Francelle & Clement - Seasons Westwood NJ

Is there a Doctor in the house? Absolutely, and now she is officially married!  Francelle & Clement had their ceremony and reception at the elegant Seasons in Washington Twp.  Since both have a deep rooted African heritage, I knew this was going to be a very festive and lively wedding.  I always enjoy experiencing different cultures and wedding rituals.  In this case as one of the perks of being a photographer, I was able to enjoy the cracking and eating of Cola Nuts with peanut butter.  Three wardrobe changes by Francelle and two by Clement added to a very entertaining and photographic evening.

Francelle & Clement took advantage of an engagement photo session a few months prior to the wedding.  This proved very beneficial to all and provided me with some flexibility in the kind of shots I set up.  I knew what kind of shots they were up for.  The arcade picture is a perfect example of this.

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Lois & Kevin - The Brownstone

Lois and Kevin were married Friday night at the elegant venue known simply as “The Brownstone.” Lois had a detailed plan on how the day would unfold.  Wanting things to be perfect, she even hired a wedding planner.  The only thing she or the wedding planner could not control was the weather.  Since the bride and groom did not want to see each other before the wedding, I had planned to coordinate photographing the groom and his party in one outside court yard and the Bride and her party in another courtyard at The Brownstone.  Well, around 5 pm the sky opened up with rain from a severe thunder storm.  Therefore, we went with plan B.  Actually, to be honest, there was no plan B.  I had to improvise.  I commandeered the Brownstone lobby and elevator area and proceeded to attempt the eviction of the crowds who were lingering there.  Fortunately for all, I played the “please help out the Bride on her special day” card.   When it comes to crowds you want to move, that line always parts the waters of the Red Sea.

People continued to pour into the Brownstone and some wanted to use the elevator.  This was understandable, since some guests were elderly. So -- and I'm not making this up -- I was photographing with one hand and pushing the elevator button with the other and then pausing my shots when the door opened to let people in.

Everyone laughed at the reality of those unique moments.  Lois and Kevin had a beautiful wedding day and I think the crowd enjoyed their unplanned extra entertainment in the lobby.

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Anita & Timo - Photo Shoot

Every once in a while I receive a request to photograph couples that are already married.  This was the case with Timo and Anita.  They were born, raised and married in Germany and now reside here in Jersey.  It is nearly impossible to capture incredible moments if the emotions and feelings of a couple are not clearly evident and unmistakably real.  Because of their pleasant dispositions and their obvious love for one another, Timo and Anita were a pleasure to photograph.  These pictures speak for themselves.  My home town of Leonia provided the perfect backdrop.

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Cristina & Niki - Engagement Photo Session Jersey City

Cristina & Niki picked the perfect day to have their engagement photo session.  After almost two weeks of dreary weather -- the day was perfect and downtown Jersey City provided a stunning backdrop for a beautiful couple.

During the photo shoot we were asked to leave a certain area because it was normally off limits to the public.  I played the card of – please help us “this is their engagement photo shoot” and as usual it worked perfectly.  Instead of kicking us out, the security guard congratulated the happy couple.  The only question she had was why they are waiting so long to tie the knot.

Christina and Niki will be married in February of 2013 at the magnificent Florentine Gardens.  When you consider that The Florentine Gardens is one of my favorite venues to shoot a wedding and that Cristina will be the only bride on the premises for that night – their wedding should indeed be something to remember!

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Courtney and Craig - Branch Brook Park

Spring is in the air!  What a wonderful opportunity to have an engagement shoot take place in a fantastic park with a beautiful couple.  The cherry blossoms were in perfect bloom in Branch Brook Park.  Courtney and Craig were incredible to work with. They interact perfectly together and are very photogenic.  Since Courtney works with fashion, they were both prepared with accessories to compliment their outfits.  Their beautiful interaction together was a priceless thing to see and privilege to photograph.  When their wedding day arrives in September, the gardens at the Skylands Manor will no doubt be in a colorful array just for them.

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Designer Affair - The Brownstone

I was very excited when I was invited to attend the Wedding, Event and Design Showcase at The Brownstone as the official photographer for the event.  The beauty and elegance of The Brownstone speaks for itself and it is one of my favorite venues to shoot weddings and events.  The décor and the ambiance of The Brownstone are unmatched.  

