer. It is a good idea to ask any potential photographer if they have a lighting kit, and what is in it. You don’t really need the specifics of brands and all of those things, but it’s good to know if they have more than one flash, and if they have any creative gel colors in case you want something creative in the evening. A photographers lighting kit is not uplighting for your reception. That is an extra that your DJ should cover, but it is not always included. Definitely discuss this with your DJ, I recommend purple. It always looks gorgeous! Getting back to photographer lighting, let’s say for example it is a rainy day and you cannot venture outside for your portraits. In this instance, your photographer should be able to set up lighting indoors and be able to continue your day smoothly without any hiccups!

Is an album included, can you purchase one after, and will they help with designing it?

Your wedding album is what you are going to remember your day with. These printed memories are an heirloom that will get passed down to your children, they are your legacy. You are not just printing pictures, but you are showing your family what love is, and how they too can have what you have. Loving someone is the best tradition you can pass down to your children. Love, after all, will conquer everything else. Having a photographer that can sit with you and help with the design process is very important. The last thing you want is designing your album to be a hassle. Also, having the versatility of being able to buy one after is always a great option, but don’t wait too long!

Does the photographer care about your wedding?

This sounds like a silly thing to wonder about doesn’t it? I will tell you, there are photographers who just care about booking another wedding. Selecting your wedding photographer is hard, but asking certain questions will point you into the direction of the photographer who really cares. So, what questions should you ask? You could start with, ‘How long have you been a photographer, and is this your passion?’ A photographer that is passionate about photography will answer this question as if they’re talking about their very own baby. I know, for me, photography is like breathing – I can not go a day with out it. So on wedding day, I know I will share the emotions that you are feeling, because I am so happy that I am able to document this special time in your life.

Selecting your wedding photographer, the final decision!

If you think you’ve come to a point in your wedding planning that you are truly vibe with a photographer and you want to make it official, don’t wait! Chances are if you love them, someone else does too. Dates get booked faster than you can say “I’LL TELL YOU WHAT I WANT WHAT I REALLY REALLY WANT!” (yes, that was a Spice Girls reference, don’t judge me). But really, when you find your photographer, book them, don’t wait. Photographers will save your wedding date for roughly 1 week from you contacting them, so when you’re ready, make haste!

*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Destination weddings are always fun! My top 3 destination weddings are anywhere tropical, but also laid back! Destination weddings do not have to be huge, extravagant events. However, sometimes they are! I have listed below a few of my favorite locations to photograph! If you are planning a destination wedding, and want to make sure you have a friend behind the camera, let’s chat!

1. Puerto Rico – The sun is hot, the air is steamy, the water is warm and the salt helps you float! Isabella, PR is where the locals like to vacation. Probably because it’s not tourist heavy, its absolutely gorgeous, and there is an amazing resort where you can get married with a private beach! Check out the venue here! And see more from this wedding on our blog!

   

2. The Caribbean – I photographed a wedding are a cruise ship, and they took us to a private island. It was absolutely stunning! The Caribbean is like no other place I have ever seen. The air smells great, the colors are so vibrant, the people are friendly, and nothing is better than walking around an island in your wedding dress taking beautiful portraits with the love of your life in paradise! See more of this wedding on our blog!

   

3. Maine – I feel like Maine is often overlooked, but it is an absolutely stunning place to renew your love for one another. Whether it is something quiet, or something announced, going away and hiring a photographer to come with you even to document an hour of your special time is worth all of the memories in the world! See more of this Anniversary Shoot on our blog!

Want to know my bucket list of destination locations? These are places I would LOVE to travel to:

1. Tuscan, Arizona – I really love cactuses. Need I say more?
2. Nantucket, Massachusetts – I dream of the cobblestone streets, lighthouses and houses with weathered shingles!
3. Maui, Hawaii – Waterfalls, rainbows, white sandy beaches? It’s a tropical paradise!
4. Florida Keys – Get that old Florida tropical vibe without leaving the states, I’m in!
5. Las Vegas, Nevada – Elvis-impersonators and portraits in the lights? SO MUCH YAS!
6. Bermuda – Pink sand beaches make me swoon so hard!
7. Turks and Caicos – The colors here are so tranquil! I can just imagine a beautiful couple on the beach at sunset.
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy – Seriously, just stunning. All of the architecture just draws me in!
9. Ireland – So much greenery, stone buildings and winding paths. It’s ultimately romantic.
10. New Zealand – Countryside like you’ve never seen before! (Or at least I haven’t)

