Wedding Venues in Atlantic County, I have my favorites! Below is a list of my Top 10 Wedding Venues in Atlantic County and why I love each one.

10. The Funny Farm Rescue& Sanctuary in Mays Landing, NJ

Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary has created a home for unwanted farm animals, domesticated animals and animals with special needs to live out their natural lives. They also have the most amazing barn, for those wanting to celebrate their wedding or other event with them. They are a private 501(c)(3) Charity, and do not receive any type of federal or state funding. So having your event here helps the farm!  Check them out here: The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary.

9. Docks Oyster House in Atlantic City, NJ

One of my favorite venues is Dock’s Oyster House! Open since 1897in Atlantic City and still going! You may not think of it as a wedding venue, but they have an upstairs area that fits a small wedding reception perfectly! And the food is BEYOND DELICIOUS! You can check them out here: Dock’s Oyster House.

8. The Kathedral Event Center in Hammonton, NJ

A new up and coming mid-century, LGBTQ+  Family Owned masterpiece and hotspot, formally a church has been outfitted to meet your every need! This venue is by far the coolest I have ever seen! The built in sound system and the lighting is phenomenal. The Martinn, which is their attaches hotel has been designed perfectly with getting ready in mind. The Kathedral is perfect for any event looking to create their own show stopping wedding (or event)! I was blown away by the detail in the hotel room which made for amazing getting ready photos with the Bride in front of the most gorgeous baroque mirror I have ever laid my eyes on! Simply stunning and highly recommended! You can check them out here: The Katherdral Event Center. 

7. Linwood Country Club in Linwood, NJ

A truly unique setting, Linwood County Club, established in 1920 has been the site of many special events for over a century. They have a rich history, that has been enhanced over the years with the most amazing renovations that really set this venue apart from others in this area. They have a dramatic entry foyer and the most luxurious bridal suite I have ever laid my eyes on. Their freshly remodeled coasted chic ballroom can host 300 guests and the wall of glass windows actually folds open to create a stunning open air transition to the tented patio area! Their golf course is perfectly manicured and you can see the gorgeous view of the Atlantic City skyline, perfect for portraits! Check them out here: Linwood Country Club. 

6. Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor City, NJ

A beautiful golf course by Ron Jaworski Golf and Ron Jaworski Weddings is such an amazing venue. The kind staff and gorgeous grounds makes for the perfect setting for your wedding! The beautiful white beams on the ceilings and floor to ceiling windows allow the light to kiss every square foot of the reception room. At night you can enjoy fire pits on the patio and view the most gorgeous sunset over the golf course! You can check them out here: Blue Heron Pines.

5. The Carriage house in Galloway, NJ

“Where Dreams Become Reality” as stated on their website, is 100% fact! Approaching The Carriage House, you are greeted by large southern pillars, gorgeous landscaping and a glorious lake with a fountain. Huge black shutters line every window. The symmetry is a photographers dream, and the entire venue is everything any couple could have ever wished for. From the fairytale staircase, to the huge 2nd story balcony, the magnificent getting ready suites to the decadent food, you will be in awe the moment you enter this lovely space. You can check them out here: The Carriage House. 

 

4. The Seaview, A Dolce Hotel in Galloway, NJ

“A Tradition of Golf & Gracious Hospitality” described The Seaview to a Tee! They have hosted golf champions, presidents, rock stars for over a century. They are minutes to Atlantic City. You can drive a golf cart to Reeds Bay overlooking Atlantic City for some beautiful wedding portraits. They are quietly tucked away on 670 scenic acres. Their ballrooms are stunning, the staff is lovely, and you will be blown away by the lush grounds and award winning cuisine! You can check them out here: The Seaview, A Dolce Hotel. 

3. Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, NJ

One of the most magnificent wedding venues in Atlantic County, The ACCC is nothing short of spectacular! They have a stunning skydeck, delicious culinary delights and an extraordinary staff! Their ivy wall is picture perfect. And the Atlantic City Skyline is quite the treat! They maintain a tradition of excellence that has spanned over 120 years! I love photographing weddings there and can not wait to visit again! Check them out here: Atlantic City Country Club. 

2. The Smithville Inn in Smithville, NJ

Accommodating up to 170 guests, with beautiful views of Lake Meone and the perfect spot to catch the golden glow of the sun setting over the treetops, this venue is one of my favorite. The rustic interior, beautiful gardens and cobblestone paths really bring this location to life. Check them out here: The Smithville Inn.

1. Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City, NJ

Beauty at every turn! Renault is one of those places that speaks to you. I had my bachelorette brunch here in 2014. I’ve come here as a kid. I’ve brought my own children here. And I continue to enjoy Renault as a wedding photographer today. Every time I visit, I find a new special spot for my couples,  near a tree or around the corner at a hidden doorway. I’ve even found a hidden mickey on the golf course! It is definitely my favorite venue and earns it’s spot on the Top 10 Wedding Venues in Atlantic County! I look forward to visiting here weekend after weekend! Check them out here: Renault Winery. 

 

 

 

Jennifer and Patrick chose to tie the knot and have a Beautiful Beach Wedding at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. The Grand Hotel has is an absolutely gorgeous venue to celebrate your special day. Their ceremony was on the beach, and their reception was full of life as everyone danced the night away. Jenn and Patrick could not have asked for a better day to have their wedding. The weather was perfect. The sun was shining and the evening sky was a beautiful ombre.

When we think about a September beach wedding, we think about warm days and cool nights. The weather has been acting kind of funny lately. Jennifer and Patrick got to experience a truly gorgeous summer wedding in September.

I highly recommend having a Beautiful Beach Wedding at The Grand Hotel in Cape May. It’s right across the street from the beach which makes the ceremony and the portraits so easy and convenient. Cape May is also a great place to have your honeymoon and a wonderful location for out of town guests to stay the weekend for a mini vacay!

If you are having your  Beach Wedding  in Cape May, I would love to chat with you and photograph your special day! Reach out to me today to chat!

Thinking about proposing to your partner in Cape May? Check out this blog post from a Cape May Proposal!

Christmas PJ sessions are my FAVORITE! So this year, we decided to set up a beautiful area in our studio dedicated to PJs! Below is a list of The Best PJs for 2020, in our opinion of course! We start the list with Hanna Anderson, and end it with GAP! We love seeing simple graphic prints, and kind of stray away from characters, but those can be super adorable! What’s your favorite style pajama?

The Best PJs for 2020

1. Hanna Anderson – Long John Pajamas In Organic Cotton – $29-$35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Maisonette – Petite Plume Forest Green Flannel Pajamas with Double Piping – $58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Primary – Organic pj’s in Fair Isle – $17.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The Company Store – Snug-Fit Company Oragnic Cotton Kids’ Pajama Set – DOG – $23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Little Sleepies – Fair Isle Two-Piece Bamboo Viscose Pajama Set – $32.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Boden – Twin Pack Long Pajamas – Forest Green Snowmen – $41.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Nordstrom – Books to Bed – “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” Organic Cotton fitted two-piece pajama & storybook set” – $55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. GAP – Kids Holiday Car Graphic PJ Set – $35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it! Here are The Best PJs for 2020, of course, curated me yours truly! I hope you love what I picked out and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! If you would like to book YOUR Christmas PJ session with me, click this link: BOOK NOW!

** All images in this blog post are copywrited by corresponding store. All stores are linked. To purchase any of the pajama’s above, please visit the stores linked!

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)