The showcase was put on by Designer Affair (from Dina’s Party on HGTGV) and sponsored by New Jersey Bride.  The Showcase itself was a grand slam home run.  All of the vendors were very professional and the best of the best.  All of the brides were in awe at what Dina and her team presented.  Please enjoy my pictures from a truly outstanding Showcase held at the memorable and beautiful Brownstone. 

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MARITIMEPARC

Maritime Parc was host to ISESNJ North's May Event " MEET THE PRESS "Strategies for attracting positive press for your event business".  Located in Liberty State Park, a mere seven-minute ferry ride form downtown Manhattan, Maritime Parc welcomes guests form both sides of the Hudson to enjoy its scenic splendor and distinct brand of hospitality.


Our host and sponsor Christina Leamer, Director of Social Events did an exceptional job catering the event.  The food was delicious, the staff very professional and the view, well that speaks for itself. Everyone commented on what a great place to have a wedding, corporate function, party or dinner.

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A Taste of Frungillo's

Frungillo's designs couture weddings, corporate functions and other special events at one of our five distinct venues: The Villa (Mountain Lakes, NJ), The Castle at Skylands Manor (Ringwood, NJ), The Mansion at Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center (Bloomfield, NJ), The Inn at Millrace Pond (Hope, NJ), and The Mezzanine at National Newark Building (Newark, NJ). They offer restored, historic-style guest rooms at both the The Castle and The Inn for the perfect overnight stay or getaway. They are a family-owned and -operated business with more than 35 years of experience creating events for two to tens of thousands of guests.

I've had the privilege of photographing numerous Frungillo events over the years and am always impressed with the food, decor and staff.  Robert, the owner always puts out a great spread for his guest, just look at the size of these shrimp.

Four Sisters Winery - Belvidere NJ

Four Sisters Winery located in Belvidere NJ is a family owned winery. So when you plan a trip be prepared to be pampered.  Sign-up for one of their wine tasting parties or have your own in their quaint and cozy wine room.  


Four Sisters Winery sits nestled in a beautiful valley amidst the rolling fields and picturesque hills of Warren County, New Jersey. It is part of an agricultural tradition carried on by Matty Matarazzo on his 250-acre farm, which reflects his commitment to the land and its fruitfulness. Since 1981, Matty has been growing grapes and producing award-winning wines with ever increasing success. 


Since its 1984 opening, Four Sisters Winery continues to offer the public a variety of quality wines in a warm country setting. Educational tours and comprehensive wine tastings offer visitors a greater understanding of the processes involved in growing grapes and making wine. Four Sisters Winery has won over 35 regional, national, and international awards for red, white, rose, and fruit wines. 
The winery also plays host to many events including corporate picnics, weddings and every form of family gathering imaginable. In addition to our private events, we offer dozens of opportunities throughout the year to enjoy grape stomping parties, Murder Mystery Dinners, Pig Roasts and in 2012 we have added barn dances with country music and rockin’ oldies.  A traditional Mother’s Day Buffet and Father’s Day Pig Roast are annual events at the winery. A Family Fun Weekend is held every August, Wine and Music Festival in September and Fall Harvest weekends are celebrated throughout October with pick your own pumpkins and apples and a challenging corn maze. 

Brian & Heather 20 year Anniversary Party

Brian & Heather have been happily married for 20 years. That is definitely a milestone and something to celebrate. I always enjoy photographing anniversary parties and other occasions of celebratory accomplishment. At such events things unfold at a much slower pace; whereas at weddings, the photographer needs to be on his toes all day.

Brian and Heather had a modest party of around 60 people. The party was a surprise, so I met the happy couple as they walked into the room. Before the occasion I dealt with Heather's mom Alice, who planned the whole event.

I was touched when I received a “thank you” card in the mail from Brian and Heather letting me know how happy they were with the pictures and how much they loved the way I was able to blend in with the party.

Brad - Musician and Song Writer

I received a call last week from a song writer/musician named Brad. He asked me to do a photo shoot for his upcoming CD he is producing.  Here are the four images we both liked from the photo session. The cover is image 1, inside images 2&3,and  back cover image 4.  The photos were sent to a music producer based in California. We were trilled to hear that all four images were approved. 


The producer especially liked the first image, the black and white image of Brad on a cobble stone street.  I hope Brad remembers me when and if he becomes famous.  At least he promised me a signed CD.