 

I am going to share with you all my Top 10 Wedding Registries! There are so many aspects that go along with planning your wedding. As a matter of fact, planning your registry is one of those things that just happens to be A LOT OF FUN! Did you know that you should actually have 2-4 registries? Always have at least one bigger store, and preferably one that is online, then two of your favorite little boutique stores. I am going to share my favorite 10 registries and maybe throw in some other fun things in the list that are great gift options as well! Enjoy the list and make sure you follow me on facebook, instagram and twitter! Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation about what registries YOU think are best!

Top 10 Wedding Registries:

1. Amazon Wedding Registry – Amazon is an amazing website where you can purchase practically anything you want. The amazon registry actually allows you to purchase ANYTHING you find on the internet. You can install a button on your browser, and literally add anything you find on the internet (on Amazon or not on Amazon) to your registry! This is why it is my number 1 favorite registry! You can also have things delivered directly to you, or to the person purchasing the gift, and you can even request gift wrapped option – which Amazon puts the purchased item into a beautiful, and reusable organza tie bag! It’s stylish and will leave the gift recipient super impressed! Click here to check it out!

   

2. Zola Wedding Registry – Zola just had to make it to my Top 10 Wedding Registries list! It is an amazing wedding registry that is clean and very organized! You can add gifts, gift cards, and honeymoon funds in one place!  It features coupon codes to save your guests money which is very nice! It also features the same internet button for your browser that Amazon does, allowing you to add virtually anything you find on the internet. What I really love about Zola is that there is free shipping (almost, some of the bigger stuff will require shipping) AND you get 20% off on the things that were not purchased. You can also do group gifting AND you will get a free thank you note manager! I’d call that a win! Click here to check it out! 

   

3. Blueprint Registry – This is a different one. The coolest feature about Blueprint is that you can “picture the items in your room”. It’s really great, if you’re registering for furniture or other big items. You can select to have up to 50 or more retailers for your registry as well, which keeps your guests on the registry without having to go shopping somewhere else. Also, and you may love this or hate this, on Blueprint you can ask your guests to help chip in on certain parts of your wedding, for example if you want an ice cream truck at the end of the party, you can ask for that. You can allow group gifts, as well as cash gift options if that’s more your speed. I will heed some caution here though, because it may not fit in well with some of your guests. Click here to check out Blueprint and click here to read my post that includes a book on Wedding Etiquette.

   

4. Honeyfund Registry – Lately, we have seen a lot of couples getting married who have already been living together and already have everything they need to live, cook, and fill their home. So “things” are really the last thing on their mind. Instead of buying them “stuff” that they don’t need, some couples are opting for cash gifts to go toward their honeymoon. There is nothing wrong with this, but some guests may want to gift you a physical gift instead. It’s alright to have a registry like this, but keep in mind having another registry will be a good idea. For the other registry, you can put down things like a tv, or new golf clubs for both of you. Things that will help you come together, and spend more time together, instead of a new pot set. Click here to check it out!

   

5. Jonathan Adler Wedding Registry – If you are looking for something seriously unique and upscale, this is the registry for you. From golds to deep navy’s with American modern flair, this registry has everything you’ve ever dreamed of and it won’t kill your guests pockets! This made my Top 10 Wedding Registries because I simple adore all of the little gold accepts and I am a true lover of art. From vases to fine art, to chairs and beds, gorgeous luxury rugs and spectacular lighting, you don’t want to let this registry pass you by. Check it out here! 

   

6. Sue Fisher King Wedding Registry – Do you appreciate the finer things in life? The birds chirping on a spring day? Do you notice the little details of a simple white bowl and just swoon over its beauty? Do you admire a gorgeous painting on a dish? This is luxury. If this is you, just register here:  Check it out here! 

   

7. Domino’s Wedding Registry – LOL okay, hear me out. This is hilarious, and I love every piece of it. Do you have everything you could have ever dreamed of and you really just want to Netflix and Chill? Get this registry, and have pizza for LIFE, okay maybe not for life, but like, all the time! I bet your guests will love how fun and honest you are about your love for pizza. Check it out here! 

