I first met Alyssa through a very close friend of mine. When I first met her, I knew that I wanted to photograph her wedding. Let's say we really connected on our first cup of coffee! In walked Patrick and now I knew I truly wanted to photograph this beautiful couple's wedding.

Alyssa and Patrick have know each other for many years. They met in high school and had most of the same friends. Every party and get together, they would find themselves together all the time. After awhile Alyssa's friends would tell her that there was something in the way Patrick would look at her that made them believe that he was in love with her. All she would say was that they were just good friends.

Time passed quickly in high school and it came time to go off to college. Turns out, Patrick went to the same college as Alyssa. Everywhere she went, there he was! Still, Patrick did not confess his love for her. Finally, she told him that she was in a relationship and I guess that is all that it took. He spent the next few months writing her poetry and songs to see if he could win her love. After several months, Alyssa ended her relationship and started dating Patrick. They fell in love pretty quickly and spent a few years dating and finishing their schooling. Soon it came time that Patrick proposed. Alyssa was delighted and knew she had loved him all this time.

Alyssa was an accomplished horse rider and Patrick really loved horses as well. The farm, the barns and everything about that type of setting was important to them when it came time to planning their wedding day.

One of the first venues that they visited was the Prallesville Mill located in Stockton, New Jersey. The mill has so much history and is nestled along a beautiful river and upon seeing it, they knew it was right. So the planning commenced and they had so many talented friends and family members to really contribute to making this day so special. Alyssa's taste was mixed with some pretty lacey things such as her beautiful wedding gown by Maggie Sottero. The florals were by far my favorite all handmade by Donna Pratt, a close family friend. The programs for the ceremony were different shades of purple, pink and black and were handmade by Alyssa.

The day started out on a beautiful farm where Alyssa's best friend Patty grew up. The sun was bright and it was a beautiful day. A perfect setting for a wedding. From there, they all travelled over to the Mill where Alyssa and the girls finished getting ready. The ceremony was so special and was attended by their closest friends and family. The vows were written by Alyssa and Patrick and their parents and grandparents played a special role in the service.

Afterwards, it was time for some fun photographs with the whole bridal party and then on to the rest of the night where they danced the night away!

Alyssa and Patrick will be spending their honeymoon in Costa Rica.