Gabi and Tim wanted a location that really spoke to them. The have been planning their wedding for a while, and they still have a ways to go! They’re getting married in 2021, but they have their eyes set on having a Rustic Theme. Batsto seemed like the only choice for them for their engagement session. Nothing else was quite as nice. Do you blame them? Batsto is absolutely stunning. I am convinced that it is a place of magic. When they finally decided to have a Rustic Engagement Session at Batsto, I was all on board!

We started walking around the village, chatting and looking at the buildings. It was a quiet day, not many people around, so they were able to feel as if this place was all theirs. Walking hand in hand, snuggling up together, embracing one another and getting goosebumps because they are getting closer to their big day! It’s actually happening, and they’re enjoying their long engagement.

If you are planning a rustic wedding, then you want your engagement session to match your theme. I highly recommend having a Rustic Engagement Session at Batsto. It’s located in Wharton State Forest in New Jersey. On the other side of the village there are beautiful hiking trails, but my heart in truly in love with the village. It’s like falling back in time, and seeing how people lived, how they worked, and provided for their families. It’s deep in history, so make a day of it! If it’s open, stop by the visitors center and check it out!

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! 

 

That time I had an Anniversary Photoshoot in Maine… I knew growing old with my husband would be the most amazing thing ever…

Love isn’t perfect. Everyone knows that. Making the decision to love someone is probably the most difficult decision in the entire world, so to do it, takes strength, vulnerability, compassion, and giving someone else your own heart in hopes that they protect it. Barbara and Gary show each of those qualities each and every single day. Sure, they fight, who doesn’t? What’s different about these two, is they never go to bed angry, they don’t even leave the house angry. No matter how upset they are with each other, they always make sure the other one knows – they are loved, and they seal it with a kiss. I have never in my life met such a special couple. The first time I remember meeting them, it was total chaos, and then out of that chaos the entire kitchen stopped spinning, so Gary could have a few seconds to lean in, and kiss his wife on the lips, just to say “i love you, i will see you tonight”… and off to work he went.

This year, they are celebrating 37 years of love. 37 years of chaos. 37 years of happiness. 37 years of joy. 37 years of togetherness. and 37 years of dedication. I admire Barbara and Gary, even when things get crazy, I KNOW that they are perfect for each other, and that their bond will never be less strong than yesterday. They will continue to grow closer, and continue to get to know each other, and continue to find out their likes and dislikes. They will never stray and they will always walk hand in hand into the wind together. Kisses will never stop, and blanket snuggles will ALWAYS be a thing. And of course, getting dolled up for an Anniversary Photoshoot will ALWAYS be a possibility!

I wish them the best of luck, love and happiness from this day to their last day. I am so happy to be a part of their family so I can watch them grow old together, because after all, isn’t that everyones dream? Cheers to them, they are certainly living it!

If you are celebrating an anniversary, and you would like to book an anniversary photoshoot, please email me! I would love to celebrate with you, and to create and capture beautiful images for you and your family to love and adore!

Jillian and Ken decided to get married at Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Delran, NJ. It is an absolutely GORGEOUS venue with the most amazing staff! Their food is delicious, their ballroom is amazing, their rooms are just MADE for weddings, everything is so pretty. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have natural light in your getting ready room. This place was made with natural light in mind, and I couldn’t be happier with the images we’ve created. I love showing off all the pretty details that a bride prepares for her wedding day. The shoes, the veil, her dress, the flowers. Every little thing is just perfect!

If you want to have that ocean look close to home in South Jersey, check out Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Delran, NJ. It’s perfection!

Jillian and Ken, thank you for trusting us to capture your special day!

Venue

The Bokeh Love Photography Gear List

I have had some requests on the type of gear I use. So, I’ve compiled a Photography Gear List of everything that I use (AND LOVE!) First and foremost I want you to know that I have partnered with Amazon, to be able to share all of my favorite products with you, so when you click on the links below, they will take you directly to Amazon to give you the most amazing prices on all of these products. Second, I am a Nikon girl so all of the products I have listed below are for use with a Nikon camera. I have always used Nikon, and will continue to do so! I love their products, their cameras, their speedlights, everything! So, if you are looking to upgrade your gear this season, check out my list, you may find something that you absolutely need!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camera Bodies: 

1. Nikon D4 – http://amzn.to/1TYXzsh
2. Nikon D800 – http://amzn.to/1TYXJ2X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speedlights & Speedlight Accessories: 

1. Nikon SB910 Speedlight – http://amzn.to/1M1iPXQ
2. Nikon SB800 Speedlight – http://amzn.to/1M1iTHa
3. Nikon SD800 Quick Recycling Batter Pack for SB800 – http://amzn.to/1M1j2dz
4. Flash Mount – http://amzn.to/1M1j6dl
5. Phottix Strato II Multi Receiver & Transmitter – http://amzn.to/1M1jVTx
6. Phottix Strato II Receiver – http://amzn.to/1TZ1hSG
7. Neewer 47″/120cm Octagonal Softbox – http://amzn.to/1TZ1zcm
8. Westcott 28-Inch Medium Apollo Softbox – http://amzn.to/1TZ2fOF
9. CowboyStudio 7′ Light Stands – http://amzn.to/1M1ksVm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenses & Lens Accessories: 

1. Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G – http://amzn.to/1TYZlJX
2. Nikkor 35mm f/2D – http://amzn.to/1TYZBIJ
3. Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR – http://amzn.to/1M1jAQE
4. Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D- http://amzn.to/1M1jzw1
5. Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED – http://amzn.to/1M1jNDv

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bags & Cases:

1. Black Rapid Camera Strap – http://amzn.to/1ISDMUN
2. Epiphanie Lola Camera Bag – http://amzn.to/1NUacWs
3. Epiphanie London Camera Backpack – http://amzn.to/1NUajRV
4. Pelican Carry On Case – http://amzn.to/1NUaqgp

 

 

I think that’s it! I would love to hear how helpful this article was for you! If you are just starting out in photography or if you just needed some gear inspiration! Email me at Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

Best of luck, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

*All Images in this post are ©Nikon and ©Epiphanie and are used from Amazon.com