   

8. Slowdance – This is a registry where Event Planner, Jung Lee has her team of designers create a registry based on your needs and wants. It is not a one sized fit all registry. This is the registry that will open your eyes to independent designers from all over the world. Instead of everyday items, and you will be guided on how to incorporate these speciality items into your home! Check it out here!

   

9. The Little Market – If you are a conscious shopper, and you are away of the difference between big stores and little stores, then you should consider this registry. Brought to you by Lauren Conrad, everything purchased from The Little Market helps create a meaningful income for their artisans partners and their families. Some items you will find on this registry, are ceramic kitchen bowls, hand blown glass pitchers, utensils, glassware, linens, pillows, furniture, you can even get custom totes for your eco friendly shopping trips. In addition to the housewares, you can also add spa products and candles to your registry as well! It feels good to help others and have a little piece of something special and handmade just for you in your home. Check it out here!

   

10. Thankful Registry – Thankful allows you to create a very sleek, beautiful and clean registry where you can put absolutely anything on. What I mean by that is, any item from any store, any vacation, any experience and even any charity that you would like a donation for. They are open platform and all inclusive. They also accept any currency, so if you have family or friends from other countries, they won’t have any issue purchasing from your registry. What is really cool about this registry, is that if your guests find an item for less somewhere else, they can purchase it elsewhere and it still comes off of your registry! It’s very cool, and super thoughtful! Wait a minute, maybe that is a hint at their name? We are super thankful that they’re so thoughtful! How neat! It does cost a one time fee of $30 but it is a very beautiful and easy to use platform. No ads or anything to distract your guests or you. It’s a very nice experience to shop on. Check it out here!So that’s it for my Top 10 Wedding Registries! I hope you enjoyed my list, although it won’t be for everyone. I hope it had you thinking out side of the box to what kind of registry’s really are out there! And if you found one you really like, then yey! I am SO glad I was able to help you with a little part of your wedding planning! After all, I LIVE for weddings!

 

We talked about my Top 10 Wedding Registries, so here are some really good gift ideas: 

1. Amazon Prime Subscription – This may be a little bit of a stretch, but did you know you can give the gift of Amazon Prime? It may sound silly, but starting your life together as a husband and wife, you will need to do a lot of shopping for your home. Shopping on Amazon Prime is a great way to save money, and not actually waste gas or time to go to a store and get side tracked on what you really need. Amazon Prime is a yearly subscription, so giving the gift of Prime, will actually save the newly wed a nice chunk of money and allow them to have a very nice in home shopping experience! This would be a very well thought out gift. So think about adding this to your registry! I bet someone will be overjoyed to give this as a gift! Click here to check it out! 
2. Sur le table – Did you know that Sur le table offers cooking classes? How totally cool is this? You can give the gift of cooking to the newly wed and they can both learn how to cook amazing dinners and spend time with one another and really enjoy this new special time in their lives becoming a married couple! Even though Sur Le Table didn’t make it to my Top 10 Wedding Registries, I still absolutely adore them.  Click here to check it out!
3. Blue Apron – To go along with Sur le table, did you know you can order everything you need to cook at home, and there is no subscription necessary? That means you can buy 1 box, and it will be delivered to them with instructions on how to prep their food at home with each-other? There is nothing more delightful than sharing the cooking with your partner. Click here to check it out! 
4. Peek – Peek is  a website where you can purchase experiences, much like these other on the list only they are in so many different states and counties! If you know where the happy couple is going on their honeymoon, or even want to give them a special treat before or after their wedding, then this is the gift to give! Swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas, exploring a waterfall in the DR, or maybe an R- Rated Vampire tour in Philly! The possibilities are endless and you will sure to be able to find something that matches their speed! Check it out here! 

 

It’s Top 10 Tuesday and today I am spilling all of my secrets on my Favorite NJ Portrait Locations, where they are and how I find them! A lot of people ask me where they should go for portraits sessions, and I actually have a huge list of places to go with permit information as well. Can we shoot there without a permit? Do we need a permit? Are there opening/closing hours? If the sun good there? Will we see a sunset? All of those questions will be answered right here; so keep reading!

I try to find locations that do not require a permit or a fee to use the space for photography. Some locations do require a permit, which my clients are responsible for paying. The list below are my go to spots, the most cost effective locations and some of my absolute favorites! I find myself going to the same spots over and over again, but I do welcome new locations to keep my creativity flowing!

