I totally love it when brides find me and we just become the perfect fit!! That is one of the most wonderful things that I get to do as a wedding photographer.

Melissa actually found me on "The Knot" and inquired about my services. We spent lots of time going back and forth about a good time to meet and finally we got together for coffee. I was fortunate enough to meet Wesley at the same time. She was sweet and asked lots of questions and we ended up spending a few hours together talking about everything!! Where she grew up, how she and Wesley met and all the wonderful things about their relationship. I truly love to just get an idea about my clients personalities so it really helps me when thinking and planning on special ideas regarding their engagement and/or wedding day. After our meeting, we actually signed the contract right there! I was delighted to be their photographer.

Let's talk a little about our couple! Wes and Melissa actually grew up in the same community. Wesley has wonderful Polish roots so the wedding was definitely inspired by lots of Polish culture. They both are very active and really enjoy going to the gym and staying in shape so about five years ago that is where they first met.

They would hang out a lot together at the gym and eventually Wes asked Melissa if she would like to go out. They started dating soon after their first date. They both had so many common interests, two of them being the beach and both enjoy boating. When they are not boating and enjoying the beach they are attending music festivals and they love the movies!

Their beautiful wedding day started off with the sun shining and a bit chilly, but it warmed up quite nicely as the day progressed. I was just so happy we did not have a snowstorm! February is definitely tricky as a wedding month. Melissa and the girls got ready at a local hotel not far from their church ceremony. Her wedding dress was from Park Avenue Bridal and I have to say it was gorgeous. Her beautiful shoes were by the one and only Jimmy Choo. She also adorned her gown with a beautiful fur that complimented her dress so well. I always love the prep time before the ceremony, the excitement and fun always keeps me laughing. The church was St. Joseph Church located in Passaic, New Jersey and it was incredibly beautiful. The ceremony was mostly in Polish which really highlighted Wesley's beautiful heritage. I really enjoy tradition and this mass was perfect!

Seeing winter has its disadvantages with not having pretty flowers and green grass, we decided that we would find something pretty and wanted a stone setting and I found that the Municipal Court Building in Hackensack, New Jersey was perfect! The high steps and beautiful columns were lovely to use as Melissa and Wesley's backdrop. Across the street we found some colorful buildings to juxtapose them against for a pretty setting. They were wonderful.

Now it was time to make our way to Il Villagio Restaurant located in Carlstadt, New Jersey. Here they started with a beautiful cocktail hour followed by a wonderful night of dinner and dancing! One of my favorite things about this venue was the spotlights on the bride and groom. It made for a most beautiful dramatic setting especially for the couple's first dance. All in all, their wedding was totally fab! I am so blessed to have been the one to document their beautiful wedding day!

They are off to Aruba where they will enjoy a week of sun and fun and relaxation! Congratulations Melissa and Wesley.