How to I find my locations? Sometimes it’s difficult. I used to drive around for hours looking for spots, I still do sometimes! I have an app where I am able to snap a quick photo, and save the coordinates of the location that I took the photo. This way, I can quickly go in my phone, and send my clients pictures of spots, and coordinates of where to find me! It’s super easy and very effective! Other times, I use google earth! Which is an amazing resource that allows me to see the arial view of the surrounding beaches.

I look for spots that have other aspects besides just the beach! 

A boardwalk is always great, rocks/jetty, a fishing pier is always a win! I try to keep my mind open and always see the beauty in something that, someone who isn’t a photographer may not be able to see.

 

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So here it is! My Top 10 Favorite NJ Portrait Locations!

1. The Historic Smithville Village – Galloway, NJ
615 E Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
The Smithville Village is basically in my back yard! I love it, and I visit here all the time. Okay, it’s not right in my backyard, but it is a 5 minute ride! I photograph many families here and have also photographed many weddings here. It’s is my number 1 because I could go back here a million times and always be inspired.

2. The Ventnor Fishing Pier – Ventnor, NJ
S Cambridge Ave & Boardwalk, Ventnor City, NJ 
The Ventnor Fishing Pier is my favorite, because you get the best of the beach, under the pier, the boardwalk and the ocean! It’s so versatile and makes for really amazing images.
Permit Required? The beach is free after 5pm
Does it cost anything? The beach is free after 5pm

3. Historic Batsto Village – Hammonton, NJ
31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ
Historic Batsto Village is one of my favorite portrait locations. There are so many areas to get creative within the village. Whether you are looking to have the buildings in your images or just tall grass. It’s very versatile and the images are always stunning here!
Permit Required? Uncertain at this time
Does it cost anything? Uncertain at this time

4. Stockton University – Galloway, NJ
101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ
Stockton University, formally known as Stockton State College is a beautiful campus with vines growing up walls, beautiful rose bushes, lush lawns and stone steps. What makes this location even better for a portrait option is if you’ve graduated here yourself!
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? Only if you’re planning on attending school! (Or visiting the cafeteria for Chicfil-A!)

5. Smithville Mansion – Eastampton Township, NJ
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, New Jersey
Not to be confused with the Historic Smithville Village in Galloway, The Smithville Mansion is a historic location full of beautiful flowers, arbors, arched wooden barn doors, court yards and more. You feel as though you’ve stepped back in time here.
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? No, not unless you are visiting for a private event that charges a ticket price.

6. Brigantine Beach – Brigantine, NJ
16th Street
I have photographed all over the island, so I won’t name every street. I will say that all of Brigantine is gorgeous and I am so happy I live so close to the beach to be able to photograph there often.
Permit Required? Beach tags til 5, free after 5. But no one photographers before sunset!
Does it cost anything? Nope, not unless you are on the beach before 5.

7. Cape May Park North – Cape May Court House, NJ
1099 South Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ
Cape May Park North is such a gem! The park closes at dusk, but once outside of the gates there is a front lawn that catches the glow of the sunset perfectly! No need to chase light, it finds us right here!
Permit Required? No, just be respectful. There are a lot of animals, admire & never touch an animal!
Does it cost anything? No, but if you see trash, pick it up and help keep this park beautiful and remember whatever you bring in, make sure it leaves with you. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

8. Estell Manor Park – Mays Landing, NJ
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Estell Manor Park is home to many Vetrans, including my own Grandfather. When I go there, I feel at peace. Not only that, but when the sun sets, it lights up the leaves in the early fall like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Well, maybe you’ve seen that before, but I still find the magic in it.
Permit Required? No, just be respectful.
Does it cost anything? No, but if you see trash, pick it up and help keep this park beautiful and remember whatever you bring in, make sure it leaves with you. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

9. Harold E. Taylor Observatory aka “The Stockton Observatory”– Galloway, NJ
36 Pomona Road, Route 575, Galloway, NJ
The Observatory is actually a very cool place for a class trip, but I go there for the field and the woods. I love how the sun just kisses the grass here. It’s really very beautiful. There is a telephone number if you would like to call and schedule a tour of the dome: (609) 652-4520
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? To walk in the field, no. I am unsure if there is any price required to enter the telescope dome. I have never done that. As with any park, or any location for that matter, leave no traces that you were ever there.

10. Good Old Days Sunflower Farm – Woodbine, NJ
119 S. Old Tuckahoe Rd. Woodbine, NJ Cape May County
Donald is the owner of the Good Old Days Sunflower Farm. He plants his seeds in Mid April to bloom in the end of June. Throughout the summer he plants more seeds to keep the sunflowers blooming until late April/early September. You can reach Donald at: 609-536-4080.
Permit Required? No
Does it cost anything? He sells fresh cut sunflowers from an antique flower cart. Payment is based on the honor system. He keeps an old metal lockbox on the cart for you to pay for the flowers you take. If you go here, be sure to buy some flowers! I always leave a little extra! 

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Favorite NJ Portrait Locations’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!

*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

 

I love Nikon. My first camera was a film Nikon, and I had all Nikkor Lenses (Which are Nikon Lenses). I started the brand, and will never go back. I feel like once you find what you like, thats it. Sure there will be other cameras that are prettier and shinier, however this is what I know and like. Therefore, it is where I will stay. Here I will be listing my top ten favorite Nikon Lenses!

From Favorite to Least Favorite.

Just kidding – I love them all, so there is no order here!

 

1. At the top of my list, the 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens. It is my favorite lens. It makes me very happy and I love the compression. It really works well with my style and my images are always very sharp! I use this lens for weddings and portraits.
   
2. Up next is the 24-70 f2.8 E ED. I love this lens so much. It’s great for newborns, families, and even weddings. It’s nice having the range and the zoom is very convenient.
   
3. The 50mm f1.8 G and 50mm f1.4 G has always be a love of mine. I have both versions, however I highly recommend getting the 1.8 because they do the same thing. The only difference is that the 1.4 is better in low light, because you can go as low as 1.4. My happy place is around an aperture of 2.2. I use this lens for both weddings and portraits.
   
4. If you are shooting details, you need a macro lens! I have the 105mm Macro f2.8 G IF-ED! It has amazing low light capabilities and the detail is unparalleled to any other lens I’ve used. Surprisingly, even though it is a macro, it is also a superb portrait lens! I use this for weddings, portraits, details and product shots.
   
5. Ahh the 85mm f1.8 D series lens. If you don’t know about the D series, you really need to check it out. It’s the older Nikkor lens, that can be used on a film camera. It’s super sharp and one of my absolute favorites!
   
6. Piggy backing on the D series, I want to share my love for another one of my favorites, the 35mm f2D lens! This lens is my go to for wedding day. I found myself using this for details over my 50mm because it gives me a little bit more space, without losing that sharpness I crave! I use this for weddings and portraits. Its perfect for those big family group shots and does not distort the edges of the image!
   
7. Another D series that I love is my 24mm f2D. This is a really great lens for those wide dance floor shots. You do have to really be IN the action, which I think makes it a lot of fun. The edges do have some distorting so I wouldn’t use this for a family portrait, but dance floor – totally!
   
8. The 16-35mm f4 ED is so much fun. It’s not a lens I would use ALL the time though, because I consider it a specialty lens. It definitely has it’s place. I particularly love this lens for weddings, when I want a very wide portrait of the couple kidding and there is beautiful architecture around them. There is definitely distorting, so I don’t photograph more than 2 people with this lens.
   
9. The 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G is a kit lens that is often overlooked because its labeled as a “kit lens”. A kit lens, is a lens that comes with an entry level/hobbyist camera. At one point, I owned an entry level camera and it came with this kit lens. I sold the camera, but I kept the lens. To this day, I use this lens in my Photo Booth. The aperture is not very low, so low light is difficult, but my Photo Booth is lit up with lighting, so it works! Also having a higher aperture helps with keeping everyone in focus.
   
10. The 58mmf1.4 G is like butttahhh. Seriously, this lens is so nice. I rented it when my house burnt down and had to replace all of my equipment for a boudoir marathon. This lens was SO NICE. It’s on my radar for my next purchases. It really is nicer than the 50mm in my opinion, but it’s silly to stick both in your bag. Once I get this lens, I will be retiring my other two, but not selling. I never sell my lenses!
    

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Favorite Nikon Lenses’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!